Zoom is heading to the Apple Vision Pro headset.
When the mixed-reality headset lands on Feb. 2 in the U.S., it will come with the video-conferencing app.
Users will be able to use Personas to create realistic-looking avatars of themselves and the “Spatial Zoom experience,” an immersive office space where it looks like you are in the same room as your co-workers.
Zoom also has some other functions that will launch at a later date, including 3D object sharing, which gives creative and technical industries the ability to work together on 3D model designs. Other functions include Team Chat messaging and Real World Pinning for up to five people.
The tech giant is said to have already sold a whopping 200,000 headsets and has an introductory price of $3,499. It looks like a pair of goggles and is said to “seamlessly” blend the real and digital world.
“It’s the first Apple product you look through, not at,” CEO Tim Cook said when he announced the device during the tech giant’s WWDC 2023 in June.
The controller-free headset is controlled with hands, eyes and voice, and will allow users to browse rows of app icons via the visionOS operating system. The user will be able to tap to select an app or flick to keep scrolling, as well as give voice commands to access “hundreds of thousands of familiar iPhone and iPad apps,” according to Cook.
The headset also supports Bluetooth accessories, and you can connect your Mac to use inside the headset.
“Featuring visionOS, the world’s first spatial operating system, Vision Pro lets users interact with digital content in a way that feels like it is physically present in their space,” Apple said in a press release.
“The breakthrough design of Vision Pro features an ultra-high-resolution display system that packs 23 million pixels across two displays, and custom Apple silicon in a unique dual-chip design to ensure every experience feels like it’s taking place in front of the user’s eyes in real time,” the press release stated.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era for computing. Just as the Mac introduced us to personal computing, and iPhone introduced us to mobile computing, Apple Vision Pro introduces us to spatial computing. Built upon decades of Apple innovation, Vision Pro is years ahead and unlike anything created before — with a revolutionary new input system and thousands of groundbreaking innovations. It unlocks incredible experiences for our users and exciting new opportunities for our developers,” Cook added in a statement.
Apple has said the device will change “the way users interact with their favorite apps, capture and relive memories, enjoy stunning TV shows and movies, and connect with others on FaceTime.”
The device is said to be launching in the U.K. and Canada in late 2024.
