The Apple Vision Pro headset is getting ready for its 2024 debut, and XR developers are already leveraging the device’s SDK to create a range of immersive productivity tools.
Unified communications (UC) solutions provider Wildix is joining that collective journey to bring MR enterprise applications to Vision Pro.
Dimitri Osler, Founder and CTO of Wildix, added:
This just shows how effectively development can happen within small teams dedicated to the purpose. Just like with WebRTC, we see the potential of this technology, and we are proud to be the first to have created it.
The leading UC firm is bringing its esteemed experience in digital workplace solutions ready for Apple’s XR headset debut.
Wildix is porting its UC software to the upcoming headset, allowing Vision Pro users to access meeting, text chat, and phone call features within the Vison Pro spatial computing OS.
The immersive UC service also allows Vision Pro users to access Wildix’s brand features in fully developed virtual meeting rooms – accessible for worldwide users wanting to connect and collaborate.
A New Approach to Hybrid Work
“Imagine being able to walk virtually into a room where you see everybody within it,” remarked Elena Kornilova, Product Marketing Manager at Wildix.
Kornilova also notes that the Vision Pro application will allow Wildix to develop solutions that evolve the ability of UC solutions.
The Wildix manager added that the new immersive approach allows the firm to go from seeing coworkers “through webcams with a virtual room background ” and “eventually develop this further into a complete virtual room setting — making it even easier to create a truly effective hybrid working solution.”
Wildix’s upcoming immersive product also has distribution support via its in-house “Collaboration” platform and its latest “x-bees” sales platform.
Currently, the solution is leveraging a heads-up display design outlook; however, Wildix is planning richer immersive features in the future.
Emiliano Tomasoni, CMO of Wildix, noted that the current immersive application developments “could prove extremely attractive to businesses.”
Tomasoni also boldly predicted that “office space would no longer be needed.”
The CMP explained that immersive UC allows workers to attend a “virtual office” without location or travel restrictions.
Tomasoni also explained that the solution could reach a broader range of end-users – adding:
It could also be very useful for everyone from doctors and therapists to mediators, allowing custom rooms that go far beyond anything a simple Zoom or Teams call can provide. The technology is right there.
More on Apple Vision Pro
Apple appears to be planning to release the Vision Pro MR headset in early 2024. Apple will distribute the first headset iteration in select regions, such as the US, with Apple pricing the device at $3,499.
The Vision Pro will be powered by two Micro OLED 4K displays, each with a resolution of 3800 x 3000 per eye. The headset will also have a ring of LED lights to assist with eye-tracking performance and sensors to support hand tracking, allowing operators to interact with their spatial computing environment without controllers. The Vision Pro will also leverage two power options: an outlet option and an external battery pack.
The Vision Pro will leverage a proprietary software stack and an Apple silicon architecture. Moreover, Apple partnered with Zeiss to create custom optical inserts to support users who require prescription glasses. Apple plans to make the prescription inserts available to coincide with the official Apple Vision Pro release date next year.
Vision Pro SDK Ready for Developers
Apple will allow users to access productivity and collaboration applications such as Safari browsers to view on a massive display, and Facetime will also come to the headset – however, rather than showing your friends and coworkers your contact image, the FaceTime app for Vision Pro will create a digital persona to represent you in-app.
Developers can already begin working with “VisionOS,” building apps natively for the headset and explore features like Apple’s new “EyeSight” solution.
Apple is also working with Unity to improve accessibility for developers by partnering with the respected RT3D engine to help developers port pre-existing and create new Vision Pro services.
Unity comes to the project with a vast range of developer resources. The partnership allows third-party developers to leverage the famed engine to support Vision Pro easily features like hard-tracking.
Services such as Rec Room, a Metaverse application, are already porting to Apple’s new device with new hand-tracking features. With several services appearing on the SDK before launch, 2024 could look bright for Apple MR’s future.