Apple’s first virtual reality headset will be a “precious, niche forerunner” to a more ambitious augmented reality product, according to a new report from Bloombergby Marc Gurman.
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As a largely virtual reality device, it will showcase an all-encompassing 3-D digital environment for gaming, video watching and communication. The functionality of AR, the ability to transfer images and information over a real-world view, will be more limited. Apple plans to launch the product as early as 2022, surpassing Oculus Facebook Inc., Sony Corp’s PlayStation VR. and headphones from HTC Corp., the people said. They asked not to be identified talking about private plans.
According to the report, the original device has hit “several development nuggets” and the company expects a “conservative” sale. However, the high, niche production is reportedly aimed at preparing developers and external users for mainstream AR glasses further down the line.
The plans suggest that Apple’s first headset will be much more expensive than those from competitors, which will cost around $ 300 to $ 900. Some Apple speculators think that the sale may not sell. company only one headset per day for each retail store. Apple has about 500 stores, so in that case, annual sales would be just over 180,000 units – excluding other sales channels. That would equate it to other expensive Apple products, such as the $ 5,999 Mac Pro desktop computer. An Apple spokesman declined to comment.
According to the report, Apple plans to put much higher resolution displays in the headset than those in conventional VR offerings, and aims to introduce more powerful advanced chips than even the latest M1 processors found in Apple Silicon Macs.
Apple is also said to have introduced a fan in the design of the headset, which is coded N301 and at a late prototype stage but has not yet been finalized, suggesting that plans could company change or the machine could be wiped out.
The introduction of the fans and powerful processors is said to have resulted in a device that was too big and too heavy, so Apple reportedly brought the headset closer to the front and helped by reducing the size. This meant that users could not wear eyeglasses while using the headset, so to address this, Apple has developed a system where custom medical lenses can be inserted. to the headset over the VR screens. Apple is also said to be discussing how it could execute orders at the online and in-store retail level.
Meanwhile, the AR glasses, codenamed N421, are at an even earlier stage of development and are “several years away,” according to people familiar with the matter, although Apple had planned to release them as soon as possible. early 2023.
Conventional prototypes of the AR glasses are said to resemble high-priced sunglasses with thick frames that house the battery and the slits. Former chief designer Jony Ive, who has since left the company, is said to have preferred the concept of N421 glasses over the headset.
Apple was initially aiming for an ultra-powerful headset that came with a hub to hold the processor, but Ive not wanted to sell a device that required a separate stationery device for full functionality.
Instead Ive wanted a headset with less powerful technology that could be embedded directly in the device, but the head of the AR / VR team, Mike Rockwell, wanted the more powerful device. It was a standoff that lasted months, and Tim Cook eventually ended up with Ive.
As a result, the headset is designed to operate as a stand-alone device, meaning it can operate on a battery rather than being plugged into a wall or Mac. According to Gurman, prototypes of the headset include external cameras to enable some AR features. Apple is said to be experimenting with using the cameras for hand-tracking and is also working on a feature where a user can print almost in the air to send text. -into.
Apple’s AR / VR resolutions have long been rumored, with many of the improvements emerging from Gurman’s statement. Be sure to check the tide Bloomberg article, and for all we know about Apple’s AR / VR plans, check out our roundup collection.