Apple’s mixed reality headset can use FaceTime avatars with legs and feet

Mark Gurman reveals new information about Apple’s mixed reality headset. This Reality Pro headset would be very, very interesting.

Apple is expected to unveil the highly anticipated mixed reality headset in the coming months. The device is said to have been in development for several years now, and it will be the first new product category since the Apple Watch launched in 2015. A number of details emerged after the initial rumors, but today Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reveals some additional information about this helmet, which can be called the Reality Pro.

Mark Gurman Reveals New Information About Apple’s Mixed Reality Headset

It will be a standalone device with an interface similar to that of an iPhone or iPad, with the ability to pin widgets to the home screen. It can also serve as an external display for a connected Mac. According to the report, in addition to Siri commands, it will also be possible to use a Mac, iPhone or iPad keyboard to enter text on the “xrOS”operating system. Apple is also reportedly working on allowing users to use their hands, as seen in many sci-fi movies.

While health tracking is important to this headset from then on, and it will be possible to install third-party apps, the focus will be on VR video with support for Apple TV+ content. Apple is said to have even discussed VR content with Disney, Dolby and other partners. Users could watch their videos on virtual screens in any environment they chose, and AirPods or other compatible headphones took advantage of spatial audio for an immersive experience.

The main selling point of this headset may be Apple’s approach to hand and eye tracking. Thanks to on-board sensors and cameras, the owner’s hand and eye movements could be fully analyzed. This will allow you to select an element (such as an icon or button) by simply looking at it and pressing your thumb and forefinger to trigger an action. If it worked, there would be no need for controllers like the competition. You can even turn on the front screen to display the user’s eyes.

The device will support virtual reality and augmented reality with the ability to switch from one to another using a digital crown, like on the Apple Watch. Meta’s latest headset, the Quest Pro, allows it to be used in color rendering mode for augmented reality. Apple should offer roughly the same thing.

Apple would not forget about those who wear glasses. The Cupertino-based company could offer custom goggles that fit perfectly on a helmet for ease of use.

This Reality Pro headset would be very, very interesting

One intriguing aspect of the headset that isn’t talked about much is single-person FaceTime call control. Until now, it was assumed that the other member would be displayed as an icon or Memoji. IF this should be the case for single-member group calls, if both have a Reality Pro headset, FaceTime will offer a realistic digital version of their face and body.

All of these features are subject to change as the headset’s release is months away. However, Reality Pro will run on the M2 chip. The second, the “reality processor”, must manage all the graphics and mixed reality capabilities.

Unlike competitors, Apple will use aluminum, glass and cushions similar to those used in AirPods Max in its headphones. However, the battery must not be built into the device. According to Mark Gurman, this will be an external element connected by a cable that will be placed in a pocket. With a fan, this will prevent overheating and battery life will be about two hours.

Apple may have disclosed the price of this device in the spring, before the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, for marketing in the fall. The cost, however, may be prohibitive for many stakeholders. Rumors have long been talking about a price around $3,000, double that of the Quest Pro.

That’s a big bet for Apple, which is about to try to enter a market not yet very popular with the public. A report by Mark Gurman says that the Cupertino-based company expects to sell about 1 million units in its first year, and the giant expects this first generation to be unprofitable. Another version, sold for around $1,500, is in preparation, but the final one won’t arrive until late 2024 or early 2025. This model may drop 4K Reality Pro screens to reduce cost.