Are you excited about Apple's next product, a new gadget that some call the biggest deal since the iPhone? That sets a very high bar, but the Apple Vision Pro might be worthy. Due to be released next year, what is this new gadget?
Goodbye VR, Hello Spatial Computing
Apple describes the Vision Pro as 'spatial computing', which is just a fancy marketing term for virtual and augmented reality: you can use the headset to create large work areas, enjoy games, and project massive movie screens.
The Apple Vision Pro is a mixed virtual reality (VR)/augmented reality (AR) headset. In VR, everything is virtual, while AR overlaps digital things with the real world. For example, in VR, you have a virtual desk with a virtual keyboard; in AR, you see your real desk and put a virtual keyboard on top of it.
Apple's Vision Pro does both. It's a VR headset with excellent camera technologies and screens to project the real world, then adds virtual extras. For example, you don't need a computer screen: your applications hover in the air in front of you. Vision Pro can read your hand movements, so you don't need controllers.
All that is packed into what looks like space-age ski goggles with a thick weaved band to keep the Vision Pro on your head. The goggles use super high-resolution screens and immersive audio, and the battery pack is separate and fits in your pocket—this removes a lot of weight from the headset and makes it more portable. So, less sweating and more comfort.
Crazy immersion
The Apple Vision Pro uses micro-OLED displays with very tiny pixels—so small they can recreate a 4K TV in the space of a postage stamp. When placed close to your eyes, these tiny screens can create massive and very detailed displays. Imagine having a giant movie theatre screen in your living room or even from your flight seat.
Instead of making everything virtual, Vision Pro uses your world and puts your digital apps, photos, movies, and games right in front of you. The small screens seamlessly blend real and virtual worlds: even though you'd be in VR, it will feel like you are still part of your surroundings. And the headset projects your eyes to the outside so that other people can make eye contact.
Vision Pro is also Apple's first 3D camera. You can record 3D photos and videos that you can later revisit in the headset. You can also look at your current photos and videos; panorama photos will wrap around you. With Vision Pro, you can also use video chats.
The future of gadgets?
Apple Vision Pro looks incredible. It's definitely the biggest step forward yet for VR and AR gadgets. But will it change how we use our gadgets?
There are drawbacks. When it launches in 2024, the Apple Vision Pro will cost a hefty $3,500 (over R65,000). That price should shrink over time, but most of us won't afford this headset for quite a few years. Another drawback is that it only supports Apple software; don't expect to use your Windows or Android apps or PC and console games.
Still, we're excited. If we had the money (and some friends at Apple), we'd love to use a Vision Pro right now! But while we wait, you can get an Apple iPhone 11, 12 or 13 on contract from the Vodacom shop.
