Global tech giant Apple on Monday unveiled its newest product, Apple Vision Pro, the company’s first spatial computer that will integrate the real world with digital content.
The product will enable users to explore a wide array of applications that go beyond the boundaries of a traditional display, with a fully three-dimensional user interface that is controlled by “the most natural and intuitive inputs possible”: a user’s eyes, hands, and voice. This is all while remaining connected with others in the real world.
Apple adds that the Vision Pro will feature visionOS, “the world’s first spatial operating system”, which will give users the opportunity to interact with digital content in a way that “feels like it is physically present in their space”. Apple CEO Tim Cook remarked that the product marks the “beginning of a new era for computing”, following in the footsteps of the Mac and the iPhone, both pioneers in the personal computing and mobile computing spaces, respectively.
This represents another development in research about the complex world of the metaverse. The metaverse is seen as the next iteration of the Internet, with it being a collection of three-dimensional virtual worlds where users can interact in real time through experiences that often would not be possible in the physical world.
Following the product’s unveiling, WhosWho.mt reached out to Metaverse Architects Partner Michael Cutajar, who is fascinated by the “rapid evolution of human society brought about by technological advances”, to learn more about what this means to the metaverse and technological development.
Metaverse Architects Partner Michael Cutajar / LinkedIn
“The Apple Vision Pro is truly a testament to Apple’s innovative spirit and commitment to advancing the technology industry,” he explained.
He pointed out that the way the device integrates different modes of interaction particularly “stands out” to him, as this holistic approach “enhances the level of immersion and intuitiveness, making the technology more accessible and engaging”. Mr Cutajar added that the use of Apple’s proprietary M2 and R1 chips also ensures silent operation and lag-free image streaming, representing a “significant leap in the realm of spatial computing”.
The Vision Pro allows users to make use of the space around them, with FaceTime calls being reflected in life-size tiles in the room around the user, while an advanced spatial audio system will enable them to enjoy three-dimensional movies from their own homes.
“The launch of the Apple Vision Pro signals an acceleration in the development and adoption of metaverse technologies,” he explained, before adding that the impact is “twofold”.
He stated that on one hand, advancements aligned with Moore’s law, an observation that an integrated circuit doubles about every two years. Powerful hardware is becoming “increasingly accessible”, thus fostering the creation of “more sophisticated and immersive experiences”. Globally, such technologies can also “boost a multitude of industries” ranging from “gaming and entertainment, to education and remote work”.
However, he also remarked that it is “essential” for companies like Metaverse Architects to “harness these developments responsibly”. “The goal should be to build solutions that contribute to the betterment of society, rather than causing upheaval,” Mr Cutajar explained.
Furthermore, he highlighted how despite the Vision Pro being an “innovative device” that will enable a “higher degree of integration” between the physical world and the metaverse, he believes that it “won’t replace our fundamental need for genuine social interaction”.
“We are social creatures by nature, and despite technological advancements, our need for meaningful human connection remains unchanged. The metaverse should be viewed as a tool for enhancing our experiences, not a substitute for them,” he stated.
Apple state that the Vision Pro’s price will start at $3,499 (€3,254.31) and will be available early next year on the company’s website and stores in the United States, with it arriving in more countries “later next year”.
This price is noticeably higher than those of other virtual reality (VR) headsets. The Meta Quest 2, seen as a value for money option, is priced at $299 (€278.20), while the HTC Vive Pro 2, one of the most advanced available products in the VR space, sits at $1,399 (€1,301.69).
Commenting on the “hefty” price tag, Mr Cutajar remarked that the Vision Pro seems to be targeting the “enterprise market, as well as high-end consumers who are early adopters of cutting-edge technology”.
“However, if we look at the trajectory of similar technological innovations, we can expect the costs to come down over time. In a few years, devices like the Vision Pro might become more common place, much like how smartphones have evolved from a luxury to a necessity today,” he concluded.
Mr Cutajar has worked at Metaverse Architects for over a year, combining his passions for both real estate and technology. The company describes itself as the “architectural firm for the metaverse”, designing and developing for different worlds to bring a company’s brand to the virtual world in a “playful and engaging” way.
Main Image:Apple Vision Pro / Apple
