"Apple Vision Pro" Headset: Game-changer or just rhetoric?

Will the launch of Apple Vision Pro Headset change the way change the way we work, play, and learn. Indeed, the way we live?

Apple Vision Pro is a new augmented reality headset that Apple announced at WWDC 2023, on 5th June, 20123. It is the first Apple product that you “look through and not out”. It is designed to seamlessly blend the real world with the digital world.

Here are some of the salient features of Apple Vision Pro:

• Spatial computing: Vision Pro uses a combination of cameras, sensors, and software to create a 3D model of the world around you. This allows you to interact with digital content in a natural way, as if it were actually in your physical space.

• Eye tracking: Vision Pro uses eye tracking to track your gaze. This allows you to control the interface with just your eyes. For example, you can look at a button to select it, or look at a text field to start typing.

• Hand tracking: Vision Pro uses hand tracking to track your hands. This allows you to interact with digital content in a natural way, as if you were actually touching it. For example, you can grab and move objects, or type on a virtual keyboard.

• Spatial audio: Vision Pro uses spatial audio to create a 3D soundscape. This allows you to hear sound coming from different directions, as if it were actually coming from the real world.

• High-resolution displays: Vision Pro has two high-resolution displays, one for each eye. This provides a sharp and immersive experience.

• Long battery life: Vision Pro has a long battery life, so you can use it for extended periods of time.

Apple Vision Pro is a powerful new device that has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with technology.

Here are some of the potential applications of Apple Vision Pro:

• Gaming: Vision Pro can be used for gaming in a whole new way. With spatial computing, you can interact with digital content in a natural way, as if it were actually in your physical space. This could lead to new and immersive gaming experiences.

• Education: Vision Pro can be used for education in a number of ways. For example, students could use Vision Pro to explore virtual models of historical sites, or to learn about different scientific concepts.

• Work: Vision Pro can be used for work in a number of ways. For example, employees could use Vision Pro to collaborate on projects in real time, or to access information from anywhere in the world.

• Entertainment: Vision Pro can be used for entertainment in a number of ways. For example, users could watch movies and TV shows in a more immersive way, or they could play games with friends and family.

It is still early days, but Vision Pro has the potential to revolutionize the way we work, play, and learn— indeed, the way we live.

How is Apple Vision Pro different from Meta’s Oculus?

The Apple Vision Pro and Oculus are both virtual reality (VR) headsets, but they have some key differences.

• Price: The Apple Vision Pro is significantly more expensive than the Oculus. The Vision Pro starts at $3499, while the Oculus Quest 2 starts at $299.

• Design: The Vision Pro is made of aluminum and has a more premium design than the Oculus. The Oculus is made of plastic and has a more casual design.

• Features: The Vision Pro has a number of features that the Oculus does not, such as eye tracking, hand tracking, and a higher resolution display.

• Compatibility: The Vision Pro is only compatible with Apple devices, while the Oculus is compatible with both Apple and Windows devices.

Overall, the Apple Vision Pro is a more powerful and expensive VR headset than the Oculus. It is designed for users who want the best possible VR experience, and who are willing to pay for it. The Oculus is a more affordable VR headset that is designed for casual users.

Here are some additional details about each headset:

• Apple Vision Pro: The Apple Vision Pro is a high-end VR headset that was announced by Apple on 5 June 2023. It features a high-resolution display, eye tracking, and hand tracking. The Vision Pro is also compatible with Apple's ARKit platform, which allows developers to create augmented reality (AR) experiences for the headset.

• Oculus Quest 2: The Oculus Quest 2 is a standalone VR headset that was released by Meta (erstwhile Facebook) in October 2020. It does not require a PC or smartphone to operate, and it can be used wirelessly. The Quest 2 features a high-resolution display and a comfortable design. It is also one of the most affordable VR headsets on the market.

Availability in the USA

The Apple Vision Pro will be available in the US in Q1 of 2024. While you wait, Apple will allow demonstrations and developer testing. It will also use the time for releasing dedicated visionOS games and apps that take advantage of the dual 4K displays, powerful M2 chipset, and its first 3D camera set.

Here are some of the places where you can buy the Apple Vision Pro in the US:

• Apple Store: The Apple Store is the best place to buy the Apple Vision Pro. You can find it in all Apple Stores in the US.

• Apple Online Store: You can also buy the Apple Vision Pro from the Apple Online Store.

• Authorized resellers: There are a number of authorized resellers that sell the Apple Vision Pro. You can find them online or in some brick-and-mortar stores.

The Apple Vision Pro will be priced at $3499. This is a high price, but it is in line with the price of other high-end VR headsets.

Impact on AR/ VR market

The Apple Vision Pro is likely to have a significant impact on the AR/VR market. It is a high-end headset that is designed for users who want the best possible AR/VR experience. The Vision Pro is also compatible with Apple's ARKit platform, which allows developers to create augmented reality (AR) experiences for the headset.

Here are some of the ways in which the Apple Vision Pro could affect the AR/VR market:

• Increased adoption of AR/VR: The Apple Vision Pro is likely to increase the adoption of AR/VR. The headset is affordable, and it is compatible with Apple's popular devices. This makes it a more accessible option for consumers who are interested in trying AR/VR.

• Improved AR/VR experiences: The Apple Vision Pro is likely to improve AR/VR experiences. The headset features a high-resolution display, eye tracking, and hand tracking. These features allow for more immersive and engaging AR/VR experiences.

• New AR/VR applications: The Apple Vision Pro is likely to lead to the development of new AR/VR applications. The headset's features make it ideal for a variety of applications, such as gaming, education, and training.

Overall, the Apple Vision Pro is a significant development for the AR/VR market. The headset is likely to increase the adoption of AR/VR, improve AR/VR experiences, and lead to the development of new AR/VR applications.

How will it affect the AR/ VR Applications?

Here are some specific examples of how the Apple Vision Pro could be used in AR/VR applications:

• Gaming: The Apple Vision Pro could be used to create more immersive and engaging gaming experiences. For example, players could use the headset to see the game world in 3D, or they could use hand tracking to interact with objects in the game world.

• Education: The Apple Vision Pro could be used to create more interactive and engaging educational experiences. For example, students could use the headset to explore virtual models of historical landmarks, or they could use it to learn about different scientific concepts.

• Training: The Apple Vision Pro could be used to create more realistic and engaging training experiences. For example, doctors could use the headset to practice surgery on virtual patients, or pilots could use it to practice flying in different weather conditions.

How will the Venture Capital Industry React?

The Venture Capital industry is likely to be positively impacted by the Apple Vision Pro in a number of ways. First, the headset's release is likely to increase the demand for AR/VR startups. As more consumers and businesses adopt AR/VR, there will be a greater need for companies that develop AR/VR products and services. This will create opportunities for venture capitalists to invest in AR/VR startups.

Second, the Apple Vision Pro is likely to raise the bar for AR/VR startups. The headset's high-end features and performance will make it difficult for startups to compete without offering high-quality products and services. This will make it more difficult for venture capitalists to invest in AR/VR startups, as they will need to be more selective about which companies they invest in.

Third, the Apple Vision Pro is likely to accelerate the development of AR/VR technology. The headset's release is likely to spur other companies to develop their own AR/VR headsets. This will lead to increased competition in the AR/VR market, which will drive innovation. This will create opportunities for venture capitalists to invest in AR/VR startups, as they will be able to identify companies that are developing cutting-edge technology.

Here are some specific examples of how the Apple Vision Pro could be used in AI-enabled AR/VR applications:

• Virtual assistants: The Apple Vision Pro could be used to create virtual assistants that can help users with tasks such as scheduling appointments, making calls, and sending emails.

• Medical diagnosis: The Apple Vision Pro could be used to create augmented reality applications that can help doctors diagnose diseases.

• Manufacturing: The Apple Vision Pro could be used to create augmented reality applications that can help manufacturers assemble products.

• Education: The Apple Vision Pro could be used to create augmented reality applications that can help students learn about different subjects.

Overall, the Apple Vision Pro is likely to have a significant positive impact on the Venture Capital industry. The headset's release is likely to increase the demand for AR/VR startups, raise the bar for AR/VR startups, and accelerate the development of AR/VR technology. This will create opportunities for venture capitalists to invest in AR/VR startups.

Summing up—its medium-term impact

Given that the Apple Vision Pro is expected to be available in the US markets only from the Q1 of 2024, its medium and long-term impact on the AR/VR and AI industries cannot be predicted with any degree of certitude. However, all other things being equal, this headset is likely to increase the adoption of AR/VR, improve AR/VR experiences, and lead to the development of new AR/VR applications. This could lead to a surge in demand for AR/VR and AI startups, which could create opportunities for venture capitalists to invest in these companies.

In the medium term, the Apple Vision Pro is likely to be used for gaming, education, and training. In the long term, it is possible that the headset could be used for a wider range of applications, such as remote work, telemedicine, and social interaction.

Overall, the Apple Vision Pro is a significant development, and it is likely to have a major impact on the way we interact with computers and the world around us.

Conclusion— for now

Looks like an expensive toy which every serious AR/ VR developer must have. But will you be willing to shell out $3499 for it? Follow https://twitter.com/bilawalsidhu?s=20 on twitter and subscribe to his newsletter “Creative Tech Digest on Substack to get fair and impartial advice. Your comments, as always, are most welcome.

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KBS Sidhu. The Author is an IAS officer of 1984 Batch of Punjab cadre, and retired from service in July 2021, as Special Chief Secretary, Punjab, after 37 years of service.

Courtesy: Bilawal Sidhu, Apple Inc and Google Bard.

The images from Apple Inc.

He can be reached on kbs.sidhu@gmail.com or @kbssidhu1961 or https://www.facebook.com/kbs.sidhu