Apple is expected to provide a first glance at the mixed-reality headset, or perhaps just the operating system that runs it, at WWDC 2023. The first big new product from the company in a while means interest in the new systems is likely to be high. What do we think we know?
It’s an enterprise product (really)
Apple is a consumer company and inevitably plans to turn its new headset into a consumer product. Despite dispiriting sales estimates from people who’ve never seen the device, thousands of consumers will probably buy one, but that’s not really the audience — yet.
The first key audience for the new goggles will be enterprise clients. These will include businesses attempting to explore the implications and possibilities of these products to them; developers seeking big ideas for the next big thing; and many industries that already make use of solutions like these who will be hoping for better. So, now I’ve justified C-suite executives in their ambition to buy a set of Apple’s v.1 AR goggles on expenses (for “research purposes”), what else have we heard?
What it’s called
Apple has trademarked a few names in recent weeks, including Apple Reality, Apple Reality Pro, xrOS, and xrProOS. I think the first two names are for hardware, while the ‘xr’ nomenclature likely reflects the operating system names. The speculation has to be that Apple plans an entry-level (lower cost) product as well as a more sophisticated Pro range. Given the success of the iPhone Pro, that’s not unlikely.
What does the headset look like?
What the product(s) will look like is widely discussed. To summarize current speculation: designed using aluminium, glass, and carbon fiber, Apple’s mixed-reality headset will look a little like ski goggles. It will be equipped with a Digital Crown “Reality Control” system that lets users morph between virtual, augmented, and actual reality.
The glasses will have a cable connecting to a battery pack that promises six-hours battery life. And you’ll control the device with gesture, movement, and voice.
What technology is inside?
Powered by M-series processors, the device will host numerous (perhaps a dozen) video cameras. These will track hand and eye movements, map the environment, and support augmented-reality experiences. There’s an iris scanner for biometric identification.
Reports also claim use of expensive pancake lenses, which are thin and lightweight and will deliver 120 degrees of view. Small motors in the lenses will help optimize field of view, and it will be possible to slip prescription lenses into the screens so people who need glasses can also use these devices. The 4K micro OLED displays in these glasses will be made by Sony.
Wireless connections will include Bluetooth, WIFI 6E and LiDAR.
What kind of operating system?
While the xrProOS name is a surprise, suggesting as it does that the OS in these glasses will also be available in a pro version, the basic capacity of…
2023-05-31 19:30:03
Link from www.computerworld.com