Here is it, today, the Apple Vision Pro finally falls into the hands of US customers. With much said about the headset and hype at an all-time high, the fallout of such a monumental device release could create shockwaves across the industry, bringing many fresh eyes and investments to the space.
With significant events occurring every month, bringing together XR firms and end-users, 2024 is already becoming a year of incubation that could potentially propel XR into the office space and beyond.
Alongside Apple’s XR device debut, other firms, from Zoom to Microsoft, are jumping on the spatial computing bandwagon. While popular terminology comes and goes, the companies that stand the test of time will remain the most influential – not the surrounding tech terms.
Will Apple remain a prominent figure in the XR device marketplace, or will another firm stand tall? It’s still incredibly early, and the XR device marketplace is still being defined. However, the foundation is being laid by various immersive industry firms, and with new devices coming left and right, 2024 will remain eventful.
Apple Vision Pro Debuts in US Stores
The Vision Pro is out today. Apple is debuting a spatial computing device that aims to extend the usability of standard computers by removing the restrictions set in place by traditional 2D desktop screens.
Apple refers to its AR/VR/MR solutions brand as spatial computing, which differentiates itself from the market. The new device creates a 3D computing interface that surrounds users, allowing them to access MR-powered productivity applications via an augmented user interface laid on top of their real-world environment.
Currently, the Vision Pro is only available for purchase by customers in the US. However, Apple is expected to release it worldwide later this year after further announcements at the yearly WWDC event.
The Vision Pro comes in a 256GB storage model, costing $3,499. As part of its commitment to accessibility, Apple is working with ZEISS to offer optional optical inserts for the device: “Readers” will cost $99, meanwhile prescription standard optics will cost $149.
Apple has also created a range of accessories for the Vision Pro to increase user comfort and usability, including:
- Solo knit band
- Dual loop band
- Light seal
- Two light seal cushions
- An Apple Vision Pro cover
- USB-C charge cable
- USB-C power adapter
Microsoft 365 and CoPilot to Debut on Vision Pro
Microsoft launched its immersive Office 365 and Co-Pilot software solutions for the Apple Vision Pro just as the firm debuts its XR device today.
The headset comes with countless applications to boost productivity. First adopters of Vision Pro users can access Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Loop, complete with integrated Co-Pilot features, starting tomorrow.
The services are available and ready for the Vision Pro launch today. The services come alongside leading enterprise tools for Apple’s devices like Zoom. However, Microsoft notes that it worked closely with Apple to integrate 365 services on the iOS and reality platforms for years.
The news comes after Microsoft debuted 365 tools on Meta’s MR headset, the Quest 3.
Industry Experts Unite at SPIE 2024
SPIE.AR|VR|MR 2024 wrapped up this week. The event brought together talented individuals in the XR technology landscape to discuss and network about the future of XR.
SPIE.AR|VR|MR 2024 differs from other XR events due to its focus on display and waveguide solutions—this hardware and software power immersive visualisation on MR headsets, AR smart glasses, and similar devices.
The event featured leading XR firms, such as Google, Meta, and Magic Leap, with representatives from Google and Mojo Vision who introduced the event in an opening keynote.
Throughout the three-day event, other XR speakers from firms such as Digilens, Sony, General Motors, MicroOLED, Microsoft, and EndeavorXR presented expert insights into the XR and display market.
One firm that had a strong showing at the event was Zinn Labs and its breakthrough AI-powered eye-tracking framework for AR smart glasses and MR headsets that more accurately track a user’s gaze to improve hands-free AR/MR interactions.
Kevin Boyle, the CEO of Zinn Labs, noted that his firm’s “event-based gaze-tracking reduces bandwidth by two orders of magnitude compared to video-based solutions, allowing it to scale to previously impractical applications and form factors.”
To stay on track with leading AR/VR/MR events, check out XR Today’s event list.
