It's handy to remember that the rumor mill says that Apple has two AR hardware projects going.<p>A high end/developer focused set of goggles as well as consumer focused AR glasses.<p>>Apple's AR/VR headset will be followed by an augmented reality product, which rumors have been calling the Apple Glasses. The Apple Glasses will be more of an everyday wearable product than the headset, as they will resemble traditional glasses.<p><a href="https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/apple-glasses/" rel="nofollow">https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/apple-glasses/</a>
While there maybe a 2K version, I would be very surprised if that were the starting point. Rather like their other products they will offer higher-end versions. There is a lot of tech going into these that will make the base price a bit high since most people we consider this an accessory like a watch that's for fun, rather than something required like a phone or computer. I'm sure Apple will be able to condition people to a higher price point but for it to take off, will need to be low enough that enough people will buy it at the start. 2K no matter what it does would seem too high for an entry price when competitors are $300 even if this is drastically better. Think they'd need a sub 1K version.
Is Google going to have another stab at VR? I tried my 'cardboard' recently and none of the Google apps have been updated and some don't work any more (e.g expeditions). I don't understand why they put so much effort in originally and then just give up.
Assuming the Apple headset has similar features and quality as Varjo XR-3 ($5,995.00) + better ergonomics, I will definitely consider buying it for that price.<p><a href="https://varjo.com/" rel="nofollow">https://varjo.com/</a>
As much as I want a premium vr headset , 2k will be a bit steep. With the Occulus starting at $300 , Apple really needs to go under 1k if they plan to compete .
Back when Magic Leap was at the top of the hype cycle, a friend of mine did some napkin calculations to see what kind of computing power their headset would need to do what they were claiming they could do. The result was way out of the league of any known mobile processor at the time. I think closer to dual desktop GPUs of that era at least.<p>So this article is saying two M1 Pro CPUs. Ok, let's say that's sufficient. The batteries required to power two M1s are going to be pretty big. Not sure anyone is going to want all that weight (and heat!) on their head.<p>Maybe 5 years from now processing speeds and power consumption will be sufficient.
What never makes sense to me in the rumor mill is that given Apple's historical track records, do we really expect them to release a headset that is so bulky and similar to every other attempt at a headset? Apple's whole schtick is the way they take what other people have tried and then refine it into some completely unexpected form factor. If they ever do a "headset" I'd expect it to be something wire thin or even some kind of micro add-on to glasses that they sell as a fashion statement.
Why would I want this by the way?<p>I don't mind cheaper headsets as impulse purchases to just wait for better games and experiences to come out. But at this price I need to feel like I'm missing something and don't feel that way, am I missing something?
Is there any reason why even right now you can't put all the tech in a pair of glasses and have all the processing in a power bank sized device you put in your pocket, connected via USB-C or other cord?
it should look like glasses<p>if it looks like a giant face mask like the VIVE or the other one from facebook, then it'll flop, meaning it will stay as a niche market<p>VR/AR should be an evolution of glasses, not a downgrade, not something else<p>Something like this:<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R95olc9iQE4" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R95olc9iQE4</a><p>I'd buy this instantly, and i don't even wear glasses