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Apr 12, 2001
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Apple's mixed-reality headset will feature iris scanning to authenticate payments and log into accounts, setting itself apart from Meta's new Quest Pro headset, according to a paywalled report from The Information.

apple-ar-headset-concept-2.jpeg
Concept render based on purported leaked information by Ian Zelbo

Two individuals, who apparently helped develop Apple's headset, told The Information that users will be able to scan their irises to quickly log into their accounts and make payments, similar to Face ID and Touch ID – a feature first rumored by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Iris scanning is also said to make it easier for multiple people to use the same headset and sets the device apart from the Quest Pro, which lacks any such feature.

To enable iris scanning, internal cameras track where users are looking. Eye tracking also allows Apple to reduce graphical fidelity in a user's peripheral vision, thereby reducing the amount of processing power required for the headset's graphics. Apple's purchase of German startup SensoMotoric Instruments in 2017 is said to have allowed it to build the technology.

The report reiterated the rumor that Apple's headset will feature 14 cameras, compared to just 10 on Meta's Quest Pro headset, designed to capture motion to accurately represent real-world movements on digital avatars. Two downward-facing cameras apparently capture the wearer's legs, offering another feature that the Quest Pro does not have.

The headset purportedly resembles "a pair of ski goggles" and look different from the Quest Pro. Apple's design is said to rely heavily on "mesh fabrics, aluminum and glass," and conceals its outward-facing cameras better than the Quest Pro. The device is also apparently thinner and lighter than the Quest Pro, which weighs 722 grams.

In addition, the report claims that Apple's headset allows those who wear glasses to magnetically clip on custom prescription lenses inside the device.

On the exterior of the headset, an outward-facing display is said to allow other people to see the facial expressions of the wearer. Despite concerns over how the display may use additional battery life, it is reportedly able to operate at a low refresh rate to conserve power, similar to the always-on displays of the Apple Watch and iPhone.

The Information warned that some previously planned features may not make it into the final version of the headset when it is unveiled next year.

Article Link: Report: Apple Mixed-Reality Headset to Feature Iris Scanning for Authentication and Payments
 
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i was saying this for last 2 years...Apple will never ditch faceID when its clear this glasses/headset will be build around this, it will be irisID or something like this since they cant scan your face from distance but everything around your eyes
 
I TrUSt Apple wiTh My dAta 🧟‍♂️.

This is not Google or Facebook. Timmy said privacy is a human right.

————

- It’s not like Apple tried to negotiate a multimillion dollar deal with Facebook before going forward with ad-preventing measures.

- It’s not like Apple Maps is tracking the heck out of my search patterns just like Google does.

- It’s not like ALL the apps bypass whatever Apple says it is protecting us from.

- It’s not like Facebook used to come pre-installed and synced by default with iPhones until a few years ago.

Go get some therapy
 
I TrUSt Apple wiTh My dAta 🧟‍♂️.

This is not Google or Facebook. Timmy said privacy is a human right.

————

- It’s not like Apple tried to negotiate a multimillion dollar deal with Facebook before going forward with ad-preventing measures.

- It’s not like Apple Maps is tracking the heck out of my search patterns just like Google does.

- It’s not like ALL the apps bypass whatever Apple says it is protecting us from.

- It’s not like Facebook used to come pre-installed and synced by default with iPhones until a few years ago.

Don't forget iCloud backup's lack of proper encryption issues. Even if you do trust apple without encryption you are going to end up having to trust everyone else.

I trust Apple more than the rest but to truly trust then to never make a mistake and expose their keys is foolhardy.
 
I see no way this sells any better than the Oculus, which is abysmal. We have about a 50/50 return rate with the Oculus, or it sits in the plastic wrap on the shelf collecting dust for over half a year until an employee gets it dirt cheap in an idle inventory adjustment to flush it out the door. Also, Games are short and overpriced.

Also, how is this better than a smartphone, tablet, or even a TV?
Playstation VR I had a very basic issue: After a while, my arms got tired and all I really wanted to do was play games with a controller on a large TV. Same with media consumption.

I am really trying to understand why Meta, Google, and Apple all seem to think AR/VR is NOT a niche industry with a very solid ceiling beyond which growth is impossible.

Google Glass may have been early, but if the concept is so appealing to over 50% of the human race, why have we seen only Sony and Oculus make it to market since Google Glass despite the technology obviously catching up?

I really do not see a huge market for these goggles. They're obviously going to be illegal to use while driving a motor vehicle. No one wants to look like a bunch of idiots walking around looking like goofy morons on the street, so that's not in the cards. And I have a big screen TV with better methods of input (controller/keyboard and mouse), so it's a very specific use case in the house for a very specific experience.

But then I have to add one last thing: I and a good chunk of the human race get claustrophobic and get motion sickness from these goggles, which automatically rules me out of ever making a purchase, even if I remotely found the experience interesting beyond a try it once just to see. That's a lot of customers you won't be able to sell to. Along with the weight causing neck cramps, headaches, etc. They will need to seriously design around this.

I am sorry if you're an AR/VR fan, but I work in selling electronics and VR is not a hit. In fact, most people complain about having to take multiple breaks because the games wear them out and they'd prefer and mouse and keyboard or controller. And then they walk out with a PS4/5 or Xbox. Then we put the Oculus back on the shelf and it's used, and it sits there for about 3 months collecting dust until the process repeats itself. PS VR has a better stay rate due to Sony investing REAL money into great titles and content as well as tie ins to AAA titles such as a side story, etc for the device instead of mediocre ports for a cash grab at a ridiculously inflated price.
 
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Funny how details get leaked as a competitor is introducing a major product. Nonetheless, being the Apple fan I am, I probably will be buying it when it's released.
 
I understand that the payment processing part is hinting at using Apple Pay in Safari. But I also enjoy the idea of using regular Apple Pay in-store with a pair of glasses, NFC in your forehead.

Bow down to your mighty pay terminal, zealous consumers. Put your forehead at the altar of all that is materialism.
 
"Apple's headset also apparently includes a feature for those who wear glasses, allowing them to magnetically clip on prescription lenses."
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So Apple will now try to sell you prescription lenses made to fit this headset. iLenses for only $700.
 
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