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Apple showcases Vision Pro headset

Apple showcases Vision Pro headset

Welcome to the world of 3D "spatial computing."

Leander Kahney
June 05, 2023

In its nearly 50-year history, Apple has successfully introduced a string of groundbreaking computing platforms.

It started with the Apple II, the first personal computer for the masses (which coincidentally launched on this day in 1977), followed by the Mac’s graphical user interface and then the iPhone’s multitouch.

In each case, the breakthrough was a new input method.

Today, Apple unveiled the first 3D computer that’s controlled by your eyes, voice and hand gestures — the Vision Pro.

Priced at an eye-opening $3,500, it remains to be seen whether this relatively expensive headset will take off. The initial price tag has to be a barrier.

But its appeal is clear for many computing scenarios, not least that it’s a powerful computer in its own right that doesn’t need expensive monitors, sound systems or input devices to make it functional.

Either way, it’s a banner day for Apple and the computing industry.

Welcome to the world of 3D “spatial computing.” Computers will never be the same.

Also in today’s newsletter:

Unlike Vision Pro, the new 15-inch MacBook Air starts at a more reasonable $1,299.
Apple’s transition to its own silicon is complete with a new Mac Pro and a new Mac Studio, both based on the M2 Ultra, aka “the most powerful chip ever made for a personal computer.”
The WWDC23 keynote also brought big updates to iOS 17, macOS Sonoma, iPadOS 17 and watchOS 10 (which, as a cyclist, warms my heart).
With all this update excitement, will your Apple devices run the new operating systems?

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

Apple’s pricey Vision Pro headset ushers in era of ‘spatial computing’

The company just showed off its Vision Pro AR/VR headset, which will run Apple’s apps in a floating, immersive 3D space. The device starts at $3,499 and will be available early next year.

New super-size MacBook Air is 'world's thinnest 15-inch laptop'

The 15.3-inch MacBook Air that Apple just unveiled at WWDC23 is the largest consumer-oriented notebook Apple has ever offered. But it's also very slim.

Mac Studio updated with 'most powerful chip ever made for a personal computer'

The Mac Studio just got its first update, and it's a screamer. The desktop machine now comes with Apple's new M2 Ultra chip.

^{A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team}

This $99 iPad mini bundle makes a perfect Father's Day gift

If Dad's still streaming on a laptop, it's time for an upgrade. This iPad mini 2 bundle with headphones and more is made for Father's Day gifting.

Mac Pro finally gets updated to Apple silicon, is 3X faster

Apple's transition to its own silicon is finally complete with the launch of a new Mac Pro, which combines Apple's powerful M2 Ultra chip with loads of expansion options.

iPadOS 17 brings Lock Screen customization and interactive widgets to iPad

The OS will give iPad users some features they've been requesting for a long time, plus some additional ones.

^{A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team}

This $133 arcade packs 20,000+ classics into a portable console

For a limited time, get the Retro Arcade Game Console while it’s on sale for only $132.99 (regularly $189).

Widget fans and cyclists and will love watchOS 10

watchOS 10 will introduce widgets and bring a new look for many built-in Apple Watch apps. But the biggest changes come to the Workout app, which adds great features for cyclists and more.

macOS Sonoma brings better gaming, new AR features and souped-up Safari

The next-gen operating system for Mac will add new gaming functionality, desktop widgets, fresh screensavers and Safari browser upgrades.

Will your devices run Apple’s latest operating systems?

iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10 and macOS Sonoma are packed with new features. But are they coming to your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or Mac?

This clever multiport hub is also an accessory case [Review] ★★★★☆

The Jsaux Omnicase 2 Pro is a 10-in-1 hub offers USB and video ports plus SD card readers. And an accessory storage case, too.

3 Reasons to Watch: ‘Servant’ on Apple TV+

In this installment of 3 Reasons to Watch, we look at "Servant," the wonderfully dark Apple TV+ series from M. Night Shyamalan.

Today in Apple history: The revolutionary Apple II goes on sale

On June 5, 1977, the first Apple II went on sale. With great specs and breakthrough technology, it quickly became a legendary Apple computer.

5 reasons you desperately need a desk mat [Setups]

The humble desk mat has its benefits. And that came up with today's featured, desk-mat-free M1 MacBook Air setup.

Tweetz o’ the day

#WWDC23 branding nails getting harder and harder to pull off every year
— Linda Dong 🍄 (@lindadong)
Jun 4, 2023

Thumb for size comparison #wwdc
— Geoffrey A. Fowler (@geoffreyfowler)
Jun 5, 2023

One more thing ...

❝

You have to deeply understand the essence of a product in order to be able to get rid of the parts that are not essential.

— Steve Jobs, 2011.

Today’s poll

What do you think of Apple's AR/VR headset?

Results from last Friday’s poll: Will the AR/VR headset launch be as big as the iPhone's was?

Best reader comments from ‘chris,’ ‘stevew’ and ‘rick.w.lancaster’:

‘

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