A rumored Apple mixed-reality headset could have a suite of sensors and high-end eye and hand tracking cameras, interchangeable headbands and a visor-like design, according to a new report.
The device could have more than a dozen cameras to track the movement of the hands and show users a video stream of the world. It could also have advanced eye-tracking technology and ultra-high-resolution 8K displays, along with a host of other features. Information reported Thursday.
Features of Apple MR headphones
Late-stage prototypes and conceptual images of the device feature a curved, visor-like shape factor that attaches to the front with a mesh material and interchangeable replacement straps. Information created a concept for playing headphones based on images of Apple prototypes.
Credit: Information
Instead of a pure augmented reality (AR) device, Apple sources said the viewfinder is referred to internally as an MR device because of its ability to combine virtual reality experiences with games and other applications that use real-life objects that surrounds the person wearing the headset. ”
Currently, the focus of the device could be games or possibly productivity and education applications. The device, codenamed N301, is said to immerse a carrier in a complete virtual environment such as the Oculus Quest. It will also block a user’s peripheral vision, but will transmit an image of the world around him to create a mixed reality effect.
In addition to manual tracking and eye tracking, Apple is developing other control mechanisms for this. One possible method would be a thimble-like device worn on a user’s finger, which could allow him to control the software. It is unclear whether that accessory will be included in the package or sold separately.
Some prototypes also appear to have a physical dial or crown on the side. All versions seem to have LIDAR technology, which Apple already uses in its iPhone and iPad Pro range to quickly map objects and environments.
An outward-facing display on the device may show users information when not in use. Interchangeable headbands may have spatial audio technology such as AirPods Max or AirPods Pro. Users will be able to charge it with a cable, although Apple is also working on a replaceable support band, with an extra battery life.
According to Apple sources, the MR device will come equipped with internal chips. Apple may also plan to reduce the power of the computer, giving lower quality graphics to the user’s peripheral vision. The inclusion of 8K displays will make the overall image quality much higher than other consumer headphones and even most state-of-the-art TVs.
Date and price of Apple MR headphones launch
The device could be delivered as early as 2022. Apple would have exploited Pegatron to assemble it. However, due to the complexity of the device and the risk of entering a new niche market, Apple may eventually decide to abandon the project or submit it.
The price could increase the risk. In 2020, Apple would have talked about the price of the device around 3,000 USD – more expensive than a MacBook Pro, but less expensive than the HoloLens of 3,500 USD.
Initially, Apple talked about the goal of delivering about 250,000 units of the device in its first year of launch. This is largely due to its high price.
Apple has operated in the past with augmented and virtual reality
Apple has been developing virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality technology for years. In addition to rumors about various headphones and public activity on ARKit, tech giant Cupertino also has a number of patents related to the devices worn on the head.
Many of these patents and patent applications focus on eye tracking, which is said to have MR headphones. Other patents detail various systems, including technology to prevent users from hitting real-world objects while immersed in a virtual environment.
In March 2020, a first leak of iOS 14 also suggested that Apple was working on controller-type accessories for a virtual reality product.
MR headphones are also not the same AR-based “Apple Glass” device about Apple. It is said that the device has a more device similar to glasses, a much lower price and a greater emphasis on complementing an iPhone in the daily life of a user.
In September 2020, a former Apple executive predicted that Apple’s first foray into head-worn visual devices would be a virtual reality – rather than an augmented reality – device.
Conformable Information, Apple is still working on a pair of “lightweight smart glasses, designed to overlap objects in a person’s vision of the real world.” This device, which faces steep technological hurdles, is still years away from launch.
In October 2019, Apple plans to deliver its MR headphones by 2022 and the AR “Apple Glass” device in 2023. These plans may have changed.