Virtual Reality

Apple unveils its augmented-reality headset, the Vision Pro

It’s the next big thing

Published

June 6, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

Around the world, those who continuously keep tabs on Apple’s future has let out a sigh of relief. During WWDC 2023, Apple finally launched its much-awaited and much-delayed augmented-reality headset. Finally, meet the Apple Vision Pro.

What can the Vision Pro do?

Apple’s next big thing is an augmented-reality headset which users can control with their eyes, hands, and voice. As Tim Cook states in his keynote, the device will define the company’s next step: spatial computing.

The Vision Pro will turn the user’s surroundings into an infinite canvas. Responding to hand movements, users can enlarge and move apps and widgets with a pinch. The apps on the platform will act as real objects which respond to surrounding light and cast shadows.

To increase immersion, the Vision Pro has Environments, a new feature which turns the user’s surroundings into immersive scenes — effectively blocking out distractions. The device itself has a digital crown which controls how immersive the Environment will be.

Now, while immersion is a focus, the Vision Pro will allow users to continue seeing into what’s around them. Even if immersion is set to a max, any person approaching the user will break through the system. A feature, EyeSight, will allow others to see into the inside of the display so they can see the user’s eyes.

What’s under the hood?

Now, under the hood, the Vision Pro features an entirely new design. Each eye will feature 23 million pixels capable with HDR and color fidelity. The optical inserts, with a three-element lens, were built in partnership with Zeiss. It will have audio pods positioned near the ears built with dual drivers to deliver spatially accurate audio.

To capture the user’s surroundings, the device will have twelve cameras, five sensors, and six microphones.

For performance, the device will boast two M2 chipsets and a brand-new chipset, the R1. Naturally, the two M2 chips deliver impressive performance. However, the R1 chipset, running in parallel, will drastically reduce lag between processes, essentially eliminating motion sickness normally attributed to VR headsets.

The design, built with a custom aluminum alloy, carefully wraps around the face. A soft textile flexes and conforms to the individual. Around the frame, the device has a digital crown for navigation and immersion, and a sensor to analyze the user’s surroundings. A thermal design draws air in and out of the system to reduce heat. Finally, speaking of reducing, the device will have a separated, high-performance battery dangling on a wire to reduce weight.

For software, the device introduces the new visionOS for a new platform. It comes with its own App Store with dedicated apps and optimized ones from the iPad and the iPhone. Optic ID adds in security by using the user’s irises to unlock the platform — much like Face ID.

Price and availability

Because the technology is entirely new, the Vision Pro does not come cheap. It will sell for US$ 3,499 and will ship out early next year.

News

Leaks reveal Samsung’s upcoming XR headset

Google is still working on the software

Published

August 16, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

Image source: VRTUOLUO.CN

Earlier this year, Apple finally revealed its upcoming augmented-reality headset called the Apple Vision Pro. Though unreleased, the headset will likely kickstart a race to compete against Apple. If a rumored leak is true, Samsung is already progressing well on its own headset.

Via UploadVR, a few leaked images from a Chinese outlet have reportedly spoiled what Samsung’s upcoming headset will look like. According to the leaks, the unnamed headset doesn’t look that different from the standard fare of headsets available today.

Much like the Meta Quest series, Samsung will use four tracking cameras — one on each corner of the headset. However, setting itself apart from current standards, the headset will follow in Apple’s footsteps by relying on hand- and eye-tracking for user input.

Inside, the Samsung headset will reportedly sport the Exynos 2200 processor. Though it’s not the most updated processor out there, it’s a big boost for a wearable headset.

Samsung confirmed the headset’s development back in February. The company called it a new Extended Reality experience or XR. While hardware was a mystery at the time, Google was already penned as the official developer of the headset’s software. Software will play a big role in competing against Apple. When the Apple Vision Pro was announced, it heralded its own ecosystem apart from Apple’s smartphone and tablet offerings.

News

Unity launches beta program for Apple Vision Pro

Apple, Unity work closely

Published

July 23, 2023

GadgetMatch

Unity, a leading real-time 3D content creating platform, has launched its beta program for Apple Vision Pro’s visionOS. The program includes access to Unity PolySpatial.

With Vision Pro integration, Unity users can create experiences that run in visionOS and leverage the features of Apple’s spatial computer.

Existing creations can also be ported to visionOS and may be previewed from the Unity Editor directly Vision Pro.

New workflows make it more intuitive to blend content seamlessly with the physical world; tools for input provide various ways to control content using just eyes and hands on Vision Pro as well.

One project that has utilized Vision Pro is Triband’s What The Golf? game, which is part of its What The…? game series.

As announced earlier, 3D developers may now be able to enjoy tools and technologies with Vision Pro, through its visionOS software development kit (SDK).

Developers will still be able to build using Xcode, SwiftUI, RealityKit, ARKit, and TestFlight, while leveraging the advantages of the Vision Pro.

WATCH: Apple Vision Pro First Impressions

Gaming

Perp Games announces 8 titles for PSVR 2

Sports, horror, adventure, more

Published

June 26, 2023

GadgetMatch

Perp Games has announced eight new titles for PlayStation VR2, with seven to be gradually released throughout the rest of the year and another one to be made available in 2024.

To be released in both digital and physical formats in 2023 are:

Dyschronia: Chronos Alternate. Episode 3 (July 13)
VR Skater (July 21)
The Light Brigade (Summer 2023 – physical only)
Tennis On-Court (2023 Q3)
Happy Funland (2023 Q3)
MADiSON VR (Halloween 2023)
Pneumata VR (Late 2023)

Completing the cast in physical format next year is Wanderer: The Fragments of Fate (late 2024).

Dyschronia Episode 3

The third of the anime-style sci-fi crime investigation, Dyschronia Episode 3 releases on July 13. A 3-episode bundle is also available for those who still haven’t gotten Episode I and Episode II.

VR Skater

VR Skater is a street skateboarding game set in urban environments. Players can now Wishlist it via the PlayStation store.

For now, it is available as an early access PC game via Steam, before it is released on PlayStation VR2 on July 21.

Tennis On-Court

Closest to the real thing, Tennis On-Court supports multiple modes, including single player, versus AI, 2v2 multiplayer, and arcade. It may be added to your Wishlist as early as now.

Gamers can choose from multiple rackets with different characteristics, six different stadiums, and five assists to help you perform, as well as spectator mode should you want to watch your friends.

Happy Funland

Happy Funland is a VR horror experience that combines immersive cinematic storytelling with dramatic interactive gameplay, without having to leave your place.

There will be thrilling rides, puzzles, and fighting against robots. Just be mindful of the real world as you might get too carried away.

MADiSON VR

A winner of the scariest game ever, MADiSON is being remade in VR form, giving players an entirely new experience.

The game engine is being reworked to make the title ideal for VR, as seen in its latest trailer which features graphic improvements.

Pneumata VR

Players assume the role of homicide detective David Hernandez in Pneumata VR, which is set in a small town deep in the Missouri countryside where a series of murders have happened at the old Clover Hill Apartments.

Hernandez, widowed by his wife, will put the matter into his own hands and investigate the mysteries in the game, which is complemented by disturbing and brutal gameplay for a survival horror theme.

The Light Brigade

Funktronic Labs is bringing the action shooter to the VR world, where a realistic roguelike gunplay can be expected.

Players can also get the special retail pack, which shall contain two physical Tarot Cards inspired by in-game cards.

Wanderer: The Fragments of Fate

Lastly, Wanderer: The Fragments of Fate is the remake of the critically acclaimed time travel adventure game Wanderer.

For those who want a different adventure, this title lets players walk in the footsteps of those who have gone before them, transporting themselves to different ages while they discover rich worlds and try to solve mind-bending puzzles to rewrite the past and reshape the future.