Apple Is Apparently Skipping The Metaverse With Its New Mixed-Reality Headset
Apple is anticipated to make great strides in the world of augmented and virtual reality, with reports suggesting that it might even be Tim Cook’s final project before he retires as CEO. The company is believed to be taking its first steps in this major category with a mixed-reality headset, set to be announced as soon as this year.
Surprisingly, while other Big Tech conglomerates like Meta are leaping into the metaverse—an immersive virtual realm where users would be able to interact with each other, shop, fulfill remote work, complete everyday tasks, and more—the Cupertino giant has its reservations about enabling this second digital life. That’s according to the latest edition of the Power On newsletter by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who’s quickly become one of the more prominent names surrounding Apple leaks.
Lots of interest in my take on “Apple Reality” and the Metaverse https://t.co/ZmacFcOC9k pic.twitter.com/C4SNbFbULp
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) January 9, 2022
In his newsletter, Gurman said the metaverse is “off-limits” in Apple’s elusive mixed-reality gadget, and although the company has deliberated on making the headset an “all-day device” as well as the boons of building “a completely virtual world where users can escape to,” it is instead opting to provide shorter “bursts” of experiences in gaming, communication, and content access.
When it arrives, potentially in limited quantities this year, the purportedly lightweight gadget could be equipped with a LiDAR sensor to track the wearer’s hands, as well as deliver improved wireless data transmission and energy efficiency. However, earlier reports also state that the headset would not be usable as a standalone, and would require wireless connection with an iPhone or other Apple device to function properly.
[via AppleInsider and Engadget, cover photo 123069620 © Andreistanescu | Dreamstime.com]
