Apple Vision Pro
Apple Vision Pro is a mixed reality headset that combines augmented reality and virtual reality, set to be released in early 2024. It features advanced cameras, sensors, micro-OLED displays, a light seal, and a head band with a fit dial. The headset has a Digital Crown, a Home View, and Environments, and can transform any room into a personal theater with Spatial Audio and more pixels than a 4K TV. Apple has its own suite of tools for native spatial app development, and is offering a new App Store for immersive apps. It also partners with Zeiss to create thin corrective optical inserts for a more personalized experience.
Unity Partnership
Apple has announced a partnership with Unity to bring existing 3D apps to Vision Pro using Unity’s PolySpatial technology. This allows Unity apps to run alongside other visionOS apps in a Shared Space, or in Full Space mode where all other apps are hidden. Vision Pro will also have access to visionOS features, and a new App Store for immersive apps. Unity Technologies’ shares surged after the announcement, and they are providing real-time 3D tools and capabilities for developers building 3D apps for the headset.
Tim Cook Announcement
Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the Vision Pro AR headset, priced at $3,499. The headset allows users to interact with digital content in a way that feels physically present in their space. Cook mentioned that developers have been building 3D apps for years, and Unity will be one of the major partners providing powerful and familiar real-time 3D tools and capabilities for the headset.
Developer Criticism
Apple unveiled the Vision Pro mixed reality headset at its Worldwide Developer Conference, but the $3,499 price tag and two-hour battery life were met with criticism from developers. Despite this, rival headset maker HTC Vive welcomed Apple’s entry into the XR market, hoping it will legitimize the industry and encourage other companies to step up their game. The XR industry is still in its early stages, and the introduction of Apple’s Vision Pro headset may bring more attention and resources to the field.
EyeSight and Optic ID
The Apple Vision Pro headset features advanced features such as EyeSight and Optic ID, delivering a more immersive experience. EyeSight tracks the movement of your eyes, allowing for a more natural interaction with virtual objects. This means that you can look at an object and interact with it the same way you would in real life. Optic ID is a technology developed with Zeiss that allows for thinner and more personalized corrective optical inserts.
Mac Virtual Display and Mindfulness Sessions
The Vision Pro headset works with compatible iPad and iPhone apps, and also has Mac Virtual Display and Bluetooth accessories. Additionally, it offers mindfulness sessions, allowing users to take a break from virtual reality and focus on their mental health. Spatial Audio technology transforms any room into a personal theater, with more pixels than a 4K TV. With the headset’s mix of augmented reality and virtual reality, users can seamlessly integrate digital content into their physical space.
Apple and Digital Advertising
Unity was one of the companies hurt by Apple’s iOS privacy changes, affecting their digital advertising. However, the collaboration with Apple for the Vision Pro headset has given Unity a boost, with their shares surging after the announcement. CEO John Riccitiello sees the collaboration as an opportunity for Unity to provide powerful and familiar real-time 3D tools and capabilities for developers building 3D apps for the headset.
