Apple mixed-reality headset to take aim at the metaverse

Apple is expected to show off the spicy mixed-reality headgear at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday, challenging the Facebook-owned Meta to market so far.

The iPhone maker has remained mum on reports that it is set to unveil a headset for augmented or virtual reality experiences at its annual jamboree for developers and app designers.

This will be the most important product to be launched by the iconic iPhone maker since it unveiled the Apple Watch in 2015.

It could also invite more tension between Apple CEO Tim Cook and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, who have struggled to handle their vast tech empires, particularly over data issues and China relations.

Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said in a note to investors that expectations are high that Apple will use the WWDC stage to spot a “Reality Pro” headset priced at around $3,000, as well as custom-built software for the Gear. .

“We believe that Apple’s Reality Pro will come with multiple apps and use cases,” Ives said.

Cook is also expected to talk about the company’s strategy when it comes to artificial intelligence, which has been in the news since startup OpenAI released ChatGPT late last year.

The headset has been in development at Cupertino-based Apple for years, according to Ives, and will focus on gaming, streaming video and conferencing, as well as health and fitness.

It is also expected to sync closely with other Apple devices, following the company’s strategy of using premium hardware to lock customers into other products and services.

Youri Wurmser, principal analyst at Insider Intelligence, said, “By all reports, Apple was expected to release a product that felt more like designer glasses than a gaming headset, but it’s releasing something much heavier. ”

“It wants to get its devices into the hands of early adopters and developers, who will begin to build a[mixed reality]ecosystem around the Apple software.”

A Bloomberg report describes the headset as a high-tech pair of ski goggles that will display the wearer’s eyes and facial expressions on an external screen.

Just days before Apple’s event, Meta rolled out its line of Quest virtual reality headgear.

Zuckerberg said a new generation Quest 3 with improved performance and a slimmer design would be available later this year for a starting price of $500.

The Facebook founder described the upcoming model as Meta’s “most powerful headset yet” and promised it would offer the best wireless way to experience virtual reality.

metaverse bound

Zuckerberg has been adamant that Meta is dedicated to building a future in which Internet life plays out in virtual worlds called the Metaverse.

“Meta has been the dominant VR manufacturer over the past several years, thanks to its affordable Quest devices,” Wurmser said.

But Meta’s experience with the Metaverse has been humbling despite being a leader in the emerging field, and many questioned whether Apple would finally jump in.

And less than two years after changing its name to Meta to reflect a Metaverse priority, the Facebook giant has furloughed thousands of employees and vowed to get back to its social media basics.

Meta’s false start follows the failure of Google Glass, the search engine giant’s decade-long effort that was put on hold for good in March.

© 2023 AFP