For nearly a decade Apple did not launch any major hardware and then it unveiled the much-awaited augmented reality headset recently. Tim Cook, Apple CEO, said that the Apple Vision Pro “seamlessly blends the real world and the virtual world”. Apple announced the latest iPhone OS along with updates to MacBook Air.
Battery life, pricing, and availability
Apple Vision Pro has a battery life of two hours and the price starts at $ 3,499. The product shall be available for purchase in the USA from early next year. The price is significantly higher than the prices of other virtual reality headsets available in the market currently. Even Quest by Meta announced last week costs $ 449.
Experts’ opinion about Vision Pro
Apple Vision Pro looks more like a pair of ski goggles than an AR/VR headset. MacRumors’s senior editor, Hartley Charlton, said, “It won’t appeal to mainstream consumers at first on account of its extremely high price point and immediate shortcomings as a first-generation device.” He added, “Such as its separate wired battery pack.”
However, he also said that Apple is known for “overcoming scepticism” about any new device. According to him, Apple has always been able to inspire individuals to “part with their cash to add a new gadget to their repertoire”.
Cook said that the users can “see, hear and interact with digital content just like it’s in your physical space” about the AR/VR headset. The device uses a combination of gestures by eyes, hands, and voice to function.
BBC News was told by Thomas Husson of Forrester Research that it may take time for the new headset by Apple to take off.
He further said, “The overall AR/VR space has been a bit overhyped over the past few years with the metaverse and that kind of experience.” he added, “That’s the reason why I think it will take a bit more time. Having said that, if I told you 10-15 years ago that people would be ready to pay almost $2,000 for a mobile phone, I don’t think many people would have said they would be willing to pay that.”
iOS 17
Apple launched its latest OS version iOS 17 which includes “contact posters” and “live voicemail”. The company also introduced a Check-In system that informs family or friends when you get home. If you are late, the system would let others know that you are yet to be back home safely. Expect this new OS to be available in the Autumn of 2023.
The reality in terms of business
The company did not discuss much about generative AI technology which is the buzz these days, especially in Silicon Valley. Apple saw its share prices drop a little during the announcement made at Apple Park at the developer’s conference.
Apple unveiled its Vision Pro just a few weeks after Lenovo and Meta announced upgrades on their pre-existing VR headsets. Although Meta invested heavily in this sector it is struggling at the moment. International Data Corporate reported a drop of 54% in global sales last year for mixed reality headsets.
