Apple's mixed-reality headset explained

[Hanno Labuschagne]

Apple's mixed-reality headset explained

Apple Inc.’s long-anticipated mixed-reality headset is an ambitious attempt to create a 3D version of the iPhone’s operating system, with eye- and hand-tracking systems that could set the technology apart from rival products.

The roughly $3,000 device, due later this year under the likely name of Reality Pro, will take a novel approach to virtual meetings and immersive video, aiming to shake up a VR industry currently dominated by Meta Platforms Inc.

[Bloomberg]

 

[saor]

Here’s how it will work: The headset will have several external cameras that can analyse a user’s hands, as well as sensors within the gadget’s housing to read eyes.

That allows the wearer to control the device by looking at an on-screen item — whether it’s a button, app icon or list entry — to select it.

Be interesting to see the granularity achieved here. With a headset the eye movement between two objects close together must be so minimal. It's one thing if they're on either side of the display, another if it's a cluster of icons, list entries or manipulating a paint brush across a screen.