People are always looking to Apple for its innovative products, and with the last new product launch being the Apple Watch back in 2015, it comes as no surprise that everyone’s wondering when the next new product will be unveiled to the public. Although Apple has yet to publicly announce its newest tech, the next product that Apple seems keen on releasing into the market is a high-tech VR headset that combines both virtual as well as augmented reality.
Despite there being no official news from Apple just yet, it is said to have been in the works for quite some time and was due to be unveiled at the WWDC in June and then set for release later in the year. However, due to some issues that Apple has run into during its development, it looks like its release has been delayed and could even be pushed to 2023. In the meantime, let’s have a look at some of the current VR headsets that are currently on the market.
Oculus Quest 2
One of the most popular VR headsets on the market right now has to be the Oculus Quest 2 by Facebook Technologies. A step up from its predecessor, the Quest 2 is an improvement in almost all aspects, hardware, software, and even storage.
Its features include storage options in 128GB and 256GB, cinematic 3D positional audio, and 1832 x 1920 pixels. Having 6GB RAM and the new Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor, the gameplay is even smoother than before. You also have the option to either use the designated Touch Controllers or your own hands with the help of hand-tracking technology.
Perhaps one of the most impressive features of the Oculus Quest 2 is its safety guidelines. By using your controller, players are able to set up Guardian and can trace a virtual boundary in their physical space to make sure they remain safe while playing. If you ever happen to step too close to the boundary, you’ll be alerted in-game so that you can reposition yourself back to the center of your set boundary. At its base price point of $300, it’s one of the more affordable VR headsets out there for both experienced players, as well as newcomers alike.
PlayStation VR2
Another company working to improve its existing VR headset is Sony, which kicked off 2022 with the official announcement of the Playstation VR2 and Playstation VR2 Sense Controller. To further highlight the features of the next-gen PS5, it was only fitting that they came out with a VR headset with upgraded features like 2000 x 2040 pixels per eye, and from what we know so far, it seems like they’ve managed to pull it off.
One of the biggest upgrades on the PS VR2 is its Sensory Features. Playstation has said that the VR2 combines 3D audio, eye tracking, and headset feedback as well as the use of the VR2 Sense controller with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to create a feeling of deep immersion and to make the player feel as though they are in the world of the game that they are playing.
The headset feedback is an excitingly new addition and the built-in motor and vibrations mean that players are truly able to experience things like an elevated pulse of a character, or the feeling of objects rushing past their head. With just a single cable connected directly to the PS5, you can heighten your feeling of immersion and jump straight into your game.
HTC Vive Pro 2
One of the pricier VR headsets on the market starting at around $750, the HTC Vive Pro 2 certainly boasts features that support that sort of price point. So if you’re someone who is keen on getting the best possible resolution and don’t mind splashing out a bit, this headset may be perfect for you.
With one of the highest resolutions out there, the Vive Pro 2 features 5K clarity, letting you see even the most minute of details during gameplay. The addition of the wide 120 degrees Field of View which is a more natural viewing angle for players, means you can truly experience the game as though you’re standing there yourself.
The option to be able to adjust the interpupillary distance (IPD) is also a great addition because it means that each individual is able to adjust the viewing comfort according to their own preferences and can reduce the effects of eye fatigue even for those who wear glasses, letting you game for even longer.
What We Know about Apple so Far
As mentioned earlier, Apple was expected to officially unveil their AR/VR headset at the WWDC in June and with customers being able to get their hands on their own headset sometime later in the year. However, it has been reported that Apple is facing challenges with its software, camera, and overheating issues which could mean that its release is pushed as far back as 2023.
It is expected that Apple will use their own M1 Pro chip, and that would certainly fall in line with what they have been doing with their other products such as the Macbook Pros. It would make sense for Apple to use something as powerful as the M1 Pro chip due to the fact that they don’t expect to limit themselves to just a VR headset. Rather, their headset is expected to focus on a mixture of technologies such as communication, gaming, and general media consumption to tie the iOS world even more closely.
