Zappar releases Zapbox mixed reality headset with Apple Vision Pro spatial video compatibility

Zappar has released the Zapbox, an affordable, mixed reality headset for Android and Apple smartphones. The design is similar to that of higher-end Google Cardboard headsets (such as this one available on Amazon) that use lenses to view stereo images shown on the phone. A key feature is the ability to playback Apple Vision Pro spatial videos recorded by iPhones running iOS 17.2 Beta 2 or higher. To create the mixed reality view, recorded images and videos are merged on top of the real-world view captured by the smartphone wide-angle camera.

Two Bluetooth controllers are included to allow for interaction with virtual worlds and games through motion sensors and visual tracking of their position in space. Unity game engine creators can use them to create and interact with content while building games.

Because the Zapbox does not contain sophisticated head tracking, smartphone sensors are used with the included world anchors, printed symbols that can be placed throughout a room to enable camera-assisted tracking.

The Zapbox is currently priced at US$79.99 and is available from the company's official website.