A render of the rumored Apple Reality Pro headset created by Ian Zelbo (Image credit: Ian Zelbo)
Apple’s mixed reality headset
Apple’s mixed reality headset is expected to launch this year, according to a report by The Financial Times. The headset will blend both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences and will resemble a pair of lightweight ski goggles. The report suggests that Apple CEO Tim Cook has decided to “press ahead with a debut this year” despite early objections from Apple’s designers to wait for the technology to catch up with their vision.
The troubled development process
The development process for Apple’s mixed reality headset has reportedly been troubled, with internal disputes and a long wait for the technology to catch up with Apple’s vision. The headset has been in development for seven years and is expected to cost around $3,000. The Financial Times report suggests that the development process for the mixed reality headset echoes that of the Apple Newton, a ground-breaking product that was in development for six years and was prohibitively expensive at launch.
The Apple Newton
The Apple Newton was a mobile computing platform called the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) that was announced by Apple in May 1992. The Newton was in development for six years and was bogged down by internal disputes. It was prohibitively expensive at launch, costing $900, or about $1,860 / £1,540 / AU$2,400 at today’s prices.
Despite its troubled development process and mixed reputation, the Newton paved the way for future mobile computing devices and helped to shape the modern smartphone.
Conclusion
Apple’s mixed reality headset is expected to launch this year, despite a troubled development process that echoes that of the Apple Newton. The headset will blend both AR and VR experiences and will resemble a pair of lightweight ski goggles. While the Newton had a mixed reputation, it paved the way for future mobile computing devices and helped to shape the modern smartphone.
Apple VR – will be as disastrous as those of the Newton MessagePad 100, but it’s worth taking a look back at the history of this infamous device.
The Rise and Fall of the Newton MessagePad 100
The Newton MessagePad 100 was released in 1993 and was one of the first personal digital assistants (PDAs) on the market. It was designed to be a portable device that could be used for note-taking, scheduling, and other basic tasks.
However, the device was plagued with problems from the start. The handwriting recognition software was notoriously inaccurate, and the device was expensive and bulky. Sales were poor, and the device was eventually discontinued in 1998.
The Legacy of the Newton MessagePad 100
Despite its failure, the Newton MessagePad 100 had a lasting impact on the tech industry. It paved the way for future PDAs and helped to popularize the idea of a portable, handheld device that could be used for productivity tasks.
Today, we take for granted the idea of a smartphone or tablet that can be used for note-taking, scheduling, and other tasks. But it was the Newton MessagePad 100 that first introduced these concepts to the mainstream.
The Future of Apple VR
So, what does the future hold for Apple VR? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure – Apple has a long history of innovation and success in the tech industry. If anyone can make a successful VR headset, it’s Apple.
Stay tuned to Tech Leaks for the latest news and updates on Apple VR and other tech innovations.
Tech Leaks: Apple Reality Pro – A New Era of Computing
Apple’s latest venture into the world of mixed reality has been making waves in the tech industry. The Apple Reality Pro headset is set to be unveiled at WWDC 2023 in June, and it’s already generating a lot of buzz. But could it ultimately follow the same path as the Newton, which was discontinued in 1997?
According to the Financial Times, Apple will certainly do everything to ensure it won’t. The company is planning “a marketing blitz for the new product” to ensure its success. And Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, is betting on the headset “to secure his legacy”, as it’s the “first new computing platform to have been developed entirely under his leadership”.
But the similarities with the Newton don’t end there. Like the Newton, Apple’s mixed reality headset will be built around innovative new input systems, if the rumors are correct. The Newton’s special talent was its handwriting recognition software, which ultimately laid the groundwork for the iPhone. And according to Bloomberg, owners of Apple’s AR/VR device will interact with it using their hands and eyes.
However, initially, it seems that the headset will strictly be for well-heeled early adopters. According to the FT, Apple is “only expecting to sell around a million units of its headset in its first 12 months”, which is less than the equivalent sales of the iPhone or Apple Watch during their debut year.
But what does this mean for the future of computing? Apple’s mixed reality headset could be the start of a new era of computing, just as the iPhone was back in 2007. And with Tim Cook at the helm, it’s clear that Apple is committed to pushing the boundaries of technology.
In conclusion, the Apple Reality Pro headset is set to be a game-changer in the tech industry. With its innovative input systems and potential for a new era of computing, it’s no wonder that Apple is betting big on its success. And with a marketing blitz planned, it’s clear that the company is doing everything it can to ensure that the headset won’t follow the same path as the Newton. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new product from Apple.Apple’s highly anticipated mixed-reality headset has been the subject of much speculation and rumors, with reports of a troubled development process adding to the similarities between the device and the cursed Apple Newton. However, the Financial Times notes that first versions of new Apple products aren’t typically big sellers, citing the original Apple iPhone and Apple iPod as examples. The latter sold less than five million units in total, putting predictions of first-year sales of one million units for Apple’s AR/VR headset into perspective.
While previous game-changers from Apple, such as the iPhone, Apple Watch, Airpods, and iPod, have had a relatively affordable price tag, the rumored $3,000 price for the incoming headset is significantly higher. This suggests that the device may be a first-gen product aimed at planting a flag for a genuinely mass-market gadget.
The Newton, which arrived in 1993, was technologically impressive but suffered from issues such as poor handwriting recognition. Apple’s incoming headset will need to do a better job of living up to the considerable hype that’s built over the past few years. According to respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, we may ultimately get two more Apple AR/VR headsets in 2025, including a much-needed cheaper model. These could eventually lead to the Apple Glasses, which the FT says could take several more years to arrive, according to most in the tech industry.
The Debut Device for Apple’s xrOS Extended Reality Platform
Apple’s latest extended reality platform, xrOS, is set to release its debut device. However, to ensure that it becomes Apple’s next big hit, it needs to avoid the pitfalls that plagued Newton.
What is xrOS?
xrOS is Apple’s latest extended reality platform that aims to provide users with an immersive experience. It combines augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to create a seamless experience for users.
The Pitfalls of Newton
Newton was Apple’s first attempt at a personal digital assistant. However, it failed to gain traction due to its high price point and limited functionality. Apple needs to ensure that the debut device for xrOS does not suffer the same fate.
The Key to Success
To ensure that the debut device for xrOS is a success, Apple needs to focus on affordability and functionality. It needs to provide users with a device that is accessible and easy to use while also offering a wide range of features.
Conclusion
The debut device for Apple’s xrOS extended reality platform has the potential to be a game-changer in the world of technology. However, to ensure its success, Apple needs to learn from the mistakes of the past and focus on affordability and functionality.