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 Bloomberg journalist and one of the most trusted sources when it comes to Apple’s next products, says the company has its sights firmly set on the Apple Reality Pro, as the glasses will reportedly be called. At least initially, they will focus on entertainment, physical activities, and working together.
To achieve this, Apple I would take advantage of the iPad applications. Because some apps on the tablet are more feature-rich than those on the iPhone, they’re ideal for porting to VR headsets.
Of course, don’t expect simple mirroring of the iPad applications. Apple wants to adapt them to a three-dimensional interface that blends into the overall mixed reality headset experience.
iOS applications make the leap to Apple Reality Pro
Apple will surely bring the standard iOS/iPadOS apps to the mixed reality world. Safari, Calendar, Contacts, Files, Mail, Reminders, 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 will generate three-dimensional models of the participants in the video call to place them in a virtual space.
Regarding 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 in the glasses while performing a routine.
In the work environment, tools such as Pages, Numbers and Keynote can be used from the device. Are you a content creator? iMovie and GarageBand aren’t left behind either.
In collaborative work, free form, the application that debuted with iOS 16, iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura will also be present in the mixed reality glasses. It will be possible for multiple users to interact with the board within a virtual world.
What about the entertainment? Undoubtedly, 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 immersively through Apple TV+.
It’s important to note here that in mid-2020, Apple bought NextVR, a company specializing in virtual reality video streaming. No wonder, then, that Apple Reality Pro excels at video playback. Don’t doubt that streaming video services are rubbing their hands.
Developers are key again
Apple cannot increase the success of its glasses without the support of the developers. The iPhone and iPad have been successful in large part because they launched an app store. This pillar will also support 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 do not have this possibility, WWDC 2023 will also present the xrOS development tools, the operating system that gives life to the glasses.
Among the novelties of xrOS there is one that will attract a lot of attention because you can show one app or another depending on your location. The above source cites the use of Safari in the kitchen as an example. If the user moves briefly to another location, but then returns, the browser automatically reappears on the screen. It is also known that the intervention of an external command is not required to interact with the interface. Everything can be done with hand and finger gestures, eye movements and voice commands via Siri.
Will it be difficult to adapt to xrOS’ new development tools? Not at all. Those who have already built iOS apps with ARKit will find that the environment looks familiar.
Next June 5th we have an appointment to meet Apple Reality Pro. Of course, we will report in detail about the event in the hypertext.
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