Tag: AR headset

  • Spectacles ’24: Try On Snap Inc.’s New Glasses Today

    Spectacles ’24: Try On Snap Inc.’s New Glasses Today

    While it may not be a complete launch, Snap Inc. has revealed its newest version of Spectacles. Known as Spectacles ’24, this iteration utilizes the company’s expertise in augmented reality (AR) and incorporates a significant amount of artificial intelligence (AI). Spectacles ’24 is part of Snap Inc.’s ongoing mission to help users "Get closer with friends."

    Enhanced Features and Specifications

    Powered by Snap OS, Spectacles ’24 comes with new features that previous versions lacked. Users can still take snaps, but these spectacles also function as a standalone AR headset, equipped with "My AI" for launching immersive applications. The AR capabilities are driven by two unspecified Snapdragon processors, two high-resolution full-color cameras, two infrared computer vision cameras, and a 6-axis inertial sensor. Additionally, the glasses support WiFi 6 and Bluetooth. Designed for outdoor use, they include lenses that automatically dim in bright light.

    Engaging User Experience

    With a runtime of 45 minutes, users can explore a variety of experiences through their spectacles. Snap has integrated standard AR headset features such as AR gaming, web browsing, video viewing, and the ability to enhance the real world with 3D objects. Moreover, users can unlock extended functionality by connecting the glasses to the Spectacles App. This app allows users to mirror their phone screens or use their phones as controllers for Snap OS. To combat the loneliness sometimes associated with AR glasses, Spectacles ’24 enables others to view what the user is seeing via the linked phone.

    Focus on Mass Appeal

    Snap Inc. is clearly committed to creating a wearable device that appeals to a broad audience. By offering Spectacles ’24 exclusively to developers through a $99 monthly subscription, the company aims to refine the product into a consumer-ready version with an attractive feature set. Since the initial launch of Spectacles, Snap Inc. has faced challenges such as low sales, surplus inventory, and high return rates. However, the innovative features of this new release could signal a positive shift for the future.

    Tags: , ,
  • Apple Vision Pro to Get AI Boost; Cheaper Version Coming Soon

    Apple Vision Pro to Get AI Boost; Cheaper Version Coming Soon

    Apple’s Vision Pro AR headset hasn’t quite met expectations. However, the company isn’t giving up just yet. Here’s an overview of the current status and future plans for Vision Pro, according to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg.

    Enhancing User Experience

    Apple is actively working on integrating its AI technology, known as Apple Intelligence, into the AR interface of the headset, visionOS. This integration aims to improve the overall user experience for Vision Pro users. In addition, Apple is revamping in-store demos to offer a more comprehensive experience. The new "Go Deeper" option allows potential buyers to test features such as office applications and video viewing. Soon, Vision Pro users will also be able to view personal videos and photos, including panoramas, within the headset. This feature is expected to be enhanced with the upcoming visionOS 2 update and its "spatialize" option, which can transform 2D photos into 3D experiences.

    Future Developments

    Rumors suggest that Apple is focusing on developing a more affordable headset targeted for release by the end of next year. The specifics are still unclear, with conflicting reports indicating either lower-resolution displays for a successor to the Vision Pro or a complete shift in focus towards this budget-friendly option. The primary challenge appears to be balancing cost with the high-resolution displays currently offered in the Vision Pro.

    While it’s too early to declare the Vision Pro a failure, Apple is likely to introduce a more affordable version of the headset. We will find out soon!

    Tags: , ,
  • Insights Revealed by Former Meizu Executive on Upcoming Huawei Vision AR Headset

    Insights Revealed by Former Meizu Executive on Upcoming Huawei Vision AR Headset

    With the launch of Apple Vision Pro, the headset market received much-needed attention from the masses. The already mature market includes players like Meta, Vive, and Valve, and the entry of Apple made it more competitive. Amid all this, a former Meizu executive, Li Nan, and the founder of Numiao Technology sarcastically shed some light on the expected Huawei Vision AR Headset via his official Weibo Handle.

    Huawei’s VR Headset Details

    As per the post shared, Li Nan claims that Huawei is working on a VR headset that will feature the company’s self-developed chipset, which would offer such exciting performance that there would be “no delay” in spatial renders. The VR headset will come with a Sony 4K micro-OLED display, which is expected to ship to the Huawei manufacturing unit within the next 6 months. The same display is part of Apple’s Vision Pro headset.

    Huawei’s VR headset will weigh around 350 grams, which is around half of the 600 grams measuring Apple’s Vision Pro.

    Pricing and Availability

    If we believe the story, then it would result in a great alternative to the Apple Vision Pro on the market. However, the pricing would be around 15000 Yuan, which roughly translates to ~$2100. We also expect it to be available for a lower price than Apple’s counterpart.

    Huawei’s Previous VR Efforts

    Huawei’s venture into VR is not entirely new, as the company introduced Vision Glass with a head-mounted display in 2021. It was bundled with a 1080P micro-OLED screen. This latest development aligns with Huawei’s previous efforts and its registration of the Vision Pro trademark back in 2019. Even some rumors state that Huawei is bringing its Mixed Reality headset.

    Additionally, Apple may need to change the Vision Pro name in China, as Huawei already has the same name trademark in China.

    Tags: , ,