Apple has recently made waves in the tech world with the announcement of their latest innovation, the Vision Pro. But what sets this device apart from other headsets on the market? Apple describes it not as a headset, but as a "spatial computer." This concept of spatial computing is not entirely new, as we have seen similar devices from companies like Microsoft, Meta, and Magic Leap. However, Apple’s Vision Pro aims to take spatial computing to the next level, offering a revolutionary experience that CEO Tim Cook believes will mark the beginning of a new era for computing.

So, what exactly is a spatial computer? In simple terms, it is a head-mounted display that is equipped with cameras, microphones, and sensors to detect objects, surfaces, and walls in your surroundings. This allows the device to have an awareness of its environment, bridging the gap between the real world and the digital realm. With a spatial computer like the Vision Pro, users can expect to receive assistance with their daily tasks, such as instantly seeing directions, hearing translations, and obtaining more information about their surroundings. The possibilities are endless, as this technology has the potential to replace traditional screens, computers, tablets, phones, and even watches. While the Vision Pro is just the beginning, it hints at the incredible capabilities of spatial computing and what we can expect in the future.

Apple’s Vision Pro: The Beginning of a New Era for Computing

When Apple introduced the Vision Pro, it didn’t label it as a headset, but rather as a "spatial computer." While other companies like Microsoft, Meta, and Magic Leap use terms like extended reality (XR), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), Apple CEO Tim Cook described spatial computing as the start of a new era in computing. But what exactly is a spatial computer?

In a 2003 MIT graduate thesis, spatial computing was defined as the interaction between humans and machines in which the machine retains and manipulates references to real objects and spaces. Essentially, it involves devices with sensing and processing capabilities that can detect objects, surfaces, and walls in the user’s surroundings. Cameras, microphones, and sensors provide information to the processor, which then analyzes and presents useful information to the user.

This concept of a computer with awareness of its environment is a step up from traditional computers, which can capture the outside world in some ways but still rely on users for most of the analysis. Spatial computers, on the other hand, provide assistance with reality, similar to how smartphones have allowed us to ask questions like "How far is that?" or "What kind of flower is that?"

The future of spatial computing goes beyond smartphones and smart glasses. It envisions a world where everyone is wearing spatial computers that can instantly provide directions, translations, and details about anything in the user’s surroundings. Imagine having a powerful version of Google Lens, a measuring app, a translation app, a recommendation guide, and a custom audiovisual tutor available at your disposal throughout the day. Eventually, spatial computers could replace every screen, computer, tablet, phone, and watch, simplifying life and connecting people in new ways.

Apple’s Vision Pro, as a spatial computer, interacts with the real world by scanning its surroundings using lidar and color cameras. It augments the user’s experience with virtual screens, surround sound, and even three-dimensional objects. When the user turns or moves, the Vision Pro adjusts the displayed image accordingly, creating a seamless integration of computer-generated elements in the user’s environment. While other VR headsets have similar capabilities, Apple’s Vision Pro is known for its accuracy and ability to match movement with the displayed image.

However, the Vision Pro is just the beginning of spatial computing. It may be too expensive for most consumers, and its full capabilities are still unclear. But it represents the start of an AR future that has been depicted in science fiction movies for years. Despite its bulkiness, the Vision Pro has the potential to revolutionize computing with its ability to track the user’s position, gaze, gestures, and even detect nearby people. Apple has only scratched the surface of what’s possible, and it’s only a matter of time before we see the Vision Pro evolve into Apple’s version of an augmented and virtual layer over reality.

In conclusion, spatial computing, represented by Apple’s Vision Pro, marks the beginning of a new era in computing. It combines the real and computed worlds, providing users with assistance in their daily lives and potentially replacing traditional devices. While the Vision Pro is just the first step, it showcases the potential of spatial computers to transform how we interact with technology and our surroundings. The future of spatial computing is exciting, and we can expect more advancements in this field in the years to come.

Takeaways:

• Spatial computing is the interaction between humans and machines in which the machine retains and manipulates references to real objects and spaces.
• Spatial computers, like Apple’s Vision Pro, have sensing and processing capabilities that allow them to detect objects, surfaces, and walls in the user’s surroundings.
• The Vision Pro is just the beginning of spatial computing and represents the potential for a future where computers seamlessly integrate with our environment.
• Spatial computers have the potential to replace traditional devices and simplify our lives by providing assistance and information in real-time.
• The Vision Pro is bulky and expensive, but it showcases the accuracy and potential of spatial computing. There is still much more to come in this field.