Vision Pro: Everything you need to know about Apple’s headset worth almost Rs 3 lakh

Apple’s mixed reality headset was under wraps and only seen in leaks for years. That changed earlier this week when the Cupertino-based tech giant finally announced the Apple Vision Pro at WWDC 2023. As the name suggests, this is the brand’s first product in the AR/VR space, and one that it calls the next big step in revolutionising computing itself.

But what exactly is the Apple Vision Pro? How is it different from other VR headsets like the Meta Quest series? When will you be able to get your hands on one? These are some of the questions we’ll be answering today in this blog. Let’s start with the basics.

What is mixed reality (MR)?

Mixed reality is a term that refers to an amalgamation of both virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Unlike in VR, where all visuals are strictly virtual, and AR, where visuals are imposed on your existing surroundings, mixed reality incorporates both. This means users have complete control over how virtual or real they want their display output to be. With mixed reality, users can combine what’s virtual with what’s real to create a unique experience in gaming, entertainment and other use cases.

What is the Apple Vision Pro?

The Apple Vision Pro is a mixed-reality headset that allows you to enjoy the perks of both virtual reality and augmented reality. What’s better is that the Vision Pro actually lets you use a rotating crown on the device to fine-tune your own balance between the virtual and the real world.

ALSO READ: Meta Quest 3 mixed reality headset unveiled

Woven seamlessly into the Apple software experience, the Vision Pro allows use cases that are not possible in regular VR headsets. These include watching a movie in your room with a virtual TV screen that can be as large as you want but still be placed within the comfortable, homely setting of your room. Apple is working on several such use cases that blend the real and the virtual to bring new ways of experiencing work, entertainment, learning and communication.

Apple further revealed during the Vision Pro launch that the headset also packs support for magnetic power inserts for users with spectacles and custom-fitting cushions which ensure a secure and comfortable fit for all head shapes and sizes.

How does the Apple Vision Pro work?

The Vision Pro comes with an OLED display panel on both the inside and the outside, allowing the ‘passthrough’ effect that lets users see through the otherwise opaque screen. This works like a chunky pair of glasses, not very different from the working of the Google Glasses or the Snap Spectacles. This lets users throw virtual elements on top of their existing, physical surroundings. However, that is where the similarities end.

The pseudo-transparent display of the Vision Pro can also transform into a high-resolution screen at the press of a button and turn into a full-fledged VR headset. When in this mode, the Vision Pro can completely immerse the user in whatever is being shown on the screen, which again, is customisable to a large degree.

ALSO READ: iOS 17 to Apple Vision Pro: Everything announced at WWDC 2023

The Apple Vision Pro also uses no controllers, unlike other headsets including the recently announced Meta Quest 3. Instead, navigation completely relies on eye tracking, hand tracking and some simple finger gestures like taps and flicks. The Vision Pro is also powered by an external battery pack that ensures that the headset itself is not too heavy, resulting in discomfort.

What can the Apple Vision Pro do?

The Vision Pro is powered by the new VisionOS, which comes with its own design layout for your apps. Once a user wears the device, they can navigate through the apps they want. The Apple Vision Pro features include everything from FaceTime conference calls to Apple Arcade games and a lot more.

For all apps that involve rendering a virtual object in your physical setting, the Vision Pro will also use natural light around you to cast shadows, making these virtual objects feel even more realistic. During FaceTime, the headset throws in some neat tricks. These include throwing vocal audio towards you from the direction of the person speaking in your 3D space and using AI to create a virtual replica of your face without the headset for them to view on their screen.

How can you get the Apple Vision Pro?

While the headset has been announced, it still isn’t available to the public. In fact, you won’t be able to buy one this year as availability is set for early 2024. On launch, the Apple Vision Pro will be priced at $3,499 or about Rs 2,89,000. However, availability in India is not yet confirmed for now. More details on the same should be official in the months to come.