What you should know
- The anticipation for the launch of Vision Pro, a VR headset, is high as 2023 draws to a close.
- There is hope that Apple will release information about its smart glasses project, despite rumors of its cancellation.
- Apple has recently been granted 85 patents, one of which is for a “Head-mounted Device With Tension Adjustment”, sparking speculation about the possibility of smart glasses.
- There is speculation that 2024 will be a significant year for XR, with potential product releases from Apple.
Full Story
Well, would you believe it? 2023’s almost done and dusted. New Year’s is peeking over the horizon, and you know what that means – 2024 is just a hop, skip, and a jump away. And with the new year comes something I’ve been waiting for – the launch of Vision Pro. I’m buzzing with anticipation to see it become one of the top VR headsets out there!
But I gotta be real with you. I’ve got my fingers crossed for Apple to spill the beans on its smart glasses project. The glimpses we’ve had of the Vision Pro have me hopeful. I’m thinking, maybe Apple’s in the right headspace to craft a killer pair of AR glasses.
I won’t lie, it was a bummer to hear insiders like Mark Gurman suggest that the Apple Glasses project might be shelved. But I’m not ready to throw in the towel just yet. Why, you ask? ‘Cause I believe. I believe in the concept, and I believe in the Big A. And let’s not forget those patent submissions. They’re like little nuggets of hope, keeping my faith alive.
Take a look at this image. It’s tied to the patent I’m talking about.
Now, hold your horses. Before we dive headfirst into my wild conspiracy theories, let’s take a beat. Remember, take this with a pinch of salt. Tech giants like Apple are always filing patents, and only a handful ever see the light of day as actual products.
I’m not saying this is a surefire sign that Apple’s smart glasses project is back from the dead. But man, do I want it to be. So, what’s my ray of hope here? Well, Apple recently bagged 85 patents. Just another day at the office, right? #TypicalTuesday. Among these was one for a “Head-mounted Device With Tension Adjustment”. Gotta love the way patents work.
This patent is chock-full of descriptors. It could be hinting at either a headset or smart-specs. So, how do we crack this code? Especially with rumors flying around about a cheaper Vision Pro model in the works. Here’s my two cents: some of the new patents are clearly linked to the Vision Pro. The one I’m talking about? It seems to suggest a lightweight device. I can’t picture even a Vision Lite being this… well, light. And then there’s that image. Sure looks more like glasses than a bulky headset, don’t you think?
So, what’s the verdict? Is Apple back to its old tricks with my favorite non-existent product? Maybe. Only time will tell. My best guess? We’ll know more either when the Vision Pro launches or after. Regardless, 2024 is shaping up to be a banner year for XR.
