When it comes to Apple’s augmented reality future, Tim Cook is really enthused.
Over the last several years, Apple has been heavily investing in AR technology. When it comes to Apple’s future intentions, Tim Cook has been outspoken in the past, and he’s just teased us with a few more specifics.
There have been a number of stories suggesting that Apple’s intentions extend beyond the greatest iPhones and iPads. Several clues have been circulating regarding Apple’s upcoming VR/AR headset, as well as the AR-focused Apple Glasses.
In response to a query regarding Apple’s position in the emerging metaverse industry, Cook hinted to Apple’s AR future during its Q1 2022 conference call. However, Cook noted that Apple “sees a lot of promise in this sector and are investing appropriately.” Cook didn’t confirm or deny anything.
Aside from this, Cook reaffirmed Apple’s past interest in anything that might be deemed metaverse-centric, noting that the App Store presently has 14,000 ARKit-apps that are used by millions of people.
Of course, there have been reports that Apple will not join the metaverse train. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has declared the metaverse “off-limits” and will not be tethered to the impending AR/VR headset.
Gurman’s sources believe that Apple’s initial AR/VR headgear is geared for short-term use—whether for communication, entertainment, or gaming—whereas the metaverse is designed to provide a virtual alternative to the actual world.
According to the rumour mill, Apple Glasses will be the next step in augmented reality with the release of the headgear. For all we know, it may just be an average pair of glasses, but with the ability to overlay virtual items over the actual environment on top of it.
Technology companies have been working on AR glasses for some time. The Magic Leap and Microsoft Hololens are two examples of this kind of headset. Is it possible for Apple to pull off what it is believed to be working on?
Apple, on the other hand, looks to be taking its time, as is customary. According to speculations, the AR/VR headset will be used to assist app developers to learn about AR before the Apple Glasses are released.
Because inadequate app support is a death sentence for any new product. There are already 14,000 ARkit applications available for download, which isn’t a terrible number, but it pales in comparison to the more than 2 million apps available for iPhones.
According to these claims, Apple hasn’t said anything about its ambitions for AR devices. Cook’s newest tease is all we have till the product is released publicly. It’s still not clear when that will happen..
According to Microsoft, the Microsoft Hololens 3’s demise has been grossly overstated, and the Apple AR/VR headset is expected to appear at the end of the year or early in 2023. The Apple Glasses, on the other hand, are even farther away. As a result, we’ll have to exercise some patience in both directions.
additional details
Apple’s long-rumored smart glasses for augmented reality are still a mystery, since there have been few reliable leaks or rumours about what the corporation is really working on.
The Apple Glasses, formerly known as Apple Glass, were expected to arrive sooner rather than later. Nevertheless, the likelihood is growing that we will have to wait for at least a few of years before they are made public.
Starboard (or glassOS) is a proprietary operating system that was discovered in the final version of iOS 13 and may be used by Apple Glasses. In code and text documents, the augmented reality framework appears several times, which suggests that Apple is testing activation and application. In any case, I’m ready to don my Apple Glasses now that I’ve seen this.
Apple Glass’s release date, price, design and specifications have all been speculated about.
Apple Glasses more details
A pair of augmented reality smart glasses Apple is said to be working on remains a mystery, since there have been few reliable leaks or speculated about the product.
For a long time, the Apple Glasses (formerly known as the Apple Glass) seemed like a near-certainty. Nevertheless, the likelihood is growing that we will have to wait for at least a few of years before they are made public.
As revealed in the final version of iOS 13, a proprietary operating system known as Starboard (or glassOS) might power Apple Glasses. In code and text documents, the augmented reality framework appears several times, which suggests that Apple is testing activation and application. This is what it will take for me to wear Apple Glasses, regardless of how I feel about it.
Apple Glass’s release date, price, design and specifications have all been speculated about.
Apple Glass isn’t expected to be available for purchase any time soon. Why? Because we may anticipate the first Apple AR/VR headset in late 2022 or early 2023.
After that, there would be the Apple Glass. Bloomberg and The Information first reported that the gadget will debut in 2023, but the rumours date back to 2019. Even within a few years, a lot may change.
Face-off: Apple Glasses vs. VR/AR Headsets from Apple
Additionally, Apple is working on a virtual and mixed reality headgear, which might be less complicated and ready for release sooner than Apple Glass.
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 stated 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.
Price 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. There have been rumours that the price of Apple’s headset will be between between $1,000 and $3,000 when it is released.
The Apple VR and mixed reality headgear is expected to profit from its own App Store, where users can access games, video streaming, and messaging applications. A physical remote and body tracking controls are apparently being tried as well.
A release date for the headgear is expected to be established for the second half of 2022 at the earliest.
The cost of Apple Glasses
Currently, Apple Glasses cost $499 plus prescription expenses, according to Prosser. At first glance, the Microsoft Hololens 2 and other similar augmented reality headsets may seem more expensive.
The $3,500 price tag of the Hololens 2 is mostly due to the fact that the headgear contains all of the hardware required 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. Smart glasses with a camera and Alexa integration, like the Vuzix Blade, will be more like the Vuzix Blade smart glasses.
Vuzix Blade, on the other hand, begins at $799. As compared to some of Apple’s most expensive smartwatches, Apple’s starting point is much more affordable at the same price.
a pair of glasses inspired by the Apple iPhone
Current Apple Glass prototypes are said to resemble “un-intimidating” plastic spectacles, although marketing brochures depict a more Clark Kent-like style.
Due of concerns about privacy, it only features a LiDAR scanner on the right temple (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.
A coloured version of Apple Glass is not planned for the first generation. For the time being, you’ll have to stick with your old-fashioned sunblock. Apple might broaden its product line if Glass becomes a success.
Additionally, it’s possible that Apple Glass will be modular in nature. The suspected mixed reality glasses may contain interchangeable limbs that each serve a certain purpose or perform a specific task.
According to display specialist Ross Young, the Apple Glass headgear might feature Sony OLED screens for augmented reality.
Specifications for the new pair of Apple spectacles
Based on existing technology, we can make educated guesses as to what the Apple Glass will look like. At the very least, it will share the Hololens 2’s 52-degree field of vision and 47-pixel-per-inch resolution.
Rather of showing 2D floating alerts 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 genuine augmented reality solution.
It seems unlikely that Bluetooth will be able to supply enough bandwidth for the iPhone to analyse and transmit back the 3D images collected by the glasses’ cameras at a frame per second rate as high as needed (a refresh rate of at least 60Hz and ideally 120Hz is ideal).
People are more tolerant if Apple gives a wireless charging glasses case that can prolong its operational duration throughout the day, as with the Apple AirPods, so we should anticipate at least a three-hour battery life if Apple wants to remain competitive.
Apple’s Glasses: Privacy and infringement of intellectual property rights
Patently has noticed this one. Bystanders who don’t want to be caught on camera may be warned about Apple Glass recording in a variety of ways.
Apple is considering making the camera module detachable as an alternative. Venues like as pubs and theatres might prohibit the modular component while still allowing the HMD frame to be used in such locations, according to the patent.
As with the original smart glasses, Apple envisions employing LEDs to indicate when the gadget is recording, although attempting to do so might result in the camera not working at all.
Camera lights might pulse in an encrypted pattern, catching reflections in the recorded surroundings, according to a patent application. According to the patent, if the camera is unable to identify the pattern, recording could be disabled.
Apple also offers a third alternative: a camera that is permanently integrated into the frame, but cannot be used until a modular key is connected to the frames.
Wish list for Apple Glasses: What We’d Like
Natural-looking spectacles: We would like some glasses that appear like the ones shown in these designs. I’m sure Apple is in the same boat. We don’t want AR eyewear that screams “geeky.”
Even while some people prefer just a heads-up display, complete 3D integration is where AR’s actual potential lies. The wearable Apple Glasses device must be able to run any iOS AR software presently available on the iPhone.
For an ordinary workday, Apple Glasses should be able to last at least 8 hours on a single charge, however this may not be possible in the initial iteration.
Apple Glasses wish list: What we want
We’d want a pair of spectacles that seem to be made of glass, similar to the ones seen in the concept art on this page. I’m sure Apple has the same goal in mind. Nobody wants to wear AR glasses that look like a bunch of nerds.
While some people prefer a heads-up display, complete 3D integration of AR is what really unlocks the potential of the technology. Any iOS AR software that presently works on an iPhone can operate on Apple Glasses, so long as you have a compatible iPhone.
For an ordinary workday, Apple Glasses should be able to last at least 8 hours on a single charge, however that may not be possible in the first iteration..