Apple Finally Enters The VR/AR Business By Introducing Spatial Computing With 'Apple Vision Pro'

From the early days of computers, to desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones, as well as some other smart devices, it's safe to say that a screen is what they have in common.

To go beyond the screen, researchers have ventured onwards to develop Virtual Reality (VR), as well as Augmented Reality (AR).

In the so-called virtual worlds, users are no longer restricted to the interactions they were bounded when using mouse, keyboard or other peripherals.

By entering the virtual worlds, the boundaries between reality and computer-generated worlds start to fade.

Google has been working on these technologies, Microsoft does it too, and so does Meta.

Now, it's Apple's turn.

During its WWDC 2023 on June 5th, Apple welcomes users to "the era of spatial computing" with a product it calls the 'Apple Vision Pro'.

With the device that resembles ski goggles, Apple said that the headset blends digital content with users' physical space, where users can navigate by using their eyes, hands, and voice.

With the device, users can essentially free their desktop, and put everything in their vision.

"With Vision Pro, you have an infinite canvas that transforms how you use the apps you love. Arrange apps anywhere and scale them to the perfect size, making the workspace of your dreams a reality — all while staying present in the world around you. Browse the web in Safari, create a to-do list in Notes, chat in Messages, and seamlessly move between them with a glance," said Apple.

This is because Vision Pro can transform "any room into your own personal theater."

But because it's meant to be a spatial computing system, Apple Vision Pro, which is Apple's first 3D camera, wants users to capture spatial photos and videos, and then relive them immersively.

And because the world is a already an interconnected world of a digital social space, Apple also wants Vision Pro to allow users to collaborate and connect wherever they are.

"It’s the first Apple product you look through, and not at," said Apple CEO, Tim Cook.

With a price that starts at $3,499, the Apple Vision Pro is touted as "the world’s most advanced consumer electronics device."

It allows users to experience an impressive displays, and uniquely, allowing users to see through the display, while wearing it. This is something no other headset can realistically allow, at this time.

At first glance, the headset just like any other VR/AR headsets in the market.

But upon closer look, it sports the design language of an all brushed aluminum, shiny glass, and soft fabrics.

At the front, is a complex piece of optical engineering, boasting a curved display that houses 4K-capable lens for the eyes and the OLED screen that shows users' eyes when they're looking at people.

This particular feature is called EyeSight.

Around the headset, there are 12 cameras, a LIDAR sensor, a TrueDepth camera, and a IR flood illuminator, and a huge silver-colored battery pack that offers about two hours of use.

The whole thing runs on a combination of Apple’s M2 and new R1 processors, powered by Apple's own operating system, the VisionOS.

The result is a mixed reality headset that has no comparison on the market, in terms of price and sophistication.

A few weeks later, the YouTube video where Apple introduces the Vision Pro becomes the most watched public video on Apple's YouTube channel.

It's worth noting here, that Apple often sets its old videos to unlisted, and has been promoting this video as an in-feed YouTube ad.

What this means, the video can show up in YouTube's recommendations section and search far more often than it would organically.