Emma Sulaiman, Staff Writer
A look into the new Apple Vision Pro. Photo // Shutterstock, Marfuse
On February 2, 2024, Apple launched a new device called the “Apple Vision Pro: Apple’s first spatial computer.” This device is supposed to blend the physical and digital world, creating a 3-D area controlled by the user. “You navigate simply by using your eyes, hands, and voice,” Apple says. This device enables users to use software and apps to create their own virtual reality, whether it be an office or entertainment space.
People can even FaceTime using this device. The user is shown as a digital representation of him/herself – or a Persona – to the person on the other end of the line. This enables users to have a more interactive experience with their contacts, as they can browse the web together, watch movies, and collaborate on presentations.
Just like when we were first introduced to fingerprint detection and Face ID on iPhones and iPads, this device has Optic ID, meaning it will unlock by reading the user's eyes. It also provides spatial audio to create an enhanced experience of the live world, as well as the virtual world the user is immersed in.
The Apple Vision Pro has its own software, called visionOS. Using this software, people can create and add windows to their digital environment, add depth to apps with 3-D volume, and create a “space” where these apps will be displayed. For example, one could set up a virtual desktop for their work area, and it would still be displayed after taking the Vision Pro off and putting it back on.
To use this technology, new applications and tools were created and installed to create these spaces. The Vision Pro also gets data from the user’s other devices to enhance the experience.
Despite the virtual reality aspect, the users are still connected to the real world by the EyeSight feature. The Vision Pro detects movement and people, making the device transparent, and showcasing the user’s eyes.
It is also designed to be comfortable to wear, along with the ultra-high-resolution display, featuring micro-OLED technology to pack 23 million pixels in two displays (one set for each eye).
Apple’s Vision Pro will hit the market in the early months of this year starting at $3,499. They plan on making it available to purchase through their website and in Apple stores (Only in the U.S.). The Vision Pro is projected to become available to other countries sometime next year.