Apple, which does not believe in the metaverse, will launch what form of AR/VR device?

Remember apple CEO Tim Cook's answer when asked earlier if augmented reality technology was what people called the "metaverse"? At the time, he stressed that he would not use these buzzwords, instead calling them "augmented reality." Apparently, he believes there is a difference between augmented reality technology and the metaverse.

In any case, Apple's emphasis on virtual reality and layout is a sure thing. Because Cook knows that mobile phones are the backbone of Apple, if the mobile phone business collapses, Apple will fall. What to do? Apple is ready to replace the phone with AR glasses. It's no secret, but what exactly are Apple AR glasses like? It's a secret.

Judging from the current news, Apple will first launch the MR helmet, and then launch the Apple Glass. Analyst Mark Gurman predicts that Apple's long-rumored AR/VR devices focus on three major functions: gaming, media viewing, and communication. Putting AR and VR together is MR.

Gaming will be one of the key features that will be combined with the App Store to become the ultimate rig for game developers. As for media features, Apple may work with partners to develop content specifically for MR headsets. Finally, there is the communication function, Apple will introduce 3D emoticons, VR FaceTime and other features.

MR helmets that pay more attention to AR?

There are already many rumors about Apple AR glasses in 2021, and the more consistent view is that this device attaches more importance to AR than traditional helmets. Judging by the price of speculation, not too many people will buy it in the beginning. Apple may launch a helmet as soon as next year, which is unfortunately not originally consumer-oriented, which may not be the same as Apple's corporate purpose.

In any case, developers will get Apple Glasses in advance and try them out first. Analyst Ming Chi-Kuo has predicted that Apple's MR device supports gesture control, target detection, weighs between 300-400 grams (which seems to be similar to glasses, not helmets), and lighter versions. The helmet is equipped with a chip similar to the M1.

Mark Gurman believes the helmet will be released in the second quarter of 2022 and is now in the late stages of prototyping. "We predict that Apple will launch AR HMD, launched in the second quarter of 2022," he said. The device is capable of providing a line-of-sight-penetrating AR experience, so it requires lenses, and Genius will be the key vendor. ”

But recently Ming Chi-Kuo seemed to have revised his claims, saying that the glasses would start production in the fourth quarter of 2022. The delay was mainly due to the complexity of the design and the need to meet apple's own standards. Developing such a helmet is difficult, and Apple wants to do the job well. When the helmet is released, there will be a lot of supporting hardware, software and services, and postponing the time to market allows developers to polish it carefully.

First VR, MR helmet, then Apple Glass?

Will the lack of chips affect helmet production? Judging from the current situation, Apple has successfully bypassed the chip shortage trap. Ming Chi-Kuo believes that Apple will launch a helmet in 2022, a second generation in 2024, and a second generation of products that are lighter and faster. According to Ming Chi-Kuo, Apple will first launch VR, MR headsets, which is the predecessor of Apple Glass.

According to this analysis, Apple Glass should be similar to ordinary glasses, which project information onto the lens. But the original AR/MR helmets were ordinary helmets, larger, with some attached cameras and sensors.

The Oculus Quest 2 is just a VR headset, the Apple device is different, it is AN, including AR and VR. Apple ultimately values Apple Glass, and the MR device launched next year is mainly to prepare developers for Apple Glass. In the beginning, Apple's goal was not to make money.

Although Apple valued games, media viewing, and communication functions when designing the first generation of products, that is, it considered consumers, but this does not mean that the product is not expensive, nor does it mean that it values developers most.

Will the price be $1,000 or $3,000?

So how expensive will apple helmets be? It could cost $3,000. Gaming VR headsets generally don't exceed $1,000, and only Microsoft Hololens 2 is more expensive, at $3,500.

But Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that the Apple helmet will cost only $1,000, about the same as the iPhone 12 Pro. It's not low, but it's a lot less than $3,000. If the helmet is really powerful, there will still be a lot of people buying it for $1,000.

It's also important to note that the Oculus Quest 2 is only $300, and the Apple helmet sells for $1,000, which is actually not low.

Because the helmet is powerful, it needs a strong chip to support it. It is said that the chip inside the helmet will be stronger than the M1 Mac chip. The AR headset will have at least 8 optical modules to provide a continuous penetrating video experience; the iPhone only needs 3 optical modules, and no continuous calculation is required.

The headset may also support Wi-Fi 6E, which allows it to connect with other devices and transmit data at high speed.

Although it looks beautiful, the Apple helmet still has to solve some problems first:

—— Will it be uncomfortable to wear for a long time: Most helmets are not suitable for long-term wear. The uncomfortable sensation will get stronger and stronger after 30 minutes of use. The more comfortable the helmet, the more people will be willing to wear it for a long time, that's for sure.

—— Endurance: The current endurance of independent helmets is not ideal. The Oculus Quest 2 can only last 2-3 hours, depending on what you do. The endurance of apple helmets must reach at least this level.

Provide a superior AR experience: Apple's ultimate goal is to provide a wearable MR experience, but it uses a headset to open up the situation, so how AR functions is important. Make the penetrating AR experience realistic, which is what Apple should pursue. Therefore, the picture quality should be good, the delay should be low, and the field of view should be excellent.

In summary, although other manufacturers have been on the set sail in VR/AR for a long time, Apple does not seem to be in a hurry - just like the company has not yet launched a long-rumored Apple car. On the one hand, this can be understood as Apple's pragmatism, but on the other hand, it can also be regarded as the company's conservative.

Apple, which does not believe in the metaverse, what form of AR/VR device will be launched? We'll see. (knife)