I was willing to consider it as more than that until they started talking about setting up a system to build in prescription lenses. If in all of Apples engineering resources, not one engineer pointed out that a simple pair of focusing lenses would solve that entire problem, I’ll eat my hat.This whole story that reminds me of wishful writing and not based in facts!
So, expensive, a fan, and no ability to handle prescription glasses (or an additional cost to get custom lenses.)Apple is also said to have included a fan in the design of the headset, which is codenamed N301 and in a late prototype stage and yet to be finalized, suggesting the company's plans could change or the device could even be scrapped.
The inclusion of the fan and powerful processors is said to have initially resulted in a device that was too large and heavy, so Apple reportedly brought the headset closer to the face and helped shrink the size. This meant users can't wear eyeglasses while using the headset, so to address this, Apple has developed a system where custom prescription lenses can be inserted into the headset over the VR screens. Apple is also said to be discussing how it might implement prescriptions at the point of sale online and in retail stores.
exactly...everyone who has HUD on their car can understand, especially HUD with AR capabilities
So forget about VR headset...waste of money on R&D...place those money and make an AR glasses better from the start..
I was thinking something similar given the amount of power I use to drive my visuals.We won't really know what this will be like until we see it, but a pricier unit with high-resolution (and, let's hope, wide FOV) displays is where the VR market is going anyway. It would make very little sense to bring to something to market that didn't set itself apart. That does bring it's own set of challenges however. I use a Pimax 5K+, and it takes serious power to get games to drive the number of pixels you need to drive, plus the stereoscopic overhead, plus the minimum of 90fps (don't let *anyone* tell you less is OK. That might be true only for seated VR, like Racing SIMS). It remains to be seen how Apple will get that kind of power into a stand-alone headset. I mean, the M1 is great, but it's not a high-end VR-class of chip. But with what Apple pulled off with the M1? I think if anyone can do this, Apple might!
It sounds similar to what MS is doing with HoloLens 2. That device sells for $3,500 USD.“Apple's first virtual reality headset will be a "pricey, niche precursor" to a more ambitious augmented reality product...”
Pricey? I wouldn’t be surprised if this headset ranges north of $2k or more. I don’t even think Apple knows what to expect from a product like this, and more than anything, it’s probably more about demoing the future than expectation of consumers to flock to something like this.
Apple's first virtual reality headset will be a "pricey, niche precursor" to a more ambitious augmented reality product, according to a new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
According to the report, the initial device has hit "several development hurdles" and the company has "conservative" sales expectations. However, the high-end, niche product reportedly aims to prepare outside developers and consumers for more mainstream AR glasses further down the line.![]()
According to the report, Apple plans to put much higher resolution displays in the headset than those in current VR offerings, and it aims to include advanced chips more powerful than even its latest M1 processors found in Apple Silicon Macs.
Apple is also said to have included a fan in the design of the headset, which is codenamed N301 and in a late prototype stage and yet to be finalized, suggesting the company's plans could change or the device could even be scrapped.
The inclusion of the fan and powerful processors is said to have initially resulted in a device that was too large and heavy, so Apple reportedly brought the headset closer to the face and helped shrink the size. This meant users can't wear eyeglasses while using the headset, so to address this, Apple has developed a system where custom prescription lenses can be inserted into the headset over the VR screens. Apple is also said to be discussing how it might implement prescriptions at the point of sale online and in retail stores.
Meanwhile, the AR glasses, codenamed N421, are in an even earlier development stage and are "several years away," according to people with knowledge of the matter, although Apple had initially planned to to release them as early as 2023.
Current prototypes of the AR glasses are said to resemble high-priced sunglasses with thick frames that house the battery and chips. Former chief designer Jony Ive, who has since departed the company, is said to have preferred the concept of the N421 glasses over the headset.
Apple was initially aiming for an ultra-powerful headset that came with a hub to house the processor, but Ive did not want to sell a device that would require a separate, stationary device for full functionality.
Ive instead wanted a headset with less powerful technology that could be embedded directly in the device, but the leader of the AR/VR team, Mike Rockwell, wanted the more powerful device. It was a standoff that lasted for months, and Tim Cook ultimately sided with Ive.
As a result, the headset is reportedly designed to work as a standalone device, meaning it can operate on a battery rather than be plugged into a wall or a Mac. According to Gurman, prototypes of the headset include external cameras to enable some AR features. Apple is said to be testing using the cameras for hand-tracking and is also working on a feature where a user can type virtually in the air to input text.
Apple's AR/VR ambitions have long been rumored, with many of the developments emerging from Gurman's reporting. Be sure to check out the full Bloomberg article, and for everything we know on Apple's AR/VR plans, check our dedicated roundup.
Article Link: Bloomberg: Apple's First AR/VR Headset 'Pricey, Niche Precursor' to More Ambitious AR Glasses and Could Launch Next Year
Where’s Steve Jobs when you need him? This would never be tolerated on his watch!The inclusion of the fan and powerful processors is said to have initially resulted in a device that was too large and heavy, so Apple reportedly brought the headset closer to the face and helped shrink the size. This meant users can't wear eyeglasses while using the headset