Tag: augmented reality

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Some Apple employees reportedly aren’t sold on its mixed reality headset

Apple’s often rumoured virtual reality/augmented reality (AR/VR) headset has been in the works for years, but some employees at the company reportedly still don’t think it’s ready.

According to a recent report from The New York Times, several Apple employees have left the project because they’re skeptical of the mixed reality (MR) headset’s potential for success, with its rumoured pricey $3,000 USD (about $4,000 CAD) cost a primary concern.

Apple is expected to finally reveal its upcoming headset at its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June, though there’s also a possibility its keynote and release could be pushed back again. While skepticism regarding entering a new product category is expected, The Times report notes that some Apple engineers even question the utility of the MR headset and are concerned that it lacks the killer app required to push the device.

“Some internal skeptics have questioned if the new device is a solution in search of a problem,” writes The New York Times. “Unlike the iPod, which put digital songs in people’s pockets, and the iPhone, which combined the abilities of a music player and a phone, the headset hasn’t been driven by the same clarity.”

The report goes on to say that despite these concerns, the mixed reality headset is still scheduled to launch in June and that “manufacturing is underway.” The device was also reportedly recently demoed to several Apple executives at the company’s Steve Jobs Theatre in California.

Leading up to the mixed reality headset’s release, several rumours have appeared about the device, including its ski goggle-like design, a Digital Crown-like dial that allows you to move in and out of VR, and swappable battery packs.

Source: The New York Times Via: MacRumors

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Latest Meta Quest 2/Pro update brings precise hand controls to the headset

While the Meta Quest 2 and Quest Pro virtual reality headsets already offer hand tracking that doesn’t require direct conroller input, it isn’t always very precise.

The latest update to the Quest’s operating system, v50, changes this by adding ‘Direct Touch,’ a feature that allows users to reach out and point to interact with a button. Previously, you needed to point at an object and then awkwardly pinch your fingers to select it, so this new form of interaction removes the additional, slightly awkward gesture from the equation to make things feel more natural.

Meta says Direct Touch works on virtual keyboards, allowing users to tap the headset’s floating keyboard directly without moving a cursor around with its controllers. Controls have always been an issue for VR headset manufacturers, and while physical controllers get the job done, their motion controls aren’t always very intuitive.

Though it’s still in the early stages, Meta seems to view gestures like Direct Touch as the future of interacting with its headsets’ virtual worlds.

The v50 update also adds app multi-tasking within games and apps to the Quest 2, a feature already offered by the Quest Pro. Meta says that the update is gradually rolling out “over the next few weeks.”

Meta is expected to reveal its rumoured Quest 3 virtual reality headset later this year

Image credit: Meta

Source: Meta

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Apple’s rumoured mixed reality headset could be called ‘Reality Pro,’ offer iOS-like features

More rumours about Apple’s virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) headset have appeared.

According to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, the often-rumoured VR/AR headset will feature an ‘iOS-like” operating system with “many functions” already available on the iPhone and iPad, making it “feel familiar to Apple users.” This includes a home screen with app icons that can be arranged and customizable widgets.

Gurman goes on to say that the headset — rumoured to be called the ‘Reality Pro’ — will allow wearers to see their Mac’s display in VR, while controlling it with a physical keyboard and trackpad/mouse (Apple is working on air typing but it reportedly won’t be available at launch). The headset’s “major selling point” will be external cameras that track the user’s hands and eyes, removing the need for a physical controller like Meta’s competing Quest Pro and Quest 2 use. This technology could give Apple a unique advantage in the mixed reality (MR) space — of course, if it actually works.

Other reported features include the ability to switch between AR and VR on the fly, overlaying virtual objects in the real-world and a pass-through feature that can be activated with a Digital Crown-like knob.

On the app side, Apple’s VR headset will reportedly feature FaceTime-like video chat and virtual meeting rooms, along with VR content from notable companies like Disney and Dolby. Apple TV+ content will also be optimized for the headset, says Bloomberg. Other compatible apps include Safari, Photos, Mail, Messages, Apple TV+, Apple Music, Calendar and Podcasts. There will also be an App Store that features third-party content and Siri compatibility.

According to the report, Battery life will reportedly come in at roughly two hours thanks to a swappable external battery pack. Those who wear glasses will also be pleased to learn that this report corroborates earlier rumours regarding custom lenses that sit directly within the headset.

Previous reports indicate Apple’s VR headset features dual Micro OLED 4k Displays and a price tag of roughly $3,000 USD (about $3,736 CAD).

Generally speaking, Gurman’s latest reporting regarding Apple’s MR headset backs up much of what The Information reported at the beginning of January, indicating that there’s likely at least some level of truth to these rumours.

While the tech giant’s plans could change once again given its VR/AR headset has been delayed multiple times, most rumours point to Apple’s VR headset launching at some point in 2023.

Source: Bloomberg Via: MacRumors

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Apple’s VR headset is reportedly behind schedule, won’t release until Fall 2023

It looks like Apple’s AR/VR (augmented reality/virtual reality) headset has hit another bump in its development.

According to often reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the rumoured mixed reality headset is now expected to release this coming fall. Kuo says that problems with software development tools and issues related to drop tests have pushed the headset out of its initial spring/summer WWDC release window.

Kuo goes on to say that the rumoured January media event for the VR/AR headset also likely won’t happen.

Earlier this week, The Information revealed an extensive report about Apple’s AR/VR headset, detailing its Digital Crown-like controls and the fact that it no longer features interchangeable headphones as initial rumours indicated.

Other rumoured features include a 120-degree field-of-view, dual 4K OLED displays, a 5nm CPU/GPU, and a dedicated image signal processor. The headset is rumoured to cost in the range of $3,000 USD (roughly $3,736 CAD) mixed reality headset.

Source: @mingchikuo Via: 9to5Mac

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Apple’s VR plans could include xrOS and realityOS platforms

Earlier this week reports emerged that Apple renamed its rumoured mixed reality headset platform to xrOS instead of realityOS.

Now, 9to5Mac‘s sources indicate that both names currently exist internally at Apple, with one being based on iOS (realityOS) and the other utilizing macOS (xrOS) as its foundation. It’s unclear what both platforms’ purpose will be or if they’ll be released to the public.

There’s a possibility that one operating system could reference Apple’s rumoured AR glasses, and the other is focused on its headset. Further, back in 2021 reports emerged hinting that Apple’s first mixed reality headset could be powered by an iPhone. Perhaps there are two versions of Apple’s AR/VR headset, including one that operates independently and another that requires the power of the iPhone.

Apple’s mixed reality headset has been in development for several years and is rumoured to cost about $3,000 USD (roughly $3,736 CAD), putting it in line with Meta’s high-end Quest Pro VR headset, which costs $2,299 in Canada. The headset is rumoured to feature a high-quality design focused on comfort, dual 4K displays and iris scanning technology.

Source: 9to5Mac

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Apple’s long-rumoured mixed reality headset will run on new ‘xrOS’

If countless rumours are accurate, Apple’s virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) headset will launch this Spring. Now, for the first time in several months, we’re starting to learn more about the device’s operating system.

According to Bloomberg’s often-reliable Mark Gurman, Apple’s mixed reality headset will run on a new operating system called “xrOS.” In the past, this operating system has been referred to as ‘realityOS,’ but it appears Apple has changed its name. Gurman says that the XR in xrOS stands for “extended reality,” which makes sense given the tech giant’s rumoured productivity goals for the headset.

Gurman goes on to say that Apple’s Pages, Keynote, Numbers, Notes and Apple News teams are involved in the project, hinting that the company has plans to launch its headset with several of its core apps. However, will anyone want to actually create a Keynote presentation inside a virtual reality headset? Probably not.

Bloomberg says that the trademark for xrOS has been filed by a shell company called Deep Dive LLC.

Apple’s mixed reality headset has been in development for years and is rumoured to cost $3,000 USD (roughly $3,736 CAD), putting it in line with Meta’s high-end Quest Pro VR headset, which costs $2,299 in Canada. The headset is rumoured to feature a high-quality design focused on comfort, dual 4K displays and iris scanning technology.

It’s unclear when the headset will finally release, but most rumours point toward early 2023.

Source: Bloomberg Via: 9to5Mac

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We might finally catch a glimpse of Apple’s rumoured VR headset in early 2023

A new report indicates Apple’s augmented reality/virtual reality headset will enter mass production in 2023.

Of course, it’s important to note that this information comes from DigiTimes, a publication with a relatively spotty track record. According to the report, based on the VR headset’s current manufacturing status, it will likely release in April 2023 following the start of mass production in March.

This backs a previous report from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman citing a similar production and release timeline.

DigiTimes says that the headset’s initial production run is expected to be limited to roughly 0.7 – 0.8 million units. Previous reports have indicated that the headset will have a price tag in the $3,000 USD range (roughly $3,736 CAD), making it even more expensive than Meta’s recently revealed Quest Pro.

Other rumoured features include dual 4K displays and a chip similar to Apple’s M2 processor, giving the headset ample power to push high-end virtual reality experiences. Some reports also indicate that the VR headset will be compatible with prescription lenses that magnetically attach to the device.

With 2022 almost over, we won’t have to wait long to finally learn more about Apple’s VR plans if this report is accurate.

Source: DigiTimes

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Ancestry Canada hosts free AR-powered wartime gallery for Remembrance Day

Ancestry Canada has created a special free immersive art gallery in Toronto to promote the artwork of famed Canadian painter Molly Lamb Bobak.

For the uninitiated, the Vancouver-born Bobak was the first Canadian woman artist to be sent overseas to document Canada’s efforts during World War II. During this time, she captured countless brave soldiers, including, in particular, Canadian Women’s Army Corps (CWAC).

Ancestry History Revealed event in Toronto

Image credit: George Pimentel

Now, through the power of augmented reality (AR), Ancestry Canada is bringing Bobak’s works to life as part of its “History Revealed” event.

Running until November 11th at 1153 Queen Street West, the gallery features over a dozen of Bobak’s paintings that you can interact with using on-site iPads or your own smartphone. Simply scan the numbered portrait and the actual artwork will pop up on your device. You’ll then have the option to receive background information on the given painting either through text or narration.

Ancestry Revealed

For example, the first portrait shows the CWAC as it parades through town, while the second shows how many women enlisting in the army had no idea what military life would be like. As someone who wasn’t aware of Bobak’s work prior to the event, I definitely learned a lot — not only about her, but the brave CWAC. My mum, who is big into genealogy and wartime remembrance, also really appreciated the exhibit.

Those interested can book their free slot here.

Here are this week’s hours:

  • Monday, November 7th — 5 to 9pm
  • Tuesday, November 8th — 5 to 9pm
  • Wednesday, November 9th — 5 to 9pm
  • Thursday, November 10th — 5 to 9pm
  • Friday, November 11th — 11am to 11pm

As part of the Remembrance Day commemorations, Ancestry Canada has also made its military records free for all online until November 11th.

In related news, the Royal Canadian Legion and Legion National Foundation are once again offering Canadians the opportunity to design their own virtual poppy in support of Canadian veterans and their families. You can learn more about that here.

Header image credit: Molly Lamb Bobak (via Canadian War Museum)

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Google testing AR glasses prototype in Canada, likely with Focals’ tech

Google has announced it’s expanding its real-world augmented reality (AR) testing to Canada in November.

The tech giant says that this “small-scale testing” features devices that “look like normal glasses with an in-lens display.” Tests include translating, speech transcription and navigation. The real-world tests will be handled by Google employees in Waterloo and Toronto, Ontario, according to the company’s blog post.

Google launched its real-world AR testing in August in the U.S. with a “few dozen Googlers and select trusted testers.”

“In November 2022, we will extend this small-scale testing with select Googlers in Waterloo and Toronto, Canada under the same privacy and safety measures originally outline,” wrote Google in the blog post. The company’s FAQ on privacy can be found here.

It’s worth noting that Kitchener-Waterloo was the home of North and its Focals AR glasses. Google acquired North in 2020, but the company has been relatively quiet about its plans for the technology the Canadian company was working on since the acquisition.

While I was impressed with North’s Focals in 2019, the glasses were very limited in their field-of-view. For example, to view the Focals’ heads-up display, you needed to have the glasses situated very specifically on your face and look in a particular location on the lens. Slight movements would entirely ruin the AR effect.

The last time Google showed off anything related to VR/AR glasses was at I/O 2022 where the company revealed a pair of translation glasses it’s currently developing.

Source: Google Via: 9to5Google 

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Apple’s rumoured VR headset might let you make payments with your eyes

Given you can already validate payments with Face ID, Apple’s facial recognition system on iPhone, it’s not surprising the tech giant’s often-rumoured virtual reality/augmented reality (AR/VR) headset could utilize iris scanning technology for logins and payments.

According to The Information, which cites two people familiar with the headset, the iris scanning system aims to make it easier for the wearer to use the headset with their own accounts. Though still unconfirmed, this could be a key factor that separates the device from the recently announced Meta Quest Pro. If you’ve used the Oculus Quest 2, you’ll know how finicky it can be to log into accounts or make payments with its motion controller.

Meta’s Quest Pro, which costs an astounding $2,299, features cameras inside it that track the user’s face motion and eyes. The Information says that Apple’s headset will take this approach one step further with downward-facing cameras that capture the users’ legs.

Apple’s mixed reality headset has been in development for years and is rumoured to have a $3,000 USD price tag (roughly $3,736 CAD).

Finally, The Information says that Apple’s VR headset will be lighter than the Meta Quest Pro and that it will feature mesh fabric, aluminum and glass in an effort to look more high-end. The headset will likely be powered by a chip similar to Apple’s M2 processor, and reports indicate it will be compatible with magnetically attachable prescription lenses.

It’s unclear when Apple’s mixed reality headset will finally release, but most rumours point to 2023.

Source: The Information Via: 9to5Mac