Apple has unveiled its first spatial computer, Apple Vision Pro, that blends digital with reality. Vision Pro will let you use apps beyond the boundaries of a traditional display with the help of a 3-d user interface controlled by a user’s eyes, hands, and voice.
Apple Vision Pro will start at USD$3,499, and will be available early next year. It’ll launch in the US first and then debut in more countries later in the year.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era for computing,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Just as the Mac introduced us to personal computing, and iPhone introduced us to mobile computing, Apple Vision Pro introduces us to spatial computing.”
Cook continued, saying the product was the result of decades of innovation and unlike anything Apple has created before. He said it’ll unlock incredible experiences for users, as well as new opportunities for Apple’s developers.
The computer will use visionOS, the world’s first spatial operating system. It’ll let users interact with digital content in a way that feels like it’s physically present in their space. The high-res display systems packs 23 million pixels across two displays, while an advanced Spatial Audio is used, transforming any space into a personal movie theatre.
“Creating our first spatial computer required invention across nearly every facet of the system,” said Mike Rockwell, Apple’s vice president of the Technology Development Group.
“Through a tight integration of hardware and software, we designed a standalone spatial computer in a compact wearable form factor that is the most advanced personal electronics device ever.”
So, what are some of the main features of the Apple Vision Pro? Ahead, we share the highlights.
FaceTime Becomes Spatial
Everyone on a FaceTime call will reflected in life-size tiles, and, with Spatial Audio, will sound as if they’re speaking from where they are positioned. Users wearing Vision Pro during a FaceTime call are reflected as a Persona, a digital representation of themselves, that’ll reflect face and hand movements in real time.
Photos Viewed in 3D
Apple Vision Pro will also feature Apple’s first three-dimensional camera. Users will be able to access their entire photo library on iCloud, and view their photos and videos at a life-size scale with brilliant colour and detail. Every Panorama shot on iPhone expands and wraps around the user, creating the sensation they’re standing right where it was taken.
Immersive “Environments”
A feature on Apple Vision Pro called Environments will let a user’s world grow beyond the physical room. A twist of the Digital Crowns lets a user control how present or immersed they are in an environment.
More Apps
Apple Vision Pro also has a new app store with thousands of iPhone and iPad apps that will automatically work with the new input system for Vision Pro. New apps are expected to be developed.
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