When Apple's headset launches, it will do more than Oculus
Apple will be including many different features in its inbound mixed reality headset, with it expected to offer many elements in its first incarnation that other headsets don't provide.
AppleInsider render of the forthcoming Apple VR headset
The Apple VR and AR headset is expected to land at WWDC in June and become the center of attention. While speculation has largely centered around its hardware capabilities, it seems that its list of features and functions could be just as expansive.
On Tuesday, a report claimed Apple was working on a number of different apps for the headset. In Sunday's "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg, Mark Gurman expands the software features list considerably.
The first and most important on the list is that the headset will be able to run "most of Apple's existing iPad apps in mixed reality," including Books, Camera, Contacts, FaceTime, Files, Freeform, Home, Mail, Messages, Music, Notes, Photos, Reminders, Safari, Stocks, TV, and Weather.
A new Wellness app will use immersive graphics and calming sounds to focus on meditation. A VR-focused Fitness+ will be included for headset-based workouts, though this apparently won't be available until later on.
The headset will also apparently be able to run "hundreds of thousands" of current third-party iPad apps available from the App Store. The developers may need to make "minimal modifications" for compatibility, but many may need "no extra work" to run.
However, Apple will apparently launch a software development kit and a Mac-based headset simulator at WWDC, to help developers create new apps and services for xrOS, the supposed name for the headset's operating system.
Apple will also include videoconferencing and meeting rooms with realistic avatars, "ideally making users feel like they're interacting in the same space." Freeform will gain new collaboration tools, too.
A big focus on gaming is expected, complete with "top-tier titles" from third parties.
On the video side, users can watch media while immersed in a virtual environment, like a desert. A new portal will be offered to watch sports in virtual reality, part of its push into streaming live games.
To help with Mac-based productivity, the headset will be usable as an external monitor for a connected Mac, similar to a feature provided by Meta's Horizon Workrooms.
As for operating the headset itself, the report claims several methods will be available, including eye tracking and hand gestures, as well as Siri. It will also be feasible for other peripherals to be connected, such as a keyboard, or for controls to be available on other Apple devices, like an iPhone.
Read on AppleInsider
AppleInsider render of the forthcoming Apple VR headset
The Apple VR and AR headset is expected to land at WWDC in June and become the center of attention. While speculation has largely centered around its hardware capabilities, it seems that its list of features and functions could be just as expansive.
On Tuesday, a report claimed Apple was working on a number of different apps for the headset. In Sunday's "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg, Mark Gurman expands the software features list considerably.
The first and most important on the list is that the headset will be able to run "most of Apple's existing iPad apps in mixed reality," including Books, Camera, Contacts, FaceTime, Files, Freeform, Home, Mail, Messages, Music, Notes, Photos, Reminders, Safari, Stocks, TV, and Weather.
A new Wellness app will use immersive graphics and calming sounds to focus on meditation. A VR-focused Fitness+ will be included for headset-based workouts, though this apparently won't be available until later on.
The headset will also apparently be able to run "hundreds of thousands" of current third-party iPad apps available from the App Store. The developers may need to make "minimal modifications" for compatibility, but many may need "no extra work" to run.
However, Apple will apparently launch a software development kit and a Mac-based headset simulator at WWDC, to help developers create new apps and services for xrOS, the supposed name for the headset's operating system.
Apple will also include videoconferencing and meeting rooms with realistic avatars, "ideally making users feel like they're interacting in the same space." Freeform will gain new collaboration tools, too.
A big focus on gaming is expected, complete with "top-tier titles" from third parties.
On the video side, users can watch media while immersed in a virtual environment, like a desert. A new portal will be offered to watch sports in virtual reality, part of its push into streaming live games.
To help with Mac-based productivity, the headset will be usable as an external monitor for a connected Mac, similar to a feature provided by Meta's Horizon Workrooms.
As for operating the headset itself, the report claims several methods will be available, including eye tracking and hand gestures, as well as Siri. It will also be feasible for other peripherals to be connected, such as a keyboard, or for controls to be available on other Apple devices, like an iPhone.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
This will do things others may not even been thinking of, or didn't have the capability or capacity to bring it to market.
Sounds like they'll be introducing a Matrix world, which we will be sucked into, and probably never wanna leave. Sometimes I even end up watching the Apple TV screensavers, just watching the beauty of the world. Apple is great at producing these beautiful experiences. But it's dangerous territory to tread. 1984 hello.
It’s a liberating, immersive, flexible tool that allows creative people to do whatever the want to with it.
Stop the fear mongering; it’s ridiculous.
I’ll be so sad if this isn’t the case.
ChatGPT:
From my generation X perspective, I am concerned about the socialization problems of Generation Z and this is the biggest issue.
At least we will have other tech discussions about things other than large language AI systems.
I've been working with HTC Vive a couple of times at some different conferences. I have been the artist, the crazy dude, displaying what can be done with VR, in a few tech conferences. Both on stage and during conferences lasting for a few days. Once in the VR world, I get kinda disconnected. And in there I can create everything. It's liberating and immersive. And before I know it, I have lost track of the world going on outside. It only took me a day to realise that I actually didn't see a reason to leave the VR environment. And the software I was using wasn't even that good.
Let's say Meta creates the most compelling social network VR app for adults, Roblox creates the most compelling VR app for kids, Apple creates the most compelling lifestyle app for health aware target audience. I would assume that Meta and Roblox does everything to keep the users hooked, and Apple does this "perfect lifestyle with perfect lighting, beautiful mentors and no flaws " vibe that they've started to employ in their presentations in the last couple of years... I think there's reason to stay on the alert.
Once you take off the visor and see the real world with flaws and all, I think a lot of people will prefer to stay in "the matrix". And THAT'S why I think VR is a dangerous territory to tread. The 1984 reference is bad enough, but I'm not that afraid to be under totalitarian surveillance… Google and everyone else does that already, so we're already there.
Anyhow, I'm SUPER EXCITED about this. As an artist I'm of course wondering what kind of tools they'll be investing in. I know for instance that Apple has helped in optimising Blender for Apple Silicon. Could we see a Blender demonstrated on day one? Might be difficult to have kept an open source platform completely secret?
My guess is that it will cost $1499. Maybe $1,999 but I doubt that.