Gurman: Apple Headset Could Feature 'In-Air' Typing for Text Input, No iPhone Pairing Required

[MacRumors]

Apple's first mixed-reality headset may feature "in-air" typing capabilities and can be used independently without an accompanying iPhone, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Apple headset concept by David Lewis and Marcus Kane​

In the latest edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman explained that Apple's headset is unlikely to require a paired iPhone, in contrast to the original Apple Watch. The device can purportedly be set up without an accompanying iPhone and download a user's content independently, including iCloud data. A data transfer from a user's iPhone upon setup will be an option rather than a requirement.

"In-air typing," Apple's method for text input using eye movements and hand gestures with the device, is apparently enabled on the latest internal prototypes. The feature is "finicky," Gurman warned, explaining that "you still may want to pair an iPhone to use its touch-screen keyboard... The hope within Apple is to make rapid improvements after the device is released."

Apple is still planning to unveil the first version of the headset, likely called "Reality Pro," at WWDC in June this year, with the device shipping toward the end of 2023 at the earliest. The company is also developing multiple other headset models for further in the future. There is a cheaper model with a lower-end display and processor components planned for launch at the end of 2024 or in 2025, likely under the "Reality One" name, as well as a second-generation Reality Pro headset.

The second-generation Reality Pro headset is apparently focused on performance improvements. While the first-generation model will contain the M2 chip alongside a secondary chip for AR and VR processing, it is apparently not powerful enough to output graphics at the level Apple wants. For example, FaceTime will only support realistic VR representations of just two people at a time, rather than everyone in a conference call, with the first-generation headset. The second-generation Reality Pro could have a variant of the M3 or M4 chip to bolster its graphics capabilities, Gurman said.

Article Link: Gurman: Apple Headset Could Feature 'In-Air' Typing for Text Input, No iPhone Pairing Required

 

[dantracht]

Sorry but there is not one aspect of this headset that interests me. Not one. Each new leak does nothing to entice me to want this. If you are interested, enjoy, but I just have no desire to strap this to my head.

 

[pcd213]

Autocorrect will nail it. No concerns here.

 

[vegetassj4]

It's gonna be hillarious seeing people walking around waving their hands/flailing their arms at thin air.

If they get in a heated text chat:

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

So we’re all going to be typing in the air. Why does this remind me of the Wii gaming console?

 

[darngooddesign]

So we’re all going to be typing in the air. Why does this remind me of the Wii gaming console?

The Wii was fun and popular, but at least here you don't have to worry about throwing a controller at your TV. 🤣

 

[syklee26]

This will come down to how Apple can solve motion sickness issues that come with vr headsets.

 

[Todd Fisher]

A supposedly multi-thousand dollar headset, and it's already underperforming to Apple's wishes in regards to graphics. Ouch.

 

[vegetassj4]

"... The hope within Apple is to make rapid improvements after the device is released."

So like every other release of the last decade...😐

 

[surfzen21]

Everyone's lifestyle is different but this does not interest me in the slightest.

And putting out a cheaper lower res on in the future does not make any sense. Is seems with this tech you are either fully immersed in it or you are not. Half measures don't seem like a good compromise.

 

[ThisBougieLife]

Sorry but there is not one aspect of this headset that interests me. Not one. Each new leak does nothing to entice me to want this. If you are interested, enjoy, but I just have no desire to strap this to my head.

Same. I could see using a headset like this temporarily to play an immersive video game. But as a substitute for a phone or computer? No thanks.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

It's gonna be hillarious seeing people walking around waving their hands/flailing their arms at thin air.

If they get in a heated text chat:
View attachment 2164843

I honestly prefer this method. 😭😭

 

[vegetassj4]

I honestly prefer this method.

View attachment 2164854

I wish I would have kept my original IBM PC.....

 

[dugbug]

So we’re all going to be typing in the air. Why does this remind me of the Wii gaming console?

How do other vr headsets do it

 

[tdar]

I must be old because I could care less.

 

[spartan1967]

Considering the exorbitant cost of these goggles, face-to-face interaction returning to name a few, who in their right mind would invest in one of these? Maybe Apple can put this Apple car pipe dream money into making hardware everyone uses more cost effective & pay for a proper quality control team with their software.

 

[tdar]

I wish I would have kept my original IBM PC.....

My goodness yes! That thing is a beautiful classic!!

 

[anthogag]

It would be cool if all you had to do was put on the goggles and you're good to go.

 

[macdisciple]

Gotta start someplace. If you think you won't need or want one in twenty years, you're probably wrong.

 

[BlairMALL]

I get that it is really hard to get excited about something that isn’t really defined, known, or understood well, but the overt antipathy is a bit of a mystery for me. I get that many have doubts on Apple’s ability to deliver a truly innovative device based on recent track-record, but I would like to think Apple’s contribution would be helpful to see the AR/VR sector develop and flourish… even if they are not the best OR whether you’re interested in buying it.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

I don’t anticipate being an early adopter… but I am really excited to see where this leads in the next 5, 10, 20 years.

 

[barkomatic]

This could end up being a really compelling product that I run out to buy, but so far none of the rumors make it sound more desirable than cheaper VR headsets on the market.

At this point, it would have to have very high resolution graphics that match what you'd experience on a modern TV, full photorealistic avatars that aren't missing arms and legs and excellent games/work applications. Apple can probably deliver the hardware but I'm doubtful about the rest.

 

[majus]

This device is designed to help you see the people attached to the voices in your head.

 

[darngooddesign]

I must be old because I could care less.

Which means you care at least a little.

 

[UMHurricanes34]

Sure is a ton of expectation management going on in the rumor mill. I have a feeling Siri and Dictation will be a primary input method, but this air typing gave me Newton flashbacks. Could potentially be a disaster. This is a product that needs a product guy at the helm of the company. I’ll get the popcorn ready