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Tag: apple vision pro

  • Google and Samsung’s first Android XR headset is the $1,800 Galaxy XR

    We’ve known for a while that the first extended reality (or XR) headset from Samsung and Google would debut in 2025. During an event on Tuesday night, Samsung at long last shared more details about the first Android XR device that you’ll be able to purchase.

    The company got really wild and original with the headset’s name. You’re truly not going to believe what it’s called… Actually, it’s got the most unsurprising name of all time: Galaxy XR. What’s more, you can buy the headset right now in the US and Korea for $1,800. That’s just over half of what the Apple Vision Pro costs.

    Samsung

    The first Android XR device is here, and it’s Samsung’s $1,800 Galaxy XR headset.

    $1,800 at Samsung

    Aside from an Android-powered headset that looks very much like an Apple Vision Pro, you might be wondering exactly what you’ll be getting in return for forking over 1,800 smackeroos. As expected, Galaxy XR is powered by the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset. Qualcomm worked with Samsung and Google on the headset.

    The micro OLED display has 29 million pixels (6 million more than the Apple Vision Pro), a resolution of 3,552 x 3,840 and 96 percent of the DCI‑P3 color gamut — four percent more than the Vision Pro. Where Apple does have Samsung beat on the display front is with the refresh rate: the Galaxy XR tops out at 90Hz and the Vision Pro can hit 120Hz.

    Galaxy XR has dual high-res passthrough cameras to support mixed reality use, six other external cameras for tracking things in the environment and two eye-tracking sensors. The device supports iris recognition for unlocking the headset and entering passwords in some apps. As with the Vision Pro, you can capture 3D photos and video using the headset.

    A look at the Galaxy XR headset from behind, with the device's optical lenses shown.
    Sam Rutherford for Engadget

    The cameras allow for hand tracking and gesture control, though it’s possible to operate Galaxy XR with physical controllers as well. If you prefer, you can pair a keyboard and mouse to the headset or link it to your PC and access your desktop that way.

    The dual speakers support Dolby Atmos and there are six microphones built in. As for battery life, Samsung says you’ll get up to two hours of general use and 2.5 hours of video playback on a charge. That matches the original battery life promises of the original Vision Pro, but Apple said its latest model (which has the new M5 chipset) offers an extra 30 minutes or so of usage.

    The interpupillary distance of the Galaxy XR’s optics is 54~70mm, and it’s possible to buy insertable prescription lenses if needed. As for connectivity, the headset supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Even with a forehead cushion attached, Galaxy XR weighs 545g (1.2lbs), while the latest Apple Vision Pro has a minimum weight of 750g (1.7lbs). The Galaxy XR’s battery pack — as with competitor’s offerings, the battery is external — weighs 302g (0.7lbs).

    Samsung claims the Galaxy XR was designed with comfort in mind. “The headset’s ergonomically balanced frame distributes pressure across the forehead and the back of the head, minimizing facial discomfort while providing steady support,” the company said in a press release. There’s also a detachable light shield that you can employ to block out external light.

    The Coliseum in Rome in Google Maps XR

    What you can actually do with Galaxy XR

    There are no prizes for guessing that Google’s generative AI chatbot Gemini is at the heart of Android XR. “Android XR is the first Android platform built entirely for the Gemini era, and we are incredibly excited to take a significant leap forward today with the launch of Galaxy XR,” Sameer Samat, Google’s president of Android Ecosystem, said.

    Every Google Play Store app works out of the box on the headset, though of course Google has reworked some for mixed reality. You can use Gemini to navigate Google Maps and ask for personalized recommendations while checking out 3D visuals with Immersive View. Google Photos can bring an extra dimension to 2D photos and videos via auto spatialization.

    On YouTube, you can ask Gemini to find videos and tell you more details about what you’re watching. And, while using the passthrough mode, you can look at any object in your environment and use Circle to Search to look up more info about it. Google has also made new versions of Google TV, Chrome and Meet (because what is mixed reality for if not conference calls?) for Android XR.

    Multitasking is a factor here as well. The operating system allows users to have multiple, resizable apps open at once. These can be arranged in a virtual space, or you can simply ask Gemini to do that for you.

    On the entertainment front, you’ll be able to stream shows and movies in 4K in a virtual theater setting. You’ll have access to a library of 180-degree and 360-degree VR content, and you can view 3D content via a “spatial” tab. Some streaming platforms have reworked their apps for Android XR, including Crunchyroll, HBO Max and Peacock.

    There’s a multi-view option for watching sports, with apps from the likes of MLB and Fox Sports available. With Adobe’s Project Pulsar (an immersive video editing app), you’ll be able to add 3D depth to videos and seemingly place captions behind subjects with ease, if that’s something you’re interested in.

    A side view of someone wearing the Galaxy XR headset.
    Sam Rutherford for Engadget

    Galaxy XR has games too. NFL Pro Era — an NFL-licensed virtual reality title that’s also on Meta Quest, PlayStation VR and Windows — is available for Android XR. So too is Inside [JOB] by Owlchemy Labs (Vacation Simulator, Job Simulator). For compatible games, Samsung says Gemini can offer real-time coaching, tips and “enhanced gameplay experiences.”

    The arrival of Galaxy XR is an important next step for Google and its grand vision of an Android XR ecosystem. But the company isn’t stopping with headsets. It’s also making smart glasses, a product category that Meta has been trying to conquer. Samsung and Google are working with Warby Parker on Android XR smart glasses. At I/O earlier this year, we got some hands-on time with a prototype of Google’s Android XR glasses.

    Once again, Galaxy XR will run you $1,800, and Samsung is offering financing options. The Galaxy XR Travel Case and Galaxy XR Controller will each run you $250 — at those prices, they almost need financing options too. Ouch.

    Anyone who buys Galaxy XR by the end of this year will get an Explorer Pack at no extra cost. This includes 12 months of access to Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium and Google Play Pass. The NFL Pro Era, Project Pulsar, Calm and Asteroid apps are bundled in too. You’ll also get NBA League Pass access for the 2025-26 season in the US or 12 months of the Coupang Play Sports Pass in Korea. Charging $1 for each of the first three months of YouTube TV seems a little cheap considering the outlay for Galaxy XR, but it’s still a decent perk. YouTube TV typically costs $83 per month.

    Kris Holt

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  • Apple Vision Pro (M5) Review: The Crown of the Dorks

    The headset is faster, comfier, and better for gaming, but sorry, you’ll still look awkward.

    Kyle Barr

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  • Apple’s M5 Vision Pro Is a Lot More Powerful and Just As Expensive

    Apple’s Vision Pro is getting its first big upgrade since its release, and just like all the products Apple announced today, everything centers on the M5 chip. According to Apple, the introduction of the M5 brings quite a few benefits to the Vision Pro experience, including “10% more pixels on the custom micro-OLED displays,” which should equate to a sharper, better-defined viewing experience. A new 10-core GPU architecture will also enable ray tracing and very likely make gaming feel even more immersive, particularly when it comes to rendering light and shadow.

    On top of that, the M5 will bump the Vision Pro’s refresh rate to 120Hz, helping to reduce ghosting and make watching pretty much any experience involving lots of motion look even smoother. If you’re worried about AI performance, the M5 will also perform better on that front. Apple says native AI experiences like Personas and spatial video run 50% faster, which may not be the most important metrics in the world, but they will be a boon to those who don’t like waiting around for things to load. As you might expect from Apple silicon, the M5 sounds like a step up generation-to-generation, but it’s not just about performance; the chip is also bringing much-needed battery improvements.

    © Apple

    Apple says the M5 Vision Pro is rated for 2.5 hours of general use and three hours of video playback. That last one is especially important considering that the Vision Pro is still positioned as the best headset for long-form content thanks to its premium display. Speaking of wearing the Vision Pro for hours at a time, Apple is also introducing a new Dual Knit Band that has both upper and lower straps. That might not sound like the most mind-blowing upgrade, but having used the previous Vision Pro myself, I predict that extra support will go a long way, especially since the headset weighs between 600 and 650 grams. The band will also be sold separately for $99.

    One thing you won’t be getting in this generation is a discount. With the M5 and upgraded head strap, the price this generation will remain the same—which is to say, $3,500. That’s a heck of a lot of money for a headset, but if you’re in the market for a very expensive toy and have the cash to spare, this Vision Pro is shaping up to be the best, most performant one you can buy.

    You can preorder the M5 Apple Vision Pro starting today, and the headset hits shelves on Oct. 22.

    James Pero

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  • Apple Finally Found a Use for the Vision Pro—and It’s Smart Glasses

    The Vision Pro has had a rough go of it. Not only has it struggled to find an audience since its release in 2024, but recent reports indicate that Apple is abandoning a cheaper and lighter version to instead work on 2025’s hottest new gadget: smart glasses. If you’re reading between the lines and thinking “the Vision Pro is cooked,” I can’t say I blame you. But even if it is cooked, a new report suggests at least one facet could live on, and perhaps finally find its footing, in the new form factor.

    Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that visionOS, the Vision Pro’s operating system, will make its way to Apple’s rumored smart glasses (which Bloomberg reported it was working on earlier this month). On the one hand, duh. Using visionOS, the only Apple operating system designed for mixed reality, is an obvious choice, especially because the Vision Pro’s UI is easily one of its best and biggest selling points. But it’s not just a matter of porting things over, according to the report: There’s a twist.

    Per Bloomberg, visionOS on a pair of smart glasses will have two modes: one when it’s paired with your iPhone, which is stripped down and more useful on the go, and the other when your glasses are paired with—and this is where things get interesting—a MacBook. That’s another scarce detail about Apple’s very-much-in-development smart glasses, and it gives us a hint of how they might work.

    The decision to differentiate between modes suggests that Apple’s smart glasses could compete with not only existing glasses like Meta’s Ray-Ban Display, which have a simple UI for navigation, messaging, photos, videos, and phone pairing, but also bigger, more headset-like devices (such as the Vision Pro) that parallel a MacBook. What those more advanced capabilities could be is anyone’s guess, but Apple’s smart glasses, if the display is nice enough and the chip is powerful enough, could lean into entertainment, gaming, or other more compute-intensive, laptop-like features.

    Apple’s smart glasses may go above and beyond Meta’s Ray-Ban Display. © James Pero / Gizmodo

    There’s a potential hint about UI here, too. While Apple could very well tweak visionOS to conform to different input methods on a pair of smart glasses, the OS, in its current form, is suited for the Vision Pro’s UI, which combines hand and eye tracking for a novel “spatial computing” experience that uses pinches and other finger gestures. The resulting user experience feels genuinely more refined than those that competitors like Meta and its Quest 3/3S offer. Does that mean Apple’s glasses will use hand and eye tracking? Who’s to say? But if Gurman’s reporting is accurate, the foundation for an Apple-like smart glasses UI is there.

    No matter how this shakes out, one thing is clear: Though Apple may not see a ton of promise in the Vision Pro’s hardware, it clearly sees value in visionOS. And, to be honest, so do I. As responsive and novel as Meta’s Neural Band (the wristband that registers inputs into Meta’s smart glasses) is, needing to combine smart glasses with a wearable doesn’t feel ideal. If Apple can port the convenience and smoothness of visionOS to a pair of smart glasses (especially in a wearable-free way), it’s got a big leg up, and that’s not even taking into account the opportunities presented by Apple’s direct integration with iPhones and MacBooks. This is all to say is that it looks like Apple may have finally figured out what to do with the Vision Pro, and the answer is turning it into a pair of smart glasses.

    James Pero

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  • How Does Samsung’s First VR Headset Compare to the Vision Pro? These Leaks May Tell Us Everything

    If you’ve been eagerly anticipating Samsung’s Project Moohan VR headset, I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is, we now (probably) know just about everything there is to know about its upcoming Vision Pro competitor. The bad news? We still have no idea when we’ll be able to use one for ourselves.

    Thanks to a comprehensive leak from Android Headlines, we now know that “Project Moohan” is probably called the Samsung Galaxy XR in the official internal lingo. One thing that caught my eye about the Samsung Galaxy XR is that, unlike Apple’s Vision Pro, the headset will come with two controllers that look a lot like the ones Meta includes with its Quest 3 and 3S. Those will be coupled with an eye- and hand-tracking UI that operates like visionOS, the software inside Apple’s Vision Pro.

    Leaks also suggest that the Samsung Galaxy XR headset will indeed use a 4K micro-OLED display in each eye, which definitely pits it against the Vision Pro in the display department and solidifies its place as a cut above cheaper headsets like the Quest 3 and 3s. One area that it may excel in, if leaks are to be believed, is that it’s a little bit lighter than the Vision Pro, clocking in at 545 grams as opposed to 600 grams. That’s not a groundbreaking amount of weight to shed, but any improvement on the Vision Pro-level heft is welcome in my book.

    Here’s the Vision Pro for comparison. © Kyle Barr / Gizmodo

    Oh, and it looks pretty comfortable too. There’s a lot of padding on the inside bits that rest on your forehead, which feels important if you’re planning to wear it for longer periods. One of my least favorite parts of the Vision Pro is how it really weighs on your face and neck, so any added support is huge. Speaking of wearing a headset for long periods, Android Headlines’ leaks suggest that the Samsung Galaxy XR has a battery life of around two-ish hours, which puts it on par with the Vision Pro. Unfortunately, it’ll take an external battery pack to get there, though, just like the Vision Pro.

    There is one enormous detail that we don’t know yet, and that’s the price. Based on all of the almost-confirmed information we now have, I would imagine that this isn’t going to be a cheap headset. Will it be Vision Pro-level expensive? Hopefully not. I can’t think of too many people who would be excited to buy a $3,500 headset. That being said, rumors have suggested that it could land anywhere between $1,700 and $2,900. On either range, that’s a lot of money to pay for a headset, even if it’s as premium as leaks would suggest. Maybe Samsung will have more success selling Vision Pro-like hardware, but if I were a betting man, I’d bet that Project Moohan is going to be quite the project for Samsung indeed.

    James Pero

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  • Apple to release Vision Pro in international markets | TechCrunch

    Apple to release Vision Pro in international markets | TechCrunch

    Apple announced at WWDC 2024 that it’s making its Vision Pro headset available in eight new countries: China, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

    Apple will first release the headset in China, Japan and Singapore on June 28, with preorders starting June 13. The Vision Pro will be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany and the U.K. on July 12, with preorders starting June 28.

    Until now, the company has offered a headset for $3,499 in the U.S. Plus, developers could experience the Vision Pro in some locations worldwide.

    “The enthusiasm for Apple Vision Pro has been extraordinary, and we are thrilled to introduce the magic of spatial computing to more customers around the world,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said.

    “We can’t wait for more people to see the impossible become possible, whether working and collaborating with an infinite canvas for apps, reliving treasured memories in three dimensions, watching TV shows and movies in a one-of-a-kind personal cinema, or enjoying brand-new spatial experiences that defy imagination.”

    Apple also released VisionOS 2 on Monday with “spatialized” photos and support for trains in the travel mode.

    Ivan Mehta

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  • VR classics Job Simulator and Vacation Simulator come to Apple Vision Pro

    VR classics Job Simulator and Vacation Simulator come to Apple Vision Pro

    The Apple Vision Pro was marketed primarily as a productivity machine, but as any active VR user can tell you, it’s the games that sell these devices. Apple’s headset offers access to hundreds of games, but mostly as quick and dirty iPad ports that show up as a virtual screen in your field of vision. This, however, is starting to change.

    Developer Owlchemy Labs just announced that two of its marquee titles, Job Simulator and Vacation Simulator, are now available for the Apple Vision Pro. These aren’t iPad ports. Both games are fully immersive VR experiences that have been optimized for Apple’s headset. This means that controls have been mapped to hand-and-eye tracking. The AVP’s lack of a dedicated controller would absolutely hamper some pre-existing VR games, but these two should work perfectly.

    For the uninitiated, Job Simulator was one of the first “must have” titles in the VR space. It’s a hilarious riff on corporate culture that tasks players with designing a cubicle, making coffee and participating in all kinds of shenanigans. Vacation Simulator extends the tomfoolery to leisure, with a colorful beachside location, the ability to take picturesque hikes and, well, knitting. Players can also relax in a fake hot tub, splash in a fake sea and even get in some fake yoga.

    Job Simulator costs $20 and Vacation Simulator costs $30, which are the same prices as rival platforms like the Meta Quest Store and Steam. It’s good to know there isn’t an Apple Vision Pro tax, beyond the initial $3,500.

    Interestingly, developer Owlchemy Labs is actually owned by Google, which doesn’t really have a horse in the VR race. As for the Apple Vision Pro, the games and unique experiences are starting to appear. There’s an interactive story based on Marvel’s What If…? that releases on May 30 and the tabletop RPG Demeo hit the platform earlier this week. The sales numbers for the headset haven’t exactly been rosy, so we’ll see if that discourages companies from developing software for the platform.

    Lawrence Bonk

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  • Saucey Beer Goggles: Your Weapon for the Ultimate Night Out

    Saucey Beer Goggles: Your Weapon for the Ultimate Night Out

    The Saucey Beer Goggles are set to release soon, exclusively for the Apple Vision Pro.

    Hey there, party people! If you’ve ever wished for a magic potion to make your nights out even more epic, well, guess what? Your dreams are about to come true with Saucey Beer Goggles! Yep, you heard it right. Get ready to see the world through a whole new lens – one that promises to turn ordinary evenings into unforgettable adventures.

    Seeing Is Believing: Unveiling the Saucey Beer Goggles

    Picture this: you’re at your favorite bar, surrounded by friends and good vibes. But wait, what’s that? A shimmering glow catches your eye as you slip on your Saucey Beer Goggles. Suddenly, the room transforms, and everyone around you seems to radiate a newfound charm. That’s the magic of augmented reality at play, my friends!

    These sleek goggles, exclusively designed for Apple Vision Pro, harness cutting-edge technology to enhance your visual experience. With a sophisticated algorithm at its core, the Saucey Beer Goggles promise to upgrade your perception, turning those “7s” into “10s” in the blink of an eye. Now, who wouldn’t want a taste of that?

    Tech Meets Style: A Closer Look at Design and Features

    But hold your drinks, folks – it’s not just about what’s under the hood. Let’s talk design. The Saucey Beer Goggles aren’t just another piece of tech; they’re a fashion statement. Sleek, stylish, and oh-so-smooth, these goggles are bound to turn heads even before you flip the switch on their magical powers.

    And the features? Oh, they’re nothing short of mind-blowing. From simulating the effects of a couple of drinks (because we all know that’s when the real fun begins) to adding a touch of sparkle to your social interactions, these goggles are your ultimate wingman (or wingwoman). Just slip them on, and let the good times roll!

    Get Ready to Upgrade Your Nights: Availability and Pricing

    Now, I know what you’re thinking – where can I get my hands on these game-changers? Well, folks, the wait is almost over. The Saucey Beer Goggles are gearing up for their grand debut, and let me tell you, the excitement is palpable. So, mark your calendars and get ready to experience nightlife like never before.

    As for pricing, fear not, dear party animals. Saucey believes in spreading the love (and the fun), so you can expect these bad boys to be as affordable as they are irresistible. Because let’s face it – everyone deserves a taste of the magic, no matter their budget.

    Cheers to the Future: What’s Next for Saucey Beer Goggles?

    But wait, there’s more! Saucey isn’t just stopping at Beer Goggles – oh no. This is just the beginning of a whole new era in socializing. With plans to expand their AR/VR offerings and revolutionize the way we experience the world, Saucey is poised to be the ultimate companion for all your adventures, big or small.

    So, there you have it, folks – the scoop on Saucey Beer Goggles. Get ready to see the world in a whole new light, one beer goggle at a time. Cheers to epic nights and unforgettable memories!

    Al Hilal

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  • Sony Temporarily Pulls the Plug on PSVR2 Production

    Sony Temporarily Pulls the Plug on PSVR2 Production

    Photo: ESOlex (Shutterstock)

    Sony’s PlayStation VR 2 is barely a year old, and it appears it’s not catching on like the PS5 when it launched in 2020. There are so many PSVR2 headsets unsold that Sony put the production of new units on hold, according to a Bloomberg report Monday.

    Since its launch in Feb. 2023, Sony produced approximately 2 million PSVR2 units, each with a price tag of $550. However, the virtual reality headset has yet to take off with only 300,000 sold in the weeks after launch, as reported by Bloomberg last year.

    It doesn’t come as much of a surprise. The PSVR 2 is limited to just the PS5, which means it’s up to the console’s library to entice people into buying the expensive hardware. While the PS5 has some great games, there aren’t many VR games to get excited about. So far, the most recommended games for news PSVR2 owners are VR versions of games already released on the console such as Resident Evil Village, No Man’s Sky, and Gran Tourismo 7.

    There’s also the issue of the competition. The Meta Quest 3 comes at a slightly lower price point, but it works with PCs, opening it up to more games and applications. Then there’s the Apple Vision Pro, which at $3,500 is priced way higher than the PSVR2 but has taken up the spotlight in the mixed-reality space.

    Even with lackluster sales of its PSVR2, Sony did reveal a new “xtended” reality headset at this year’s Consumer Electronic Show back in January. The new hardware featuring a flip-up visor is a joint venture with Siemens. This headset, however, isn’t intended for gaming and instead targets businesses and professionals looking to model 3D environments.

    Oscar Gonzalez

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  • Surprise! Mark Zuckerberg thinks Quest 3 is better than Vision Pro | TechCrunch

    Surprise! Mark Zuckerberg thinks Quest 3 is better than Vision Pro | TechCrunch

    Mark Zuckerberg tried Apple’s Vision Pro headset and his verdict is that the Meta Quest 3 is a better product. Shocking, right?

    In a video posted on his Instagram account, recorded with Quest 3’s passthrough, the Meta CEO said before trying out the headset he thought that Quest 3 would provide better value to people as it is seven times less expensive than Apple’s $3,500 headset. But after his tryst with the Vision Pro, he thinks his company’s product is superior.

    “I don’t just think that Quest is the better value, I think Quest is the better product, period,” he said. “Different companies made different design decisions for the headsets, they have different strengths. But overall, Quest is better for the vast majority of things that people use mixed reality for.”

    Zuckerberg made the case for Quest 3 being more comfortable in activities such as exercising and gaming, given Meta’s headset weight around 120 grams less than the Vision Pro. The Meta CEO criticized Apple’s headset for trading-off things like the quality of the device, comfort, and ergonomics in order to get to screens with higher resolution.

    As he was showing off the passthrough capabilities with browser windows, he said Quest 3 has a wider field of view with brighter screens. Zuckerberg also made a point that Quest’s combination of hand tracking and physical controls is superior. Plus, the company is thinking about bringing back eye tracking, which was introduced in the Quest Pro, to cheaper headsets.

    Zuckerberg claimed you can only play Xbox and watch YouTube on a big screen through Quest. While YouTube doesn’t have an official app for the Vision Pro, developer Christian Selig made a YouTube app called Juno. Technically, you can watch YouTube on Apple’s device.

    Apple is getting started with the Vision Pro, while Meta already has a rich library with partners like Roblox. Meta has also produced multiple headsets and reduced the prices of older models. Apple is a late entrant to the mixed reality/virtual reality market, and Meta wouldn’t want to cede ground to it.

    Ivan Mehta

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  • Belkin’s New Future Ventures: Innovating Tomorrow!

    Belkin’s New Future Ventures: Innovating Tomorrow!


    Belkin is stepping into the future with the launch of its new division, Future Ventures. This exciting venture aims to explore groundbreaking solutions in content creation, spatial computing, Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and beyond. Anchored by Belkin’s rich history of crafting human-centric accessories, Future Ventures promises a wave of innovation tailored to meet the evolving needs of the modern world.

    Unveiling the Vision

    Future Ventures brings together a dynamic team of visionaries, including designers, engineers, and product managers, stationed at Belkin’s headquarters in El Segundo, CA, and satellite hubs worldwide. This strategic move underscores Belkin’s commitment to fostering creativity and pushing the boundaries of possibility in consumer electronics.

    Pioneering Products

    With the unveiling of Future Ventures comes the debut of two revolutionary products: the Auto-Tracking Stand Pro and the Battery Holder for Apple Vision Pro. These cutting-edge offerings mark the beginning of Belkin’s foray into new product categories, setting the stage for future innovation.

    Revolutionizing Content Creation

    The Auto-Tracking Stand Pro stands as a testament to Belkin’s commitment to innovation. Boasting DockKit’s automated subject tracking technology, this accessory revolutionizes hands-free camerawork for content creators across various industries. With sustainability in mind, the stand is crafted from a minimum of 75% PCR materials and packaged without plastic, aligning with Belkin’s eco-conscious ethos.

    Seamless Integration for Enhanced Convenience

    The Battery Holder for Apple Vision Pro redefines convenience with its intuitive design. Offering a secure and hands-free experience, this accessory allows users to effortlessly clip the battery onto their belt or pants. For added versatility, a cross-body strap ensures secure placement, catering to users’ diverse needs.

    Conclusion

    As Belkin embarks on this exciting journey with Future Ventures, CEO Steve Malony emphasizes the company’s unwavering dedication to innovation and consumer-centric design. With the Auto-Tracking Stand Pro and Battery Holder for Apple Vision Pro leading the charge, Belkin is poised to make a lasting impact on the consumer electronics landscape. To learn more about Belkin’s innovative products, visit Belkin.com.



    Al Hilal

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  • Viral video of Tesla driver wearing Apple Vision Pro headset raises safety concerns

    Viral video of Tesla driver wearing Apple Vision Pro headset raises safety concerns


    A viral video of a motorist seeming to let Tesla’s new Cybertruck drive itself while wearing the new Apple Vision Pro headset is sounding alarm bells at the highest levels of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

    Despite their names, Tesla’s assisted driving features — Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving — do not mean the vehicles are fully autonomous, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said Monday on social media.

    “Reminder — all advanced driver assistance systems available today require the human driver to be in control and fully engaged in the driving task at all times,” Buttigieg posted on X (formerly Twitter).

    Buttigieg’s tweet came in reply to a video that had more than 24 million views of a Tesla driver taking his hands off the steering wheel while apparently controlling a virtual reality display of the kind used by Apple’s Vision Pro. The 23-second clip was posted on February 2, the day the pricey Vision Pro hit stores shelves in the U.S. 

    Apple specifically cautions against using the Vision Pro while driving in its users guide. “Never use the device while operating a moving vehicle, bicycle, heavy machinery, or in any other situations requiring attention to safety,” it states. 

    Tesla did not respond to a request for comment. 

    The electric automaker in December recalled more than 2 million vehicles across its model lineup to fix a defective system that is supposed to ensure drivers are paying attention when they use the Autopilot feature.


    Apple Vision Pro headset presale begins

    03:49

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2021 launched an investigation into Tesla over crashes that resulted in more than a dozen fatalities involving Tesla’s driver-assisted features. The agency late last year told CBS News its probe found Autopilot’s means of ensuring drivers are paying attention to be inadequate.

    Autopilot can steer, accelerate and brake automatically in its lane, but can’t drive itself. In a report filed with NHTSA, Tesla said Autopilot’s controls “may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse.”

    The driver of the Tesla in the video told Gizmodo that he made the video with friends as a “skit” and drove the vehicle while wearing the Apple headset for 30 to 40 seconds. 

    Kate Gibson

    Kate Gibson is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch in New York.





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  • Apple Vision Pro debuts Friday. Here’s what you need to know.

    Apple Vision Pro debuts Friday. Here’s what you need to know.


    Apple on Friday will roll out its Vision Pro mixed-reality goggles, marking the iPhone maker’s first foray into augmented and virtual reality-equipped headgear.

    Unveiled last summer at its Worldwide Developer’s Conference, the much-anticipated headset will be available in stores and online beginning Feb. 2. The VR headset is Apple’s first major rollout since it launched the Apple Watch, several years ago. It also comes on the tail of smart glasses recently launched by competitors such as Meta, Snapchat and Microsoft. 

    Apple has already sold roughly 200,000 units of the Vision Pro, selling out the device earlier this week, MacRumours reported.

    Here is what you need to know about the Apple Vision Pro. 

    apple-wwcd23-vision-pro-glass-230605-big-jpg-large-2x.jpg
    The Apple Vision Pro is a mixed-reality headset that  incorporates digital content with real-life scenery.

    Apple.com


    What is the Apple Vision Pro and what does it do?

    The Apple Vision Pro is a mixed-reality headset that bears some similarities to smart spectacles from Meta, Snapchat and Microsoft which incorporate digital content with real-life scenery.

    The device has so far earned some praise from media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and a variety of digital news publications, such as The Verge and CNET. The device’s “volumetric landscape” display offers users a strikingly immersive experience compared to other VR-enabled devices, according to CNET. 

    More than 600 apps have been developed specifically for the headset, which offers new ways to browse the internet, create notes and chat over text, the company’s website shows. One standout feature enables users to pluck a 3D item out of an app and engage with it from different angles as if it were a tangible object set in front of them, according to Apple.

    apple-wwcd23-vision-pro-with-battery-230605-big-jpg-large-2x.jpg
    By far the most expensive VR headset on the market, the starting price for the Apple Vision Pro shown above is $3,499.

    Apple.com


    How much does it cost?

    By far the most expensive VR headset on the market, the starting price for the Apple Vision Pro is $3,499, the Apple’s website shows. By comparison, Meta’s Headquest 3 retails at $499.99, while Snapchat’s Spectacles 3 debuted at a price point of less than $400, according to the companies’ respective product pages.

    When and where will the Apple Vision Pro be available?

    The Apple Vision Pro will be available for purchase in stores and online starting Feb. 2, 2024. Pre-orders, which Apple began taking on Jan. 19, may arrive at buyers’ doorsteps as soon as Friday, according to the company. 

    Elizabeth Napolitano


    elizabeth-napolitano-cbsmoneywatch-cropped.jpg

    Elizabeth Napolitano is a freelance reporter at CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and technology news. She also writes for CoinDesk. Before joining CBS, she interned at NBC News’ BizTech Unit and worked on The Associated Press’ web scraping team.



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  • Apple’s Vision Pro Won’t Have Netflix, YouTube or Spotify Apps at Launch

    Apple’s Vision Pro Won’t Have Netflix, YouTube or Spotify Apps at Launch

    Apple’s marketing team spins the Vision Pro headset — which costs a cool (hot?) $3,500 apiece — as the “ultimate entertainment device.”

    However, out of the gate, Apple Vision Pro will lack three of the biggest entertainment apps on the planet: Apps for Netflix, YouTube and Spotify will not be available on the tech giant’s new “spatial computing” device.

    Currently, Netflix is not planning to develop an app for Apple’s Vision Pro; meanwhile, it has no plans to make its iPad app compatible with the device, as first reported by Bloomberg. “Our members will be able to enjoy Netflix on the web browser on the Vision Pro, similar to how our members can enjoy Netflix on Macs,” a Netflix rep said in a statement.

    Also sitting out the Vision Pro launch party are Spotify — which has publicly butted heads with Apple over its app store practices — and Google’s YouTube, per Bloomberg. A Spotify rep confirmed that the music and audio streamer hasn’t announced any plans for a Vision Pro app but declined to comment further.

    Videos on YouTube, like Netflix, will be available on Vision Pro via the built-in web browser, but there won’t be a dedicated app for the headset, according to the video platform.

    The current lineup of streaming apps for Vision Pro includes Disney+, ESPN+, Max, Discovery+, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Peacock, Pluto TV, Tubi, Fubo, Crunchyroll, TikTok, NBA, MLB and PGA Tour.

    In addition, Apple Vision Pro users will be able to purchase or rent more than 150 3D-immersive movies, including “Avatar: The Way of Water,” “Dune,” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Elemental” and “Encanto.”

    Pre-orders for Apple Vision Pro opened Friday, Jan. 19. The device will be available at all U.S. Apple Store locations and the online Apple Store beginning Friday, Feb. 2.

    The Vision Pro, the company’s biggest product debut since the 2015 Apple Watch, will compete with other VR and AR products in the market, including Meta’s much cheaper Quest 3 device, which is priced starting at $500.

    Todd Spangler

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  • Apple Vision Pro tipped for late Jan/early Feb release | TechCrunch

    Apple Vision Pro tipped for late Jan/early Feb release | TechCrunch

    We’ve known about the Vision Pro for more than half a year now (not to mention the years of rumors), but Apple’s first “spatial computing” device is one of consumer electronics’ biggest question marks heading into the new year. The $3,499 headset was given an “early-2024” release time frame when it was unveiled at WWDC in June, but since then, the company hasn’t gotten more specific.

    Apple oracle Ming-Chi Kuo offered an early holiday gift on December 24, narrowing down what he believes will be a “late-January/early-February” release date for the system. The analyst says that the first wave of Vision Pros are being shipped to Apple in about a month, with total shipments numbering around 500,000 for the full year.

    The company’s precise target for the year remains an open-ended question. About a month after the device was revealed, reports suggested that Apple has scaled back expectations from around one million to “fewer than 400,000.”

    Even the updated 500,000 figure is small for a company of Apple’s massive size and influence. Keep in mind that the company should be shipping more than 200 million iPhones this calendar year.

    The Vision Pro, however, is widely regarded as the biggest gambit of Tim Cook’s 12-year tenure as CEO. Not only is it an entirely new category and form factor for the company, it’s also prohibitively priced, even for customers accustomed to shelling out extra for apple products. Add to that VR’s decades-long failure to live up to expectations, and you’ve got a big uphill fight on your hands.

    Kuo refers to Vision Pro as “Apple’s most important product of 2024.” Given the years of speculation and all the time and money the company has no doubt poured into the headset, it’s a tough statement to argue.

    Brian Heater

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  • Apple releases spatial video recording on iPhone 15 Pro | TechCrunch

    Apple releases spatial video recording on iPhone 15 Pro | TechCrunch

    Apple rolled out iOS 17.2 today, giving iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users the ability to record spatial videos. The new feature lets users film in three dimensions and experience their favorite memories and special moments on Apple Vision Pro, the upcoming mixed-reality headset.

    In order to create a three-dimensional video, Apple explains that the iPhone uses both the main and ultrawide cameras when recording. This is then saved as a single file within a new album in the Photos app titled “Spatial.” The videos will also sync across devices with iCloud. Spatial videos are captured in 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second.

    Spatial video recording can be enabled in Settings by toggling on “Spatial Video for ‌Apple Vision Pro‌” in the Camera section under Formats. Apple suggests holding the iPhone in landscape orientation for optimal results.

    Spatial videos can be viewed on all iPhones and other devices; however, they’ll appear as regular, 2D videos.

    Image Credits: Apple

    The new feature allows users to record videos that Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, Greg Joswiak, describes as “magical” and “setting a new bar for what’s possible.” While that’s marketing speak, it’s a differentiator for Apple’s high-end iPhone, and will deepen users’ connections with Apple’s latest product, the AR/VR headset, launching next year.

    “iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max feature the most powerful camera systems we’ve ever developed, including the best video quality in any smartphone. And now, we’re setting a new bar for what’s possible, enabling users to record special moments just as they happened,” Joswiak said in a statement.

    As part of today’s iOS 17.2 release, Apple also launched its Journal app along with a redesigned Apple TV app and a new way to access Health app data via Siri.

    Lauren Forristal

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  • Apple Announces Virtual Reality Headset

    Apple Announces Virtual Reality Headset

    The long-rumored Apple virtual reality headset has been officially announced. During one of Apple’s occasional keynote addresses, company CEO Tim Cook unveiled the “Apple Vision Pro.”

    The new device, which Apple is billing as the start of “the era of spatial computing,” will supposedly merge “digital content” with your “physical space.”

    You can watch Apple’s official video hyping the product below. The portion about watching movies or TV shows within the headset comes around the 2:45 mark. It claims you can not only make the screen within the device seem as big as your room — you can also place yourself, and your movie, in a massive environment, and then make the screen feel “100 feet wide.‚ If the illusion is convincing, that would be quite a virtual feat:

    READ MORE: An Important Reminder About the Movies You Buy in the iTunes Store

    In addition to standard 2D content that you can watch on the Apple Vision Pro, the device will also include a library of VR content — including new material from Disney. At the keynote, Disney CEO Bob Iger appeared to announce exclusive Disney “experiences” within the device, which he described as “a revolutionary platform that can make our vision a reality.” Disney teased watching NBA games as well as enjoying a parade from a Disney theme park as part of the presentation.

    Getting immersed in a theme park from the comfort of your couch sounds like a pretty cool idea. It ain’t going to be a cheap one, though, at least to start. When the Apple Vision Pro launches in early 2024, it will cost $3,499. You’d better begin saving your virtual dollars right now if you’re interested.

    The Silliest Names for DVD Director’s Cuts

    These movies couldn’t just call their DVDs “director’s cuts.” Oh no; that would be much too simple or normal. They had to choose these bizarre, confusing, inaccurate, and hilarious names instead.

    Matt Singer

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