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Apple Glasses: Everything we know so far

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This might be the year of the Apple Glass. So far, this is all we have to go on.

(Image credit: Martin Hajek/iDropnews)

According to some reports, Apple is working on a pair of augmented reality smart glasses that haven’t been made public yet.

For a long time, we’ve been anticipating the arrival of the Apple Glasses (also known as Apple Glass by certain IT insiders). It’s becoming increasingly probable that we’ll have to wait at least a few years before we see them. Apple’s AR/VR headset is more likely to launch first.

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Despite our preference for the moniker “glassOS,” Apple Glasses might operate on a proprietary operating system that was discovered in the final release of iOS 13. The augmented reality framework is mentioned several times in code and text documents, which suggests that Apple is testing activation and application in some way. For me to be able to use Apple Glasses, this is what I’ll have to do

Other details concerning Apple Glasses have been revealed, including a possible release date and price.

Apple Glass isn’t expected to be available for purchase any time soon. Due to the rumoured arrival of an Apple AR/VR headset in late 2022 or early 2023, this is why.

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After that, we may expect the release of the Apple Glass. Both Bloomberg and The Information (opens in new tab) stated that the gadget might be released in 2023, however both of these claims are dated 2019. Everything is subject to change within a few years.

Meanwhile, according to Jeff Pu, an analyst at Morgan Stanley, Apple Glasses and a new iteration of the company’s VR/AR gear will be available in late 2024.

Apple VR and mixed reality headset vs. Apple Glasses

In addition to Apple Glass, Apple is also working on a VR and mixed reality headgear that might be less complicated and ready for release sooner.

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Virtual reality and mixed reality headsets expected to have ultra-high-resolution displays and a dramatic audio system, according to those who have seen prototypes.

Those sources also indicated that the headset looks like a thinner, fabric-swathed Oculus Quest, but the design isn’t final as the firm continues testing to discover the optimal fit for most head shapes..

(Image credit: Techweartrend)

However, the cost has not been disclosed, but we don’t anticipate it to be cheap. In comparison, HTC’s Vive costs $799, Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 costs $3,500, and the Quest costs $399. According to reports, Apple’s headgear is expected to cost between $1,000 and $3,000 when it goes on sale later this year.

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The Apple VR and mixed reality headgear is expected to profit from its own App Store, where users may download games, video streaming, and communication apps. Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, will be in charge of operating the headgear, although a remote control and body tracking controls are also apparently being investigated.

A release date for the headgear is expected to be established for the second half of 2022 at the earliest.

According to a hint from Apple’s Greg Joswiak, something else might make its debut on March 8 during the company’s event. Whether or whether this is the long-rumored VR/AR headgear or Apple Glasses is still up in the air.

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The cost of an Apple Glasses

Currently, the Apple Glasses are selling for $499, plus prescription expenses, according to Prosser. Compared to Microsoft’s Hololens 2 and other augmented reality headsets, this may appear modest.

The $3,500 price tag of the Hololens 2 is mostly due to the fact that the headgear contains all of the technology necessary to power the AR experience.

In contrast to Hololens, which relies on a separate processor, Apple Glass will be powered by an iPhone, resulting in a far simpler design. With a built-in camera and Alexa connectivity, it will operate more like the Vuzix Blade smart glasses.

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The Vuzix Blade, on the other hand, begins at $799. (opens in new tab). Apple’s entry-level wristwatch costs as much as some of the company’s highest-specced smartwatches, making it much more affordable.

Features of the Apple Glasses: What they will truly do

You will be able to see information from your phone on your face thanks to the Apple AR Glasses, a Bloomberg article claims. It is envisaged that the eyewear will show information such as text messages, emails, maps, and games in the wearer’s field of vision when connected to an iPhone.

As for third-party apps, Apple is planning a dedicated app store in the same way that Apple TV and Apple Watch apps are available.

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An Apple patent has further fueled the speculation that Apple Glass would not require prescription lenses(opens in new tab), since the smartglasses will automatically adapt for persons with impaired vision using a “optical subassembley.”. There are two possibilities here: either an Apple smartglasses sequel or an independent mobile phone powered VR headset.

(Image credit: Apple/USPTO)

There is also speculation that Apple may deploy a projection-based device that beams visuals straight into the user’s eye in a new patent application. Apple might avoid the use of any form of transparent display in this fashion.

Using the beam, you won’t have to worry about displays that may also serve as prescription lenses because it will keep the image sharp at all times. Predictably, folks who require standard prescription eyeglasses will still be able to use these frames.

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According to the patent, this method circumvents many of the potential difficulties associated with VR and AR. Many of the symptoms, such as headaches, nausea and eye strain, are caused by the brain attempting to focus on distant things while they’re actually just a few centimetres away. To eliminate these issues, it is advisable to employ retinal projection, which better replicates how the eyes actually see light.

On the fly backdrop changes, akin to zoom, are described in a new Apple glass patent. When it comes to color-keying, the patent specifies the process of substituting a solid colour background with an alternate one.

Headsets may “format camera pictures, identify colour ranges in the virtual material, and combine them into a composite.”

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In a similar vein to Google’s Street View, an Apple Glass patent shows how you may see areas of the world you’d like to. However, this perspective would be displayed on the Apple Glass lenses instead of a screen. In addition, you may go to other regions via digital teleportation.

Although Apple Maps already offers a similar function called “Look Around,” this would be a far more immersive experience with the use of Apple Glasses.

(Image credit: idropnews/Martin Hajek)

As Zoom does, the Apple Glass may be able to allow you modify the backdrop of a photo on the fly.

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It has been speculated that the depth sensors in Apple Glass might improve your night vision, according to one of Apple’s most outlandish patents.

Apple has patented various smart rings that might let the Glasses better track your finger and hand motions. Not only would this eliminate the requirement for many external sensors, but it may also improve the accuracy of the system.

Apple Glasses will be able to respond to what the user is holding in their hands thanks to the rings’ ability to discern what they are. If you’re using an Apple Pencil, the glasses will detect your movements and convert them to text.

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Privacy eyewear” is mentioned in a new Apple patent, which suggests that Apple Glasses might be used to keep the contents of an iPhone’s display secret.

According to the patent, an iPhone’s screen would be obscured and only be able to be seen properly with a set of Apple smart glasses.

A “un-intimidating” pair of plastic glasses is said to be the latest Apple Glass prototype, although marketing materials imply a Clark Kent-like style.

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Because of privacy concerns, it features a LiDAR scanner on the right temple, but no additional cameras (although that could change.) Plastic stands with wireless chargers included with the glasses.

Apple Glass’s design will undoubtedly be influenced by its role as an iPhone accessory. There is a good chance that the glasses will be lighter and more comfy than your Ray-Ban aviators.

The initial iteration of Apple Glass will not include a coloured option. For the time being, you’ll have to stick with your old-fashioned sunblock. The corporation may, however, consider expanding its offers if Apple Glass becomes popular.

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It’s possible that Apple Glass has a modular feature as well. Swapable limbs might be part of the alleged mixed reality glasses, each serving a separate role.

According to Ross Young, a display analyst, Apple Glass may employ Sony OLED panels for augmented reality.

Specifications of the new Apple Glasses

Based on existing technology, we can make educated guesses as to what the Apple Glass will look like. When it comes to resolution and field of view, for example, it will at least match the Hololens 2’s.

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Rather of showing 2D floating notifications or maps like Google Glass, it’s realistic to anticipate the Apple Glasses to link directly to the iPhone through a dedicated Wi-Fi connection if Apple intends to build a true augmented reality solution.

You’ll need far more bandwidth than Bluetooth can supply if you want to process footage collected by your glasses’ cameras and transmit back 3D imagery to your glasses at 60 frames per second or more (120 frames per second is ideal), so you’ll need a lot more bandwidth than Bluetooth can provide.

It’s safe to assume that users will be more tolerant regarding battery life if Apple includes a wireless charging glasses case similar to the one that came with the Apple AirPods, which can prolong its operational duration throughout the day.

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Apple Glasses realityOS

Patently has uncovered an example of this Bystanders who don’t want to be captured on camera can be made aware of the fact that they’re being recorded by Apple Glass in a variety of ways.

Apple is considering removing the camera module as an alternative. Additionally, “the modular accessory would also allow venues such as pubs and theatres to prohibit the modular accessory while still permitting the HMD frame (without attachment) to enter the venues,” according to a patent document.

Like the first smart glasses, Apple envisions employing LEDs to show whether the gadget is recording, although this might result in the camera simply not working.

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The camera’s lights pulse in an encrypted pattern, and the lens captures reflections from the recorded surroundings, according to the patent. According to the patent, if the camera is unable to identify the pattern, recording may be disabled.

To round out the camera options, Apple recommends an alternative in which the camera is permanently integrated into the frame, but it cannot be used without a modular key.

Apple Glasses wish list: What we want

Apple appears to be giving a customised operating system for a new device form factor, based on “realityOS” references found in App Store upload logs by eagle-eyed developers.

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Though nothing is known about this upcoming software, it seems reasonable that Apple would create a specialised operating system for its VR and AR devices. An operating system like this would probably be more in line with iOS than macOS.

We’d want a pair of spectacles that appear to be made of glass, similar to the ones seen in the concept art on this page. Apple, I’m sure, has the same goal in mind. Nobody wants to wear AR glasses that look like a bunch of nerds.

Even if a heads-up display is appealing to some, the real strength of augmented reality lies in its complete 3D integration. Any iOS AR software that presently works on the iPhone should be compatible with the wearable device if Apple Glasses are to be a success.

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There should be enough battery life in the first version of Apple Glasses to last you through an average workday, assuming you’re not constantly using 3D AR applications and just occasionally checking notifications and 2D apps.

As new Apple Glasses rumours and leaks emerge, we will keep this page up-to-date. Please bookmark this page and return to it later.

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