Barring an unfortunate surprise, the fact is that Apple will be unveiling its mixed reality glasses during the WWDC 2023 inaugural conference. But beyond presenting all the hardware features, those from Cupertino realize that they must also detail all the software-related news. Applications will of course play a fundamental role in this area.
Mark Gurman, a journalist at Bloomberg and one of the most reliable sources when it comes to Apple’s upcoming products, claims that the company is clear what the focus of the Apple Reality Pro, as the glasses will be called, will be. At least initially, it will focus on entertainment, physical activities, and working together.
To achieve this, Apple would use iPad applications. Since some apps on the tablet are more feature-rich than those on the iPhone, they are ideal for porting to virtual reality glasses.
Don’t expect a plain mirror of iPad apps, mind you. Apple wants to adapt them to a three-dimensional surface that fits the overall experience of mixed reality glasses.
iOS apps make the leap to Apple Reality Pro.
Apple will of course bring the standard iOS/iPadOS apps to the mixed reality world. Safari, Calendar, Contacts, Files, Mail, Mail, My Messages, Messages, Notes, Photos, Reminders, Music, Weather, Stocks, Apple TV, and Books will be available on the glasses.
Gurman even points out that they will offer a. special version of FaceTime that generates three-dimensional models of the video call participants to place them in a virtual space.
As for physical activity, the companies led by Tim Cook are developing a Fitness+ variant for Apple Reality Pro. For example, it would be possible to see the instructor with the goggles performing a routine.
In terms of working environment, tools like Pages, Numbers and Keynote can be used from the device. Are you a content creator? iMovie and GarageBand aren’t left behind either.
In the collaboration, Freeform, the application that debuted with iOS 16, iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura, will also be present in mixed reality glasses. It will be possible for multiple users to interact with the board in a virtual world.
What about entertainment? Without a doubt, this category could be very important in the consumer’s purchasing decision. The Apple Reality Pro will pay special attention to sports consumption. Thanks to recent agreements with MLS and MLB, users can enjoy football and baseball games in an immersive way through Apple TV+.
It’s important to note here that in mid-2020, Apple bought NextVR, a company specializing in virtual reality video streaming. So let’s not be surprised that Apple Reality Pro excels at video playback. Don’t doubt that streaming video services are rubbing their hands.
Developers are once again key
Apple cannot drive the success of its glasses without developer support. The iPhone and iPad have been successful in large part because they launched an app store. This pillar will also underpin Apple Reality Pro, and the company wants to use WWDC 2023 to encourage developers to create experiences for its new device.
However, Bloomberg points out that Apple has been working with some developers for some time to help them adapt their applications to virtual reality or augmented reality. And for those who don’t have that opportunity, xrOS development tools will also be showcased at WWDC 2023. The operating system that brings the glasses to life.
Among the new features of xrOS is one that will draw a lot of attention. may show one or the other app depending on location. The source quoted gives the use of Safari in the kitchen as an example. If the user temporarily moves to another location, but then returns, the browser will automatically reappear on the screen. It is also known that it will not be necessary to use an external controller to interact with the interface. Everything is done with hand and finger gestures, eye movements and voice commands via Siri.
Will it be difficult to adapt to the new xrOS development tools? Not at all. Those who have already built apps on iOS using ARKit will find that the environment looks familiar.
Next, we have an appointment on June 5th to meet the Apple Reality Pro. Of course, we will be covering the event extensively at Hipertextual.
