Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR)

A viral video shows a Tesla Cybertruck driver wearing an Apple Vision Pro headset while driving and interacting hands-free with an app. The reckless behaviour has raised eyebrows and prompted a response from the US government.

Apple's fluffy $199 travel case makes perfect sense considering what JerryRigEverything's durability test and somewhat brutal teardown uncovered today. Anyone spending $3,500 on the first "Spatial Computing Headset" should handle it with the utmost of care, because Apples "laminated glass" scratches like plastic on the outside and replacement is another $799 on top.

OpenAI has unveiled a new ChatGPT app for Vision Pro, which marks the advent of AI in AR. Users will able to download the ChatGPT app from the visionOS App Store for free.

We can laugh all we want about the first videos mocking early adopters of Apples brand new Vision Pro headset in various public places but we might need to get used to people showing off their first and probably not last spatial computing headset, even in unsafe environments. Despite Apples explicit warning, a video of an early adopter getting arrested operating the headset while driving a Tesla already went viral less than 24 hours after broad availability.

Developer Christian Selig has just released Juno, a dedicated YouTube app for the Apple Vision Pro, weeks after YouTube stated that it will not be developing one. A more refined alternative to opening the YouTube website on Safari, Juno’s UI matches visionOS and provides most of the functionality one would expect. The app costs a one-time $4.99 to download.

A vlogger has gone beyond the ever-growing plethora of Apple Vision Pro unboxings and/or walkthroughs to reveal that the ~$3,500 headset is a surprisingly high drop risk. Then again, if it does fall, it might stand a good enough chance of survival - provided the user doesn't care about quite all its functional or structural integrity.

Meta says it welcomes the launch of the Apple Vision Pro as it could help drive further sales of its own Quest-branded range of spatial computing headsets. The company says it would like to position its headset as the ‘Android’ alternative to Apple’s offering that offers a more affordable entry point into the technology.

TORRAS asserts that its upcoming Apple Vision Pro accessory range is worth holding out for as the best way to keep one's $3,499 headset as mint and fully-functional for as long as possible. The OEM claims to have thought of everything in these terms, from relieving potential neck-strain to making sure the "spatial computing" is as clear as possible at all times. The line also contains an innovative way of keeping the Vision Pro going for longer.

Freeaim has updated their Freeaim VR shoes with improved features. VR users can more confidently walk about in SteamVR worlds by taking steps in real life. Improved stability turning, sidestepping, and taking tiny steps allow beginner gamers to take baby steps on their way to utilizing the full power of these wheeled VR shoes.

Microsoft has expanded availability of its Microsoft Mesh to all Microsoft Teams users after a limited rollout. Mesh allows users to participate in 3D meetings using avatars and interact within customizable, virtual reality environments. Remote workers wearing Meta Quest VR headsets can participate in 3D while those without in 2D all without leaving home.

Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic have developed a virtual reality grocery shopping simulator that measures declines in cognitive and motor abilities that occur as one ages. This opens the door to improved tests that will better measure and detect decline in patients earlier.

Disney Imagineer Lanny Smooth has unveiled the Holotile VR treadmill for multiple users. This device users to stand on the platform and walk in any direction for any distance during VR sessions and games without physically moving off the treadmill.

CheckMag The Apple Vision Pro, priced at a substantial $3,499, represents one of the most significant tech releases of the year. If you're thinking about making a purchase, it's crucial to have a solid grasp of what to expect from this headset. Below are 5 key considerations to keep in mind when placing your pre-order.

Despite expectations, Apple has failed to sell out of its Vision Pro on launch day. This is despite estimates of day 1 availability being limited to between 60,000 and 80,000 units.

With the Vision Pro going official on Apple’s website, a number of previously undisclosed details have now become public, including its weight. The headset has now been revealed to weigh about as much as a 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

With the official launch of the Apple Vision Pro underway, Apple has revealed the apps that will come pre-installed on the device. Early adopters may be surprised to learn that only 15 of Apple’s stock apps have been optimized for ‘spatial computing.’

Sony has added PC compatibility to its mocopi tracker system for 3D VR motion capture. Originally targeted to smartphone users, the new beta feature expands compatibility to laptops and desktops running SteamVR, SlimeVR, and VRChat.

Sightful has opened the purchase of its Spacetop AR laptop to all interested buyers after a limited access launch in 2023. This Snapdragon-powered laptop provides access to popular work apps such as Microsoft Office through a 100" virtual desktop.

At the start of sales in the USA, Apple finally confirmed the full specifications of the Vision Pro. The iPhone manufacturer still had a few surprises in store, such as the option for memory upgrades or the details of the built-in processor.

TCL claims to have practically soaked up the industry recognition and accolades as a result of its CES 2024 exhibition. The OEM showcased a wide variety of products that have subsequently been showered in awards, not the least of which are its new flagship 115-in mini-LED TV. TCL's latest AR glasses, NXTPAPER tablets and other displays have also attracted potentially meaningful appreciation during the Las Vegas event.

The Apple Vision Pro is set to debut on February 2. Weeks before the official launch, the Cupertino giant silently cut a portion of the mixed reality headset's introductory video that showcased the Open Sky Environment feature. Apple has also removed the references to this feature from the official website.

BOE's latest Las Vegas outing demonstrates its latest cutting-edge display prototypes, and is also the first to draw attention to the brands under which it will be selling such products in markets such as the United States. For example, its line of foldable OLED products - such as the new ambi-sliding flexible display - will be handled by f-OLED, whereas others such as the curved 27-inch 4K Mini LED monitor is part of the OEM's α-MLED division.

The launch of the Apple Vision Pro is imminent and Apple’s hype machine is getting into full swing. Unlike many previous Apple product launches, the Vision Pro is no “sure thing” as it enters a segment that, despite potential, has never really taken off with consumers. And that’s before we get to its $3,500 starting price.

Vuzix has debuted the ultralight Z100 smart glasses for enterprise customers. These are designed for corporate developers to create custom applications for their businesses to optimize staff workflow with information, AI-assistance, work progress, and more.

Shiftall has announced three virtual reality products at CES 2024 - the MeganeX superlight, a 5.2K OLED VR headset, the HaritoraX Wireless R 6-point body tracker, and the mutalk 2 soundproof communications mask that prevents voice leakage.

The Asus AirVision M1 may sound like a competitor to the Apple Vision Pro, but it’s not a mixed-reality device. Instead, it’s a wearable display that equips FHD Micro OLED display tech and requires a connected computer or phone. With a proper connection, this high-tech eyewear can generate multiple virtual screens, allowing users to do many things in a limited space.

With its long-range, high-payload design, DJI's latest drone is definitely not intended for normal recreational use. The global version of the FlyCart 30 (or FC30) is rated to fly for nearly 10 miles while "intelligently" carrying nearly 70 pounds (lb) in either Cargo or Winch mode. DJI also asserts that it can do so at high altitudes in extreme conditions, and can be monitored and controlled easily.

Doublepoint has debuted the free Wow Mouse software for Wear OS smartwatches. This app enables touch-free control of computers, tablets, AR/VR/XR headsets, and smart homes through hand gestures and motions.

XREAL asserts that it is ready for Apple's Vision Pro with the Air 2 Ultra, which upgrade to tracking in six degree of freedom (6DoF) and a field of view (FOV) that might beat that of its Cupertino-born rival. The glasses also boast high-refresh-rate displays from Sony in a titanium-enhanced form-factor that the OEM touts as both style- and development-friendly.

Apple revealed the Vision Pro in June of last year, and now, it is finally ready to put the mixed reality headset on sale. The Cupertino giant has announced that it will start taking pre-orders from January 19, with shipments planned to begin from February 02. Initially, it will only be available in the US with a starting price tag of $3,499.

Sony has revealed an XR head-mounted display with controllers for “spatial content creation” at CES 2024. It is currently in the preview phase, so it doesn’t have a formal name like the Apple Vision Pro. But Sony confirmed that the PSVR2-like XR headset will be available later in 2024.

Apple's first virtual reality headset will be shipping soon, at least in the US. Apple has now confirmed details of the launch, including the storage and headband variants, the prices for dioptric correction lenses and the features that will be available at launch.

ONECOME has debuted the 6-pad FINTIN V1 handheld keyboard. This innovative Bluetooth device allows users to type blind through the use of easy-to-memorize sets of keypads that correspond to the regular QWERTY layout. This compact keyboard enables rapid text entry while wearing AR/VR/XR headsets.

XREAL (formerly Nreal) has declared itself "the largest player in the augmented reality (AR) industry", having captured just over half of that market according to its latest sales report. The brand also claims to have shipped over 300,000 units of its Air-brand glasses to date, a new generation of which might be unveiled during CES 2024.

The leading processor manufacturer for smartphones unveiled the Snapdragon XR2+ chip, which will be utilised in mixed and virtual reality headsets produced by Google and Samsung.

Elvis is returning to the stage thanks to Layered Reality's technological magic combining AI, AR, ML, holographic projection, and more. The first 3D concert is planned for November 2024 in Central London.

Meta has announced a price reduction for its VR headset and is also offering various accessories at a discount. This makes Meta's reasonable starting prices in the world of VR even more affordable.

The AerAware wearable heads-up display system from AerSale has been approved for use on Boeing 737NG jets by the FAA. A multispectral camera generates an enhanced view through clouds and darkness. This mixed reality headset allows pilots to fly and land with greater confidence and safety in poor conditions.

The 2027 Apple Vision Pro headset is expected to introduce cutting-edge RGB OLEDoS displays for enhanced brightness and color reproduction, according to Omdia, revolutionizing augmented and virtual reality experiences. Analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo, anticipate no hardware updates until the launch in 2027.

New design patents from Hong Kong offer a sneak peek into Apple's upcoming Vision Pro headset's accessories, emphasising a sleek protective cover and a removable battery unit. With 70 additional patents secured, Apple highlights the soft-touch woven fabric cover, providing aesthetic appeal and comprehensive protection. The battery unit features a removable cable for enhanced flexibility and convenience, reflecting Apple's commitment to user-friendly design.

Sony has submitted patents for two types of foot controllers. The aim is to deliver an immersive experience to the players who have limited space to move.

Windows is discontinuing Windows Mixed Reality, which means that numerous headsets will potentially become electronic waste in the long term. The discontinuation is also likely to have a profound impact on Microsoft's VR strategy and the platform's chances of success.

The Qoocam 3 Ultra is a "cutting-edge" new dual-lens action camera rated for super-high recording in 3D. Kandao's upcoming lifestyle vlogging device is also backed to take high-quality, instantly-shareable panoramic photos. It will debut during the OEM's CES 2024 showcase ahead of its 2024 release.

BMW enthusiasts can register for the BMW M Drift + M Mixed Reality driving experience. Drivers race and drift inside virtual reality race circuits while driving BMW M4 Competition Coupés in the real-world.

The third generation of Amazon Echo Frames has been launched in the USA, but reviews from individual media sites have been restrained. The appearance of the Echo Frames is good, but the functionality is inadequate.

Samsung is said to have brought forward the launch of its own Galaxy Glass AR glasses and, in doing so, it may well have a headstart over Apple and its Apple Vision Pro. The product could also certainly be viewed as a shared project.

Meta is launching a prerelease version of Ray-Ban smart glasses with AI capabilities for select users in the USA. Using the glasses' camera system, Meta's AI can evaluate what you see and hear and give commentary.

A US Patent Application detailing a potential Google Glass successor with smart home controls has been published. The AR wearable has an integrated sensor for object recognition, allowing you to interact with smart home devices with hand gestures. Examples include playing music from a speaker or adjusting a thermostat.

Looking Glass has just launched a KickStarter campaign for its smallest holographic display yet, the Looking Glass Go, featuring a 6-inch screen and a compact folding design. Customers can use the company’s Luma AI tool can turn 2D images into 3D ones and view them as a slideshow. The Liteforms app also creates ChatGPT-powered 3D characters that you can talk to.

The Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest Pro and Meta Quest 2 are receiving build 60.0. The new software brings several improvements to the VR headsets, including a new Layout app, Bluetooth bug fixes, and higher clock speeds for the Quest Pro. However, the company also plans to discontinue one feature.