Bringing Science Fiction to Life: Exploring the Allure of Apple Vision Pro

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In June 2023, Apple announced their New Product line to the world. Its name is Apple Vision Pro.

The Apple Vision Pro, which is scheduled to be released in 2024, will allow you to use a headset to perform tasks and communications similar to those you would do on a PC, as well as applications you use on your smartphone, with simple gestures. The world that we used to see in science fiction movies is finally becoming a reality.

This time, we will explain about the much-talked-about Apple Vision Pro, its functions, how it differs from similar devices, and how it integrates with our lives. Please watch till the end.

What is Apple Vision Pro?

As a professional deeply involved in system development, app development, and digital transformation, I was intrigued by the announcement of "Apple Vision Pro." This groundbreaking headset-type PC, unveiled by Apple in June 2023, represents a new genre in technology: "Spatial Computing." Set for release in 2024, it promises to revolutionize how we integrate digital information into our daily lives.

My firsthand experience with Apple Vision Pro, prior to its public release, left me astounded. The display quality was unlike anything I've encountered in modern technology. It's not just a device; it's a portal to a new digital era. The way Apple Vision Pro seamlessly blends the digital and real worlds aligns perfectly with our company's mission in digital transformation.

I remember marveling at the display's clarity and the immersive experience, which far exceeded my expectations. It's not hard to imagine that Apple Vision Pro will catalyze a social phenomenon akin to the iPhone's impact. Its potential in app development is immense, offering new horizons for interactive and engaging applications. For someone like me, who thrives on the cutting edge of system development, Apple Vision Pro is not just a tool; it's a harbinger of the future of digital interaction.

What is Vision OS used in Apple Vision Pro?

First of all, the OS (operating system) is the brain of the computer, and is like a brain that issues instructions to the computer. Typical operating systems include Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Vision OS claims to be a "Spatial operation system." This may be an unfamiliar term, but it is a new OS developed by Apple for the Apple Vision Pro, and it is a new OS that integrates digital into real space' with a 3D interface that releases apps from the confines of the display.'' It's an innovative concept .

The reason why Apple deliberately uses the term spatial operation rather than VR or AR is because the concept is different from the products that have previously achieved fusion with virtual reality. This will be introduced in the next chapter.

VisionOS also supports Flutter, a development technology that enables cross-platform development , and can be developed using XCode Beta 2, a comprehensive iOS development tool. It's amazing that it is already possible to develop VisionPro at the same time as iPhone and Android.

Differences from previous similar devices

(Citation: Apple official website )

When Apple announced its product, it positioned it as a "spatial computer," and it is different from the goggle-wearing devices that have existed up until now. In particular, I think many people don't know the difference between VR (virtual reality), AR (augmented reality), and MR (mixed reality). In order to better understand Apple Vision Pro, we will first explain the characteristics of each similar service.

VR (Virtual Reality)

VR refers to virtual reality, such as games and avatar spaces. You can immerse yourself in the created world and feel as if you actually exist in the game world .

Representative device: Meta Quest 3

Example of use: educational simulation, entertainment experience, watching sports

AR (Augmented Reality)

By merging digital devices such as smartphones with the real world, things that are normally invisible are reflected in the real world seen through the device . For example, Pokemon appear on the camera in Pokemon GO, or ears and nose appear in the processed camera SNOW.

Recently, advertising methods using AR have become popular in the United States and China, where when you look through your smartphone camera in the city, you can see large characters popping out of buildings or objects flying around buildings.

Typical devices: smartphones, tablets etc.

Use examples: Virtual try-on, makeup experience, product information viewing

MR (Mixed Reality)

It is a technology that provides new experiences by fusing the real world and virtual space, and it may be easier to understand if you think of it as a technology that combines VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality).

Additionally, AR only displays digital information through a device and cannot be manipulated by touching it directly, whereas MR allows you to directly touch and manipulate digital information and rewrite the information, which is a feature unique to MR.

Representative devices: HoloLens 2, Magic Leap 2

Example of use: surgical training, learning anatomy, checking building design and layout, sightseeing experience

Apple Vision Pro differs from existing products in that it aims to seamlessly fuse digital content and reality, and its focus is on the "real world," where digital enters everyday life . In this way, it can be said that it has a completely different concept from other devices in terms of its versatility, which aims to be usable in all areas of life rather than in a limited range .

What are the main features of Apple Vision Pro?

Here we introduce a number of attractive features of Apple Vision Pro.

・Operation with gestures

Apple Vision Pro does not require a controller or mouse to operate; it can be operated using only our hand movements, eye movements, and voice.

・Eye Sight function

When another user comes into view during use, that user will be displayed on the UI. By displaying a larger view of the user's eyes, line of sight, and field of vision through the headset on the device, the other person can see that the user is immersed in the world of Apple Vision Pro.

・High resolution / 360 degree huge space

With 23 million pixels, the two ultra-high resolution displays are expected to have a resolution higher than that of a 4K TV. You can also enjoy a video space with a maximum width of 30 meters and 3D images.

・Security maintenance

The biometric authentication used for unlocking and payment is equipped with iris authentication called "OpticID" . OpticID data is not stored on the server, and information about the user's line of sight during operation is kept in a way that protects privacy and is not shared with Apple or the app, providing strong security.

・Three-dimensional spatial sound system

A spatial audio system is used to provide an immersive sound experience.

・Can be connected wirelessly to Mac

It is possible to virtually connect and use the functions, screens, and applications that are currently used on the screen of the actual device such as the Mac that you are currently using.

・Camera with various functions

There are 12 camera buttons on the main body, and some can take 3D photos and videos.

・3D persona avatar

When making a video call, instead of using your own image, you can create a 3D scanned image of yourself as an avatar and use it in the video.

It is also equipped with a variety of innovative functions, including a highly functional and multifunctional sensor that detects space and shadows, a spatial scan, and an ultraviolet camera.

How does it affect our lives?

(Citation: Apple official website )

Until now, Apple products have been released that can be used by everyone in everyday life, rather than in limited situations such as games. The new Apple Vision Pro also allows you to use the things you use on your smartphone or desktop on a daily basis, such as using the Internet, watching movies, making video calls, using apps, and using cameras and videos, in an even more advanced state such as 3D.

It is scheduled to be released in the United States in early 2024, and the local price is announced to be approximately 3000 US dollars. If converted into Japanese yen, it would be close to 500,000 yen. It seems like it's worth a certain price. However, the latest 16-inch MacBook Pro is about the same price, so considering the popularity of MacBook Pros around the world, some people may think it's not as expensive as they thought.

In any case, it is likely that only a limited number of people will experience it as soon as it is released, but given the recent popularity of Apple products, the day will not be far when Apple Vision Pro will be integrated into everyday life. maybe.

Below we summarize the impact on each industry.

・Music Industry

It is said that with 3D images, large screens, stereophonic sound, collaboration, and more, you can enjoy the experience as if you were in the front row of a concert. You can not only watch the music video, but also get immersed in the video and enjoy the fusion of music and visual art.

・Manufacturing Industry

Applications for the manufacturing industry that are compatible with Vision Pro are already being developed, and there is an application called "JigSpace'' that creates 3D presentations based on 3D objects. For example, in the case of a car, it is possible to play a simulation of a machine's equipment with animation, reproduce the operation of manufacturing equipment with 3D content, and inspect the product structure in detail.

・Movie industry

Until now, there has been no platform that allows you to easily watch 3D movies at home, so the inclusion of a stereo camera in VisionPro is said to be a major step forward for the 3D field. Hollywood officials have commented that they experienced a more immersive experience than what can be seen on an IMAX screen, and Disney has mentioned that it will create content for Vision Pro.


・Fashion industry

You can create an avatar that resembles yourself and try on clothes with various designs. You can view products from a 360-degree angle, and high-end brands can interact with VIP guests through a private concierge. You can also go to overseas stores and go inside to see the latest products. It is expected that the concept in the fashion industry will also change significantly.

Microsoft has already announced support for Vision Pro in Word, Excel, and Teams. It is expected that more famous apps will be compatible with Vision Pro in the future. Eventually, it will be compatible with almost all iOS/iPadOS apps.

Apple currently has 5,000 patents filed for Apple Visio Pro. Apple must have high expectations for this product, which took many years to develop and release.

In the near future, it may become commonplace to see people walking around town wearing these goggles or headsets. I can't wait for the release of Apple Visio Pro.

Summary

We have explained the functions of Apple Vision Pro, which allows you to experience almost all the functions that can be done on a PC or smartphone just by wearing a headset, and how it affects our lives.

In modern society, the world is full of convenient things and we feel like we are saturated with products and services, but it seems like technology is still evolving, which is really exciting.

It is said that all existing iOS/iPadOS apps will eventually be compatible with Apple Vision Pro, but there are still a minority of apps that are designed to be used with Apple Vision Pro. By considering application development that takes advantage of this, a new standard may be born in society.

JIITAK also develops applications using the latest technology. Of course, we are also happy to discuss development with a view to using it with Apple Vision Pro. Based on our belief that "through the power of technology, we can connect today's challenges to a valuable tomorrow," we will do our best to support your product development.

References

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Written By

Mark Levantins

Mark Levantins, applying his 6 years of experience in system and app development, focuses on business design, developing innovative strategies that align technology with business goals.

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