There's not much in Gurman's reporting that Wayne Ma's didn't have three weeks ago in The Information. The thing still sounds bizarre.
From "How Apple’s Upcoming Mixed-Reality Headset Will Work" posted Monday by Bloomberg:
Here’s how it will work: The headset will have several external cameras that can analyze a user’s hands, as well as sensors within the gadget’s housing to read eyes. That allows the wearer to control the device by looking at an on-screen item — whether it’s a button, app icon or list entry — to select it.
Users will then pinch their thumb and index finger together to activate the task — without the need to hold anything. The approach differs from other headsets, which typically rely on a hand controller...
The device will have a so-called Digital Crown — like the Apple Watch — that lets users switch between VR and AR. When in VR, the wearer is fully immersed. When AR is enabled, the content fades back and becomes surrounded by the user’s real environment. Apple expects this to be a highlight of the product, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the project is still under wraps...
The headset’s FaceTime software will realistically render a user’s face and full body in virtual reality. Those avatars will allow two people — each with an Apple headset — to communicate and feel like they’re in the same room. The technology differs from virtual meeting rooms on Meta’s headset, which creates a more cartoon-like avatar of the user...
As with some of Apple’s earlier big bets, the company plans to start slow. It’s aiming to begin early production of the device as soon as February in China and is considering launching the product in the US only to start. The price tag also is expected to limit the product’s appeal, and Apple is already working on a cheaper version — for release in late 2024 or early 2025 — that could be closer to $1,500. That’s what Meta charges for its mixed-reality headset.
My take: So this is the Lisa headset to next year's Mac?
See also: John Gruber vs. Wayne Ma on Apple's unreal headset
I can eventually see a driving system that utilizes this – basically the ultimate heads-up displace, with the ability to look in a hemisphere – without turning your head. If anything, it should improve safe driving (while you’re looking around the computer monitors the road – and instantly focuses you on any potential danger). No more blind spot, and the ability to “look ahead”, possibly even sharing another driver’s camera.
At home, you’ll simply sit down and watch 3D videos – maybe even be able to “walk through it” while still sitting in your chair, depending on the number of cameras filming and the “stitching” software’s sophistication.
This should be very interesting….
Neither will German’s.
I can’t believe I used to look forward to his writings.