I’m reminded of the imminent launch of the first iPad, when all the rumors pointed to a price of $1000. Then everyone was surprised when it came in starting at $499. I’m really hoping Apple pulls a similar fast one here too. Because, for me, $1000 and under will be an automatic launch day purchase. If it costs more than that, however, then I’ll probably wait a generation or two until it matures.
QFT. I bought the original iPad and the original Watch. In hindsight, I think the iPad purchase was a good move, the Watch purchase probably not. With the A4 chip, the original iPad had a level of performance appropriate for the time. The purpose of the iPad was also clear -- basically a big touch screen app console. The original Watch, on the other hand, was painfully slow and the purpose not well defined.
If Apple's first AR/VR product is more analogous to the first iPad than the first Watch -- ie, reasonably priced, solid performance, and clear purpose -- I'm likely to buy it. But if it's more like the Watch -- underpowered, kind of pricey, and with ambiguous purpose -- I'll wait.
Have to disagree here on the AW S0. Slow, yes. But purpose was basically the same for me then as now - activity tracking #1, from the rings for walking and standing, to Workouts app which is nearly identical; notifications; and music on runs. I can’t remember now if it launched with the HomeKit remote, which I use it all the time for. Payments came later. But being a FitBit type device was always the #1, which is why we put off FitBits knowing the AW was coming.
Can’t wait for my first live sighting of someone walking around with these goggles, along with AirPods Max, AppleWatch, and an iPhone in hand. Welcome to the next ten years. At least the folks driving around Florida with their strongly tinted goggles will feel right at home.
If they are any type of large goggle, I have to imagine they will be almost exclusively targeted at games and maybe some very narrow niches. Apple would hype them as broadly useful in everyday life, but almost no one is going to walk down the street, meet with friends in public or sit at their desk at work wearing these. Google glassholes were mocked enough, imagine how much worse it would be for a much of goggle wearers.
Other rumours claim Apple wants them to replace the iphone. I just don’t see any way goggles replace something you have with you that is accessible and usable at all times.
apple doesn’t want to replace the iphone with these. it wants to replace it with its AR glasses. a lot of people confuse these two products.
I have a bunch of VR/MR headsets today. I think this tech is great, and a slim MR headset could kill off any smartphone/iPhone. But it can do a lot more than that. It has the potential to kill off smart watches, TV's, laptops, and more. If an app is written correctly for a MR headset, then if a user looks at their wrist, they could see that date, time, and more information when they look at their wrist, even if they are not wearing a thing on their wrist. That's the beauty of AR/VR/MR users can simulate things around them.
Now if Apples first headset requires that users still have to use their iPhones, then its a fail, well at least until they introduce a standalone version of their headset.
I would look to the AirPods Max for inspiration and clues for an over the head design. Much larger than anyone would have expected. Sturdy band construction. Replaceable ear cushions. Narrow target audience at launch. What if they build on this - target audience at launch is among the Max community and the AR/VR device integrates with the Max somehow in place of the ear cushions. Maybe just a loop behind the head and the display to the front. No need for an additional headband as the Max already provides that in spades.
Difficult to imagine the whole headset thing catching on.
Already the previous iterations and companies have failed to make any real money on this.
It’s just too isolating and cumbersome, not to mention kinda gross with hair and skin oils getting all over the thing. Also, it doesn’t matter how high the resolution is, a screen and light source that close to your eyes is not healthy.
This might be ok as a limited use toy, but not as a long-standing and heavy use item.
I can see Apple making something along the lines of glasses/sunglasses with tech to maximize the screen readout and pairing with an iPhone or such device for processing utilizing a new wireless transmission protocol.
But a big ol’ SCUBA headset? Or visor? Niche gamer style? Sounds neither promising, nor enticing.
If something like that released next year, why? It would certainly only have very few applications that take advantage. You’d have a game or two, maybe, possibly, perhaps Meta’s PlayStation at home clone, and some AR stuff better suited to glasses or a phone.
No thanks.
I think this is all leading somewhere else, perhaps apple car related, or glasses, or a new Mac software feature similar to what they’ve been doing with iPhone photos displaying valuable real world data about your photo content.
It seems Apple is building out a system with data about the world around you that’s easily accessible and possibly in real time. As far as this culminating in a headset, that just doesn’t sound right. I can see Apple doing something else that provides the info much more conveniently, minus the drawbacks, and that is more beneficial in day to day life.
The Mac, phone, iPad (though to a lesser degree), and Watch are all items you have with you at all times snd integrate into your life so much as to be indispensable. If the car materializes, it will be along these lines as well. A headset just doesn’t fit the Apple ethos. It’s more something expected of Fisher Price or some Android tinkerers to get into rather than Apple.
Curious as to what fire this smoke leads to though. Be interesting to see where it goes.
Success will be about software. If it’s only for gamers, can’t see mass adoption. Then it would be, as you say, a stepping stone.
the killer app for VR is fitness.
I don’t see how that could be a good idea. Whether you’re dancing, running on a treadmill, biking or whatever you need to see what you’re doing. To not run into things first, but also for simple balance. Have you seen those videos of blindfolded people trying to have a pillow fight? It would be about that good, only more dangerous.
Success will be about software. If it’s only for gamers, can’t see mass adoption. Then it would be, as you say, a stepping stone.
the killer app for VR is fitness.
I don’t see how that could be a good idea. Whether you’re dancing, running on a treadmill, biking or whatever you need to see what you’re doing. To not run into things first, but also for simple balance. Have you seen those videos of blindfolded people trying to have a pillow fight? It would be about that good, only more dangerous.
I am a road cyclist who has qualified to compete internationally in UCI competition. Amongst my friends, ergo training is popular and currently a connected iPad or computer is the means of visualising the ride. We ride virtually in places and with people all over the world, being able to do so in 3D would be not only awesome but very popular. I used to row eights, being able to use a rowing ergo with crew mates would be brilliant as perfecting timing and stroke length etc is only possible in coordination with others in the boat. These are fitness activities that would benefit, even as a one-hour long 'burst mode' pursuit. I can't say that VR/MR headsets would take off but I suspect the uses to which they are put will grow rapidly once affordable VR/MR systems are available.
Judging by these comments either our forum members don't want us to cover Apple VR ever again or would rather we used stick figure drawings to depict future hardware. Y'all need to take a breath. lol
"How dare you make your own images based on rumors" is what some of you sound like.
I like your design. I'd do it differently but such does not detract from your effort.
Success will be about software. If it’s only for gamers, can’t see mass adoption. Then it would be, as you say, a stepping stone.
the killer app for VR is fitness.
I don’t see how that could be a good idea. Whether you’re dancing, running on a treadmill, biking or whatever you need to see what you’re doing. To not run into things first, but also for simple balance. Have you seen those videos of blindfolded people trying to have a pillow fight? It would be about that good, only more dangerous.
I am a road cyclist who has qualified to compete internationally in UCI competition. Amongst my friends, ergo training is popular and currently a connected iPad or computer is the means of visualising the ride. We ride virtually in places and with people all over the world, being able to do so in 3D would be not only awesome but very popular. I used to row eights, being able to use a rowing ergo with crew mates would be brilliant as perfecting timing and stroke length etc is only possible in coordination with others in the boat. These are fitness activities that would benefit, even as a one-hour long 'burst mode' pursuit. I can't say that VR/MR headsets would take off but I suspect the uses to which they are put will grow rapidly once affordable VR/MR systems are available.
Curious as to your take on why this isn’t the case already with all of the competitor systems already available for years now. Sure they aren’t apple branded but they’ve been on the market for a while.
I like your idea, but wonder if that’s something people might rather just look at a cycle mounted screen if any screen - and why it isn’t a big deal right now.
Judging by these comments either our forum members don't want us to cover Apple VR ever again or would rather we used stick figure drawings to depict future hardware. Y'all need to take a breath. lol
"How dare you make your own images based on rumors" is what some of you sound like.
Bruh. Peoples reactions have been about plausibility, not the article itself or the idea of reporting on possibilities.
One post falls into that category - hardly the masses crying out “hey AI, stop the rumor mill!”
It’s also not wrong to hope a product doesn’t look like a render. If that’s indeed a render, it’s obviously a skillful one (seriously, great job on that if it’s a render). It’s just not representative of something people want a possible purchase to resemble.
But scuba gear with a screen and the associated lack of excitement for it are simply where people are at. It hasn’t been a great market for the pioneers who’ve been at it for years and that’s unlikely to change outside of a major paradigm shift in how it’s done.
Success will be about software. If it’s only for gamers, can’t see mass adoption. Then it would be, as you say, a stepping stone.
the killer app for VR is fitness.
I don’t see how that could be a good idea. Whether you’re dancing, running on a treadmill, biking or whatever you need to see what you’re doing. To not run into things first, but also for simple balance. Have you seen those videos of blindfolded people trying to have a pillow fight? It would be about that good, only more dangerous.
I am a road cyclist who has qualified to compete internationally in UCI competition. Amongst my friends, ergo training is popular and currently a connected iPad or computer is the means of visualising the ride. We ride virtually in places and with people all over the world, being able to do so in 3D would be not only awesome but very popular. I used to row eights, being able to use a rowing ergo with crew mates would be brilliant as perfecting timing and stroke length etc is only possible in coordination with others in the boat. These are fitness activities that would benefit, even as a one-hour long 'burst mode' pursuit. I can't say that VR/MR headsets would take off but I suspect the uses to which they are put will grow rapidly once affordable VR/MR systems are available.
Curious as to your take on why this isn’t the case already with all of the competitor systems already available for years now. Sure they aren’t apple branded but they’ve been on the market for a while.
I like your idea, but wonder if that’s something people might rather just look at a cycle mounted screen if any screen - and why it isn’t a big deal right now.
Can only speak to my experience. I use Apple gear and an iPad as do others whose systems I have experienced. I'd use an Apple VR/MR system but not others. However, so much more is possible and I will be interested to witness Apple's take. In rowing for example, the angle of the blade in the water is of crucial importance. Rotate the oar a little too far and the blade 'crabs' (digs in) which ruins the flow of the boat. If a rowing machine can talk to the headset and be calibrated for blade angle, the headset could superimpose the pitch and stroke on the scene. These are the kind of metrics I'd expect Apple to pick up on. Perhaps others do these things now but there are so many opportunities for a well thought out system.
I take your point however, perhaps if this was to become popular it would be already. I have limited experience.
Success will be about software. If it’s only for gamers, can’t see mass adoption. Then it would be, as you say, a stepping stone.
the killer app for VR is fitness.
I don’t see how that could be a good idea. Whether you’re dancing, running on a treadmill, biking or whatever you need to see what you’re doing. To not run into things first, but also for simple balance. Have you seen those videos of blindfolded people trying to have a pillow fight? It would be about that good, only more dangerous.
I am a road cyclist who has qualified to compete internationally in UCI competition. Amongst my friends, ergo training is popular and currently a connected iPad or computer is the means of visualising the ride. We ride virtually in places and with people all over the world, being able to do so in 3D would be not only awesome but very popular. I used to row eights, being able to use a rowing ergo with crew mates would be brilliant as perfecting timing and stroke length etc is only possible in coordination with others in the boat. These are fitness activities that would benefit, even as a one-hour long 'burst mode' pursuit. I can't say that VR/MR headsets would take off but I suspect the uses to which they are put will grow rapidly once affordable VR/MR systems are available.
Curious as to your take on why this isn’t the case already with all of the competitor systems already available for years now. Sure they aren’t apple branded but they’ve been on the market for a while.
I like your idea, but wonder if that’s something people might rather just look at a cycle mounted screen if any screen - and why it isn’t a big deal right now.
Can only speak to my experience. I use Apple gear and an iPad as do others whose systems I have experienced. I'd use an Apple VR/MR system but not others. However, so much more is possible and I will be interested to witness Apple's take. In rowing for example, the angle of the blade in the water is of crucial importance. Rotate the oar a little too far and the blade 'crabs' (digs in) which ruins the flow of the boat. If a rowing machine can talk to the headset and be calibrated for blade angle, the headset could superimpose the pitch and stroke on the scene. These are the kind of metrics I'd expect Apple to pick up on. Perhaps others do these things now but there are so many opportunities for a well thought out system.
I take your point however, perhaps if this was to become popular it would be already. I have limited experience.
Great idea actually. Hopefully that kind of thoughtful detail is implemented no matter what the end product is.
Those were just my thoughts - a little skeptical, but not without reason. that doesn’t mean Apple won’t do it And surprise everyone with an “aha!” Moment.
That is why I was curious about your take. I can tell you care about this and wanted to hear your insights. Thank you for sharing.
Success will be about software. If it’s only for gamers, can’t see mass adoption. Then it would be, as you say, a stepping stone.
the killer app for VR is fitness.
I don’t see how that could be a good idea. Whether you’re dancing, running on a treadmill, biking or whatever you need to see what you’re doing. To not run into things first, but also for simple balance. Have you seen those videos of blindfolded people trying to have a pillow fight? It would be about that good, only more dangerous.
I am a road cyclist who has qualified to compete internationally in UCI competition. Amongst my friends, ergo training is popular and currently a connected iPad or computer is the means of visualising the ride. We ride virtually in places and with people all over the world, being able to do so in 3D would be not only awesome but very popular. I used to row eights, being able to use a rowing ergo with crew mates would be brilliant as perfecting timing and stroke length etc is only possible in coordination with others in the boat. These are fitness activities that would benefit, even as a one-hour long 'burst mode' pursuit. I can't say that VR/MR headsets would take off but I suspect the uses to which they are put will grow rapidly once affordable VR/MR systems are available.
I use an iPad to do videos when I’m on the treadmill. I can see where I am and still I keep one hand on the rail to stabilize myself. Otherwise I’ll get invested in the vid, drift and step off the belt. I can’t imagine a good result if my vision were completely blocked by a VR headset. Maybe on a stationary bicycle, or a rowing machine, the seat keeps you in place, but on anything else I can see it ending badly.
Success will be about software. If it’s only for gamers, can’t see mass adoption. Then it would be, as you say, a stepping stone.
Be careful Apple you don’t want the EU to label you a Gatekeeper for putting in all the hard work to make something that actually works…..
To me, the EU's position recently is akin to "Apple hires lots of smart and creative people who are using their intellectual capital to create things people (may) actually want. We can't compete because that's just so unfair to us. But we have better cheese."
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Now if Apples first headset requires that users still have to use their iPhones, then its a fail, well at least until they introduce a standalone version of their headset.
But nobody will want to admit to that, so, sure, fitness.
I take your point however, perhaps if this was to become popular it would be already. I have limited experience.