FX.co ★ Apple Unveils Augmented Reality Vision Pro Headset

Apple released its latest product, the Vision Pro headset, in U.S. stores this past Friday. Representing the most advanced consumer electronics device ever created, as described by CEO Tim Cook, the Vision Pro marks Apple's first new product in nearly seven years.

The headset, reminiscent of stylish ski goggles, boasts a soft adjustable strap on the top, digital crowns on the top and back acting as home buttons. The cost rests at $3,499, but with accessories such as a $200 travel case, a $50 battery pack holder, and prescription or reading lenses starting at $149 and $99 respectively, the total cost can reach $4,600.

The Vision Pro includes 256 GB of storage and battery life comparable to an iPhone, offering around 2.5 hours of usage on a single charge. With speakers located close to the ears, the device promises immersive audio.

Apple claims this headset "seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world" unlocking powerful spatial experiences in visionOS. The device's inputs are controlled by the natural and intuitive elements of the user's eyes, hands, and voice. Upon initiating set up, the headset scans the user's physical attributes and surroundings, after which users are led to an IOS-like interface where Siri can be activated. Users can shift between apps by directing their eye movements or by touching together the thumb and pointer finger on the headset.

The Vision Pro promises ultra-high-resolution display with more pixels for each eye than a 4K TV, providing an enhanced visual experience as the images and videos will appear more lifelike.

Susan Prescott, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations, spoke about the expansive offerings of the headset's app store, explaining that the 600 new spatial experiences combined with over 1 million compatible apps across IOS and iPadOS will redefine how users experience entertainment, music, and games, stimulating new methods of learning and exploration, unlocking unprecedented levels of productivity, and, overall, greatly expanding the boundaries of what’s possible.

In an effort to reduce user motion sickness, a common issue with similar headsets, Apple has included a custom chip to address the latency problem.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo approximates that 160,000 to 180,000 Vision Pro headsets were sold over the first pre-order weekend. Morgan Stanley analysts propose the company might sell around 400,000 Vision Pro units this year.