US Launch of Apple’s Vision Pro Virtual Reality Headset

Paresh Jadhav

Vision

Apple has made their Vision Pro virtual reality headset available for pre-order, priced at $3,499. Featuring 256 GB of storage capacity and prescription lenses from Zeiss, shipping will commence on February 2.

The headset runs visionOS, an operating system customized specifically for this device that enables users to work on an infinite canvas using app windows that float around freely in their environment. Furthermore, there’s also an inbuilt camera capable of taking photos and videos for enhanced storytelling capabilities.

Features

Apple claims its headsets are more comfortable than competing models, which typically feature head straps and thick foam that weigh on users foreheads and ears. Apple utilizes a 3D knitted head band with light seals available in multiple sizes for perfect fit on each head.

The headset also comes equipped with a Digital Crown to adjust immersion levels on Environments and playback, and a top button for taking 3D photographs and videos.

Apple headsets run on visionOS, an operating system which converts your real world view into an endless canvas with app windows that can move anywhere on it. visionOS also supports iPhone and iPad apps as well as several designed specifically for headsets.

Design

Apple’s headset features two displays – one for each eye – each boasting 23 million pixels more than what can be found on a 4K television set, according to Apple. Furthermore, their R1 chip processes input from 12 cameras, sensors, and microphones so content appears realistic.

This headset comes equipped with a digital crown, which brings up the home page and controls playback. Furthermore, users can take pictures and videos using their iPhones from within their VR world.

Apple’s headset frame connects with Light Seals that fit over your head and can be adjusted to accommodate different face shapes, weighing 0.45 pounds. Apple is targeting their headset at productivity nerds and remote workers rather than gamers – although Beat Saber and other games do support its functionality.

Audio

Apple claims Vision Pro will let users watch movies, TV shows and sports on a screen that feels 100 feet wide with immersive Spatial Audio technology. In addition, this headset supports entertainment features like Cinema Environment and Apple Immersive Videos.

Two speakers provide Spatial Audio that connects what you see on the headset to real life. They connect to a breathable, cushiony knitted headband which comfortably sits atop your forehead.

The VR headset uses exterior and interior cameras to map your environment, enabling you to interact with 3D objects or work on a virtual canvas using apps that can be moved around freely within space. Furthermore, iOS allows for running various iPhone/iPad applications optimized specifically for virtual canvas environments.

Sensors

Apple says its new headset utilizes sensors found on Mac computers for creating an immersive virtual-reality experience, in addition to featuring high-resolution optics system and its own special chip.

R1 chips deliver images to displays within 12 milliseconds – eight times faster than the blink of an eye, Apple boasted. This represents a dramatic reduction in display latency which may otherwise cause discomfort to some headset wearers.

Eye-tracking sensors on this headset allow you to see digital replicas of your own eyes when someone comes near. A flicker sensor, similar to Apple’s iPhone 7, reduces artificial-light flickering in images and videos.

Vision

Software

Apple made clear at their launch event that this headset isn’t just another headset; rather it serves as a new form of spatial computing device capable of bringing digital content directly into real life environments or transporting you somewhere completely different.

Apple refers to this product as AR rather than VR because it can enhance things around you without altering reality like other headsets would do.

Loyola used the headset for one hour and found it comfortable, although some pixelation and playback stutter occurred; nevertheless he was impressed with how realistic its displays looked. Furthermore, it came equipped with a charging puck similar to one used to charge Apple Watches that plugs directly into its front unit.

Price

Apple has set their price of the ski goggle-inspired headset at $3,500. The magnetic frame connects magnetically with a Light Seal which sits comfortably on your head and contours to your facial features to block light out completely.

External cameras feed real-world images directly into microOLED displays with ease, according to Apple’s R1 chip which claims that transmission time for these screens can reach 12 milliseconds that’s eight times faster than your blink!

Users of Apple VR Headsets can utilize them to watch immersive content from Apple TV+ on a virtual 100-foot wide screen, play games using Bluetooth game controllers, or use for other purposes as desired. Apple advises those with certain medical conditions prior to using VR headsets.


Leave a Comment