Apple has officially announced its next generation augmented reality glasses, called Vision Pro. These futuristic smart glasses aim to bring augmented reality technology into the mainstream. The Vision Pro offers a variety of new features and upgrades over previous versions, with the goal of providing a more immersive and seamless AR experience.
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Introducing Vision Pro
The Vision Pro represents a major leap forward for Apple in the augmented reality space. While Apple has offered AR capabilities on the iPhone and iPad for several years now, this is their first dedicated AR wearable device.
The Vision Pro smart glasses feature a sleek, futuristic design that resembles normal eyeglasses. However, hidden inside the frames are a range of advanced sensors and microchips that enable immersive AR overlays. This includes dual ultra HD displays to deliver incredible visuals directly in your field of view.
According to Apple, the displays offer a combined resolution of 21.5 megapixels per eye, with a pixel density of 2500 ppi. This allows visuals to appear crisp and clear. The displays also support a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth motion and responsiveness.
The glasses are powered by Apple’s latest proprietary chip, the N3 neural engine. This new chip unlocks the ability for advanced AR capabilities, including object, text, and gesture recognition.
The Vision Pro works in conjunction with Spatial Vision OS, Apple’s new operating system customized for augmented reality. This allows for seamless integration with other Apple devices, services, and of course apps.
How to use Key Features and Specs
The Vision Pro packs in a range of hardware to enable the AR experience. Some of the key features and specs include:
- Displays: Dual ultra HD OLED displays with 21.5 megapixels per eye, 2500 ppi pixel density, 120Hz refresh rate
- Cameras: Dual world-facing 12MP cameras for AR object and gesture recognition, 5MP selfie camera
- Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor
- Chip: Apple N3 neural engine powers on-device processing
- Storage: 256GB or 512GB options
- Connectivity: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
- Battery: Up to 6 hours continuous use
- Audio: Spatial audio for immersive sound
- Operating System: Spatial Vision OS (based on iOS)
The built-in cameras allow the Vision Pro to map its surroundings in 3D. The N3 chip then handles processing this environmental data at pixel level to anchor virtual objects and information.
The glasses also contain motion sensors to track head and eye movements. This allows for intuitive control and navigation of the AR space simply by looking in a certain direction or targeting objects with your eyes.
In terms of comfort, the Vision Pro weighs just 115 grams. For audio, it uses a combination of built-in speakers and spatial audio for an immersive sound experience.
Introducing Spatial Vision OS
To power its AR glasses, Apple has developed a brand new operating system called Spatial Vision OS. This is based on iOS, but optimized specifically for augmented reality.
Spatial Vision brings continuity across Apple devices and services. It allows for phone calls, messages, notifications and more to appear directly in the AR display when paired with your iPhone.
The OS also enables seamless integration with apps. At launch, Apple says the App Store will offer a range of apps optimized for augmented reality. This includes games, entertainment, creativity tools, shopping, navigation and more.
For productivity, Apple demonstrated how documents and web pages can be brought into view and manipulated using hand tracking and gestures. The Vision Pro also enables 3D virtual monitors to extend your work space.
Importantly, Spatial Vision incorporates safety features such as pass-through video and mixed reality mode. This allows you to see your actual surroundings to avoid accidents.
How to Immersive and Intuitive Controls
A key part of the appeal of AR glasses is intuitive control methods. The Vision Pro enables several ways to interact and control your AR space:
- Hand tracking: Using the built-in cameras, the Vision Pro recognizes your hands and finger movements. This allows you to directly interact with virtual objects using natural gestures.
- Eye tracking: The cameras also use IR sensors to track eye movements and gaze direction. This allows for target selection just by looking at an object.
- Voice: You can use Siri voice commands to open apps, search the web and more. Microphones filter out background noise for accuracy.
- Touch: The frame temples include touchpads for additional input, giving you fingertip control. This is useful for selecting menus and buttons.
- Head tracking: Integrated sensors track head position and orientation. As you move your head, your view of the AR environment updates in real-time.
These intuitive control schemes aim to make interacting with augmented reality feel as natural as possible. This contrasts with hold-based controllers required for some rival AR headsets.
Powerful AR Capabilities
So what can you actually do with the Vision Pro? Here are some of the key use cases and capabilities:
- Immersive games and entertainment apps in 3D
- Social apps with shared AR experiences
- Learn about historical events, locations and objects via informational overlays
- Virtual shopping by visualizing products in your home
- Augmented maps and navigation with directions overlaid onto the road
- Translate text instantly in real-time, such as menus or signs in foreign languages
- Enhanced video conferencing with 3D avatars of participants
- 3D creativity tools for drawing, modelling and animating virtual objects
- Assisted instructions for everything from cooking to furniture assembly
- Immersive exercise experiences taking you through workouts in scenic locations
The potential applications span from recreational to highly practical. It showcases how augmented reality could become integral to both work and play.
Vision Pro Availability and Pricing
The Vision Pro is available for pre-order now in the US, with devices shipping from February 2, 2024.
The smart glasses come in two variants:
- Vision Pro 256GB: $3,499
- Vision Pro 512GB: $3,799
For extra convenience, customers can also pay for the Vision Pro over 12 months at $291.58 per month.
The Vision Pro only comes in a one size fits all carbon black color option. However, customizable fit kits will be available so you can adjust the nose bridge, temple arms and lenses for comfort.
Extra accessories that can be purchased include prescription lens frames, tinted lenses, protective carrying cases and charging docks.
At launch, the Vision Pro is only available in the US. However, Apple plans to bring its AR glasses to more countries later in the year.
The Future of Augmented Reality
The Vision Pro signifies a major milestone for augmented reality going mainstream. The technology has been around for many years now, but Apple’s solution offers a refined, consumer-ready device.
It may take some time for killer AR apps to be developed and user adoption to grow. But by setting the standard high with Vision Pro, Apple makes a strong case for AR being integral to the future of technology.
Augmented reality has the potential to evolve how we interact with information, carry out tasks, and even connect with each other. The Vision Pro looks set to bring us one step closer to that game-changing future.
For Apple, the launch of their AR glasses opens up new opportunities beyond smartphones and traditional computing devices. As our digital and physical worlds continue converging, companies like Apple want to make sure they are leading the charge.
Conclusion
The reveal of Apple’s augmented reality smart glasses marks a major milestone for the technology. While the $3,499 Vision Pro is far from an impulse buy, it provides a sophisticated and feature-rich AR experience for early adopters.
As Apple continues refining its augmented reality hardware and software, we inch closer to the seamless integration of virtual and real. The Vision Pro looks set to spearhead Apple’s ambitious expansion into this exciting new frontier.