With the release of the Apple Vision Pro, an Augmented Reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) headset, VR/AR headsets are showing us a glimpse of the tech future. No longer is virtual reality just about playing basic video games; the technology is getting much more advanced as the years roll on.
The Oculus Paves the Way
Before the birth of the Oculus Rift CV1, virtual reality in homes was just a dream. However, Oculus, which was later taken over by Meta (Facebook at the time), started the trend of PCVR gaming, and the technology has gone from strength to strength.
The Oculus has evolved into a standalone headset that can now be used anywhere. The Oculus Quest was the first truly mobile device, followed by the popular Quest 2. In October 2023, the Meta Quest 3 was unveiled. The latest version of Meta’s headset introduced consumers to Mixed Reality.
Mixed reality has opened a whole new world to VR video gaming. Gamers can now use their real-world environments to interact in virtual games, which has never been done before. Companies like Valve and Samsung have dabbled in virtual reality, but Meta (previously Oculus) has dominated the space for several years.
Along with games and experiences, players can also access various casinos and online slots in VR. Several virtual reality slots are available, and punters can play at roulette tables without leaving their homes. VR mobile games still have the same benefits, such as bonuses, high payouts, and free casino spins.
Apple: The Newest to Join VR Hype
Apple is usually the first out of the blocks when it comes to new consumer products. Look at the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch; the tech giant is constantly innovating. However, they were slow in the virtual reality race, standing back and watching from afar to see if home VR was just a fad or the next big thing.
In 2023, Apple announced a brand-new product in its tech line: the Apple Vision Pro. It will not come cheap, but Apple truly believes they are onto something special with their AR/VR goggles.
Hello Apple Vision Pro. pic.twitter.com/7vlOr938Ad
— Apple Vision Pro News (@AppleVisionPro) January 28, 2024
Most headsets are focused on gaming, and VR gaming is getting bigger and better as the technology thrives. However, Apple promises to offer far more than basic gaming with their state-of-the-art Vision Pro headset.
Apple Vision Pro owners can watch movies (including 3D ones) on screens bigger than they can fit in their homes. Vision Pro will have 3D apps for gaming, entertainment, and work. Headset owners can also step into their photos with spatial photos and videos shot on an iPhone.
While Vision Pro costs 7x more than Quest, I believe it’s 30x more valuable in terms of potential utility.
T-minus 3 days until Vision Pro launches. There’s been an increasing number of stories about competitors, including Meta’s Quest and Xreal (Alibaba-backed). These are…
— Gene Munster (@munster_gene) January 30, 2024
Of course, it remains to be seen whether Vision Pro can hit the mainstream for the average consumer. At a whopping price of around £3,499, it could take time for that to happen. However, the AR/VR headset, which offers more pixels than a 4K TV, has shown us a glimpse into the future of home technology, and Apple could be on to a winner.