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Apple’s Anticipated Mixed-Reality Headset Might Only Work If You Have An iPhone
By Alexa Heah, 03 Sep 2021
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Image via DenPhotos / Shutterstock.com
Rumors have emerged that Apple is working on virtual reality (VR) headset, which will display a 360-degree 3D digital environment for gaming, viewing, and communicating.
It’s also likely to have some augmented reality (AR) features, according to an earlier report by Mark Gurman for Bloomberg.
As Apple goes up against Facebook’s Oculus and Sony’s PlayStation VR, its mixed-reality headset is touted to be far more high-end. While competitors’ headsets sell for US$300 to US$900, speculated prices of Apple’s could start at a staggering US$3,000.
Now, new details have surfaced that the headset would potentially support dual 8K displays for each eye. It’ll also contain a LiDAR sensor, which already features in the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro.
An updated report from The Information said it won’t be used completely independently, as it’ll need to be wirelessly connected to an iPhone or Apple device.
This could be due to the headset being powered by five-nanometer AR/VR chips, which lack the neural engine needed to support all AI capabilities. It will most probably require communication with a host device, in order to make use of the host’s computing power to display VR and AR images.
According to Input, Apple’s headset will stand out from competitors by offering better wireless data transmission, compression, decompression, and energy efficiency capabilities.
Plus, even though it’ll require a host device to access all its functions, there’s a chance the headset could still have limited functionality by itself.
With its hefty price tag and need for integration with other Apple products, the headset is likely to appeal to consumers who are already well-versed with the Apple ecosystem.
Production is rumored to be at least a year away, but it’s more or less confirmed the futuristic headset will be coming to Apple’s lineup in the near future.
[via Input, cover image via DenPhotos / Shutterstock.com]
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