Rumored Apple VR headset won't use controllers it'll use your eyes and hands

Date:
Tue, 24 Jan 2023 12:20:30 +0000

Description:
The Apple VR headset is looking set to be a controller-less device, instead relying on eye and hand tracking.

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The long-rumored Apple VR headset is expected to launch later this year, and when it does it might arrive without one accessory that pretty much every rival device relies on: controllers.

While devices like the Meta Quest Pro and its predecessor the Oculus Quest 2 do offer handset-free hand-tracking options, their controllers are still the main way that users interact with the virtual world; while there are several apps that support hand-tracking, there are significantly more experiences
that require users to interact with the world using their controllers.

But Apple seems keen to ditch cumbersome handsets, with Bloombergs Mark
Gurman who has a solid track record with Apple leaks suggesting that users will instead interact with Apples VR interface using their hands and eyes.

According to Gurman, Apple headset users will look at the app they want to open, and then reach out their hand and pinch their thumb and index finger together to open it. Plus, while Apple is apparently still developing a virtual keyboard for users to type on, at launch headset wearers will instead have to rely on the Siri voice assistant to turn their speech into text for typing.

However, none of this is to say that you wont be able to pair external hardware with the Apple headset. Apple is the king of interoperability
between its devices, and this headset wont buck the trend it will reportedly be able to serve as a second monitor for your Mac computer, and you'll be
able to use your iPhone and iPads keyboard for typing. The VR headset can apparently serve as a second monitor for devices like the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) (Image credit: Future)

As with all leaks and rumors we should take Gurman's claims with a pinch of salt, although as mentioned, he is fairly reliable, and the information
tracks with the fact we've heard very few details about the headset's handsets. If the device is launching this year, and with controllers, we should have heard some design or spec details about them by now; however, beyond the odd patent, we've not heard anything, whereas we already know a fair amount about the headset itself, which may suggest that it is indeed controller-less. Analysis: a hand-tracking upgrade is in sight

If youve used a VR headsets hand tracking then you might be a little worried about Apples headset being wholly reliant on it. While Ive been impressed by the version of the feature employed by Metas Quest Pro, and even its older headsets like the Quest 2, the tool isnt quite as competent as Id like; currently, too few apps support it, and the tracking isnt accurate enough for me to ditch controllers altogether.

However, I think Apples VR setup could give its version of the tool an edge, and thats thanks to its use of eye-tracking.

Ive found that hand tracking on Meta's Quest devices struggles most in menus. If youre in a game and go to pick up an object it works really well, but the moment you have to point and interact with a menu at a distance things can start to feel subpar. Apples headset sounds like it will solve this
inaccuracy issue with eye-tracking rather than simply relying on a users gestures, the device may be able to better infer the wearers intentions by using where theyre looking as an extra data point. The Meta Quest Pro could use its eye-tracking to improve its hand-tracking, but its currently held
back by Quest 2 compatible software (Image credit: Future)

Well have to wait and see exactly how Apples VR headset works if and when its finally unveiled later this year, but if its hand tracking is an upgrade over whats come before then I expect well see Meta and others deploy updates to their systems at least those with eye-tracking, like the Quest Pro.

The XR space isn't just a battle between Apple and Meta, of course. Check out our hands-on experience with the HTC Vive XR Elite , and our rundown of all the VR, AR, and MR headsets at CES 2023 to get a better understanding of what 2023 has in store for the metaverse.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/rumored-apple-vr-headset-wont-use-controllers-i tll-use-your-eyes-and-hands


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