News on April 19, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman (Mark Gurman) broke the news that Apple is working hard to create a batch of software and services for the upcoming first mixed reality headset, providing tools including games, health, collaboration, and watching sports services, and strive to attract potential users who may have doubts about mixed reality headsets through a new 3D interface.
A large part of what Apple is doing is adapting the iPad's apps to headsets that combine virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Users can access the App Store through the headset's 3D interface, download and install the iPad's millions of existing apps. Expected to sell for $3,000, the product will be unveiled at WWDC in June and will go on sale in a few months.
(Source: Apple)
According to previous reports, Apple will provide Safari browser specially optimized for headset scenarios, Apple's own calendar, contacts, Home, Files, Message, Notes, Photos, Music, Reminders, and similar functions to iPad, but for the headset version of FaceTime conference service and TV app.
In addition to the core app, Apple will also develop Apple Books for headsets, let users read in VR, and is also testing apps that can take photos through headsets. In terms of sports health, there is a Health app that guides users in meditation through graphics, sounds, and voiceovers, and Fitness+ for headsets to allow users to watch instructor demonstrations and exercise in VR. From these reports, it can be seen that Apple is trying to develop more attractive applications, and wants to extend the application scenarios of the headset through Apple's powerful software ecology, so that the headset can stand out in the virtual reality market.
(Credit: SadlyIts Bradley)
Apple's hybrid headset has been developed for a long time, and many people in the industry are optimistic about it in the early days, believing that the Apple headset will reproduce the glory of the "iPhone" and become Apple's next revolutionary product. But as the revelations became more and more specific, this perception seemed to gradually dissipate, and everyone's enthusiasm for the device gradually faded. Even Apple itself believes that this device is not a blockbuster product, and subsequent iterations are the time when the headset really has power, and Apple will continue to improve and add more ecological content.
Based on the current revelation information, Xiaolei feels that the Apple headset is a well-deserved hardware ceiling, but compared with Apple's previous products, this headset does not solve user pain points like iPads and iPhones, lacks clear goals and needs, and the price of $3,000 is too high, it is recommended to wait for the second or third generation headset to start.
(Cover image source: Twitter @ Guo Mingxi)