Apple Vision Pro: a powerful new AR headset that’s $3,499

Apple has launched a virtual-reality headset after many years of rumours. Apple CEO Tim Cook introduced the Vision Pro, a high-end headset for augmented and virtual reality. It was one of the highlights at the WWDC 2023 Keynote on Monday.

Apple’s Vision Pro headset will be released in early 2024, starting at a whopping $3,499.

As with the Meta Quest headset, Vision Pro also runs its own visionOS platform. However, it doesn’t operate with typical VR/AR controllers; it relies on users’ eye movement, hand tracking, and voice to navigate its interface. Vision Pro’s bottom-mounted cameras allow it to detect small hand gestures.

The Vision Pro has an intriguing design that borrows elements from Apple’s other products. Its most impressive design feature is its glass-covered exterior that can display your eyes when there’s a person nearby. If you’re busy while using the Vision Pro, onlookers will see a preview of your content laid over your eyes.

Apple

Use the Vision Pro to use any apps that were created specifically for this device, or connect wirelessly to your Mac. The headset is able to show a 4K display of your Mac’s screen on its headset, if you’d prefer to work that way. Notably, the Vision Pro doesn’t have a built-in battery; instead of trying to pack one in, which would have expanded its size and weight, the battery is external, and can be tucked in your pocket. This headset’s battery will last up to 2 hours. It can also be powered from your Mac.

Apple

Apple has spent much time discussing how the Vision Pro can be a huge deal for the workplace, thanks to its capability to display multiple screens including FaceTime VR in your own room. But it’s also made to help you watch movies and TV content; the headset can dim the surrounding field of view to make it look like you’re in a movie theater. It’s also compatible with 3D movies, for all of you Avatar fans. Relatedly, Disney CEO Bob Iger appeared during Apple’s keynote to share that a special version of Disney Plus will be available on the Vision Pro that provides a vastly more info-rich experience, whether you’re watching sports or Star Wars.

In terms of gaming, the Vision Pro will be compatible with over 100 Apple Arcade games at launch, and it can connect to game controllers like Sony’s DualSense controller. With gaming, you can position and resize the game screen to your liking within any room you’re in. Thanks to its ability to connect with your Mac, you’ll be able to view other games through it, too, assuming your Mac is powerful enough to run them.

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