World reacts to Apple

‘Spatial headset’ launched

Apple has announced the launch of its first-ever mixed reality “spatial computer” headset, the Apple Vision Pro.

It’s a bold move to challenge Facebook-owner Meta in the emerging virtual reality market.

The highly anticipated release marks Apple’s most significant product debut since the unveiling of the Apple Watch in 2015.

During the announcement event, Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasised the groundbreaking potential of blending digital content with the real world.

“Blending digital content with the real world can unlock experiences like nothing we’ve ever seen,” Cook stated as he revealed the Vision Pro, a sleek VR device resembling “ski goggles.”

“Just as the Mac introduced us to personal computing, and iPhone introduced us to mobile computing, Apple Vision Pro introduces us to spatial computing. Built upon decades of Apple innovation, Vision Pro is years ahead and unlike anything created before — with a revolutionary new input system and thousands of groundbreaking innovations.

“It unlocks incredible experiences for our users and exciting new opportunities for our developers.”

With a hefty price tag of $A5288, the Vision Pro is set to hit the US market early next year, and “other countries” later in the year, according to Apple.

The introduction of the VR headset concluded an Apple event that featured a range of product updates.

Notably, Apple partnered with Disney for the headset launch, garnering excitement from fans. Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We’re so proud to yet again be partnering the greatest storytelling company in the world with the most innovative technology company in the world to bring you real-life magic.”

Disney teased that streaming content from popular franchises such as Marvel, Star Wars, and live sports would be available on the Vision Pro.

While the Vision Pro boasts impressive capabilities, it requires substantial computing power and will mainly operate when plugged into a power source, with the battery providing only two hours of usage. Apple acknowledged the gaming audience by announcing that over 100 Apple Arcade games would be available upon the device’s release. Additionally, the headset projects the user’s eyes onto an external screen to facilitate interactions with others.

Apple’s foray into VR comes after years of development on the headset, which will focus on gaming, streaming video, conferencing, as well as health and fitness applications.

Rolf Illenberger, founder and CEO of VRdirect, a virtual reality software company, acknowledged the device’s potential, stating, “It would be drastic to say that Apple Vision Pro will replace a computer or cellphone in the immediate future. But that day will happen soon...”