Latest news with #VisionOS26
The National
4 days ago
- Business
- The National
Apple WWDC: New Vision Pro strategy offers something to look forward to amid lack of new AI features
Apple is courting enterprise users and content creators for its Vision Pro, aiming to boost the appeal and utility of the headset in preparation for its next version. The company introduced VisionOS 26 at the opening of its annual Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday and said the operating system would be introduced for Vision Pro users later this year. Among the most important updates to VisionOS 26 are new app developer tools for enterprise users and support for Insta360, GoPro and Canon devices that can produce content in 180-degree, 360-degree and wide views. The Vision Pro already has enterprise support for workspaces, employee training, remote fieldwork and 3D modelling, but the update signifies giving app developers more freedom to create customised enterprise applications. The support for those devices, meanwhile, is a move to lure content creators, including filmmaking and social media users, into the Vision Pro fold and turn the device into a more widely used tool for their purposes. Apple also announced the Vision Pro will support PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers, which are similar to Nintendo's Nunchuks for the Wii, which will broaden its gaming base on the headset. These moves, along with the other announcements at the WWDC, are aimed at "simplifying user interfaces for daily use and enhancing the seamless integration and uniform appearance of its devices across various platforms", said Anisha Bhatia, a senior analyst at GlobalData. However, the price remains a question mark. The original Vision Pro retailed for prices starting at $3,500 (Dh14,000 in the UAE), which was the biggest sticking point for the device. Apple has since discontinued production of the Vision Pro. Reports suggest its next version will come later this year, in line with VisionOS 26's release, or next year. Falling behind? Among the rumoured changes for the device are a lighter design, a better immersive experience and, crucially, lower price points. Apple does not comment on speculation about its tech. The next Vision Pro should also be able to take on the likes of Meta's Quest headsets, whose lower price points have helped them to be successful. Apple, however, has always positioned the Vision Pro as a premium device. Chief executive Tim Cook, announcing the discontinuation of the Vision Pro in April, acknowledged the device was meant for early adopters, leaving the door open for more improvements for the mass market and, crucially, at a lower price point. The Vision Pro's updates seemed to give Apple users something to look forward to after a lacklustre WWDC, particularly as more advanced Apple Intelligence features did not materialise. That leaves Apple behind companies including Google and Meta Platforms, whose large language models have been generally praised. Apple, however, has maintained that its generative AI offering will be introduced in phases. Apple also said it is opening up access to the Apple Intelligence generative AI models to outside developers, meaning it can tap into its 34 million-strong bench of developers who have played a big role in expanding the Apple ecosystem over the years. "We think this will ignite a whole new wave of intelligent experiences in the apps you use every day," Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of software engineering, said at the WWDC. The reaction to the delayed release was reflected by Apple investors, driving the company's stock down by as much as 1.5 per cent before settling 1.2 per cent lower on Monday. It is also unclear what plans Apple and OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT and with which Apple partnered with at last year's WWDC, have to make Apple Intelligence keep up with industry leaders. Apple's introduction of its new Liquid Glass interface, "focusing on design rather than AI or core technology, [may be] another sign the company may be falling behind in the AI race", said Ipek Ozkardeskaya, a senior analyst at Swissquote Bank. However, due to its influence and brand power, Apple has been given "breathing room", she added, noting that its shares have "notably diverged" from the rest of the so-called Magnificent Seven, a group that comprises Apple, Microsoft, Google parent Alphabet, Amazon, Nvidia, Meta and Tesla. "Apple needs to act to stay in the top tier," Ms Ozkardeskaya said.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
From spatial widgets to realistic Personas: All the visionOS updates Apple announced at WWDC
Apple's updates to visionOS 26, the operating system powering its mixed reality headset, build on last year's Apple Vision Pro spatial computer that blends digital content with the physical world. At WWDC, Apple announced a range of updates for both consumer and enterprise customers, from new spatial widgets and content to more realistic Personas and more. Apple's widgets offer personalized and useful information at a glance. With visionOS 26, they become spatial, integrating into your space. You can customize the widgets to the size, color, and depth you like, and place them where you want. New widgets include a clock that you can decorate, weather that adapts to the weather outside near you, music for quick access to tunes, and photos that can transform into a panorama or a 'window to another space.' An update to the visionOS Photos app uses a new AI algorithm that leverages computational depth to create multiple perspectives for your 2D photos, bringing images to life. Apple says it will feel like you can 'lean right into them and look around.' Spatial browsing on Safari can also make web browsing a more immersive experience. With certain supported articles, spatial browsing can hide distractions and reveal inline photos that 'come alive as you scroll.' Developers can also add spatial browsing to their own apps. Apple released Personas, an AI avatar to represent you on video calls, on the Vision Pro as a beta feature last year. With visionOS 26, Apple says Personas 'more realistically represent you.' The new Personas take advantage of 'volumetric rendering and machine learning technology' to enhance everything from how you look in full side profile view to delivering more accurate-looking hair, eyelashes, and complexion. Personas are all created on-device in a 'matter of seconds," Apple says. VisionOS 26 lets you and another headset-wearing friend watch a movie or play a spatial game together. This capability is also being marketed for enterprise clients, allowing users to collaborate. For example, 3D design software company Dassault Systèmes is leveraging the ability with its 3DLive app to visualize 3D designs in person and with remote colleagues. VisionOS 26 also lets organizations easily share a common pool of devices among team members, and even securely saves your eye and hand data, vision prescription, and accessibility settings to your iPhone so users can quickly use a shared team device or a friend's Vision Pro as a guest user. Apple said it would add more APIs so enterprises can create apps designed for visionOS. There's a new 'for your eyes only' mode that ensures only those who have been given access can see any confidential materials. Finally, Apple announced Logitech Muse built for Vision Pro, a spatial accessory built for the headset that lets you draw and collaborate in 3D with precision. More Apple Intelligence features are coming to the Apple Vision Pro. VisionOS 26 supports new languages like French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish, along with support for English in Australia, Canada, India, Singapore, and the U.K. Users can also now 'look to scroll' using just their eyes to explore apps and websites. They can also now unlock their iPhone while wearing the Apple Vision Pro, even when wearing the headset, and visionOS supports relaying calls from iPhone so you can accept a call from the Apple Vision Pro.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
WWDC 2025: Apple partners Sony and others to get new spatial experiences with visionOS 26
Apple previewed the upcoming VisionOS 26 update for its Apple Vision Pro headsets at its annual developer conference, WWDC 2025 . The Cupertino-based tech giant claims that this update is designed to bring a range of new spatial experiences and features, aiming to make everyday interactions more immersive and personal. The company also announced partnerships with Sony, Canon, GoPro, and Insta360 to bring new spatial experiences to visionOS 26. The update will support 180°, 360°, and wide field-of-view content, giving Vision Pro users richer immersive media. Apple also introduced new enterprise APIs and PlayStation VR2 Sense controller support, paving the way for next-gen games and professional apps. Apple visionOS 26 announced: Availability and new features Apple visionOS 26 is now available for developers to test. The update introduces several new features aimed at enhancing the spatial computing experience on Apple Vision Pro. For example, Spatial Widgets now integrate directly into a user's space with customisable frame width, colour and depth, bringing information like weather, clock, and photos right into the environment. Shared Spatial Experiences allow multiple Vision Pro users in the same room to collaborate or watch 3D content together, with support from apps like Dassault Systèmes' 3DLive. Personas have been upgraded to appear more natural and expressive, offering side profiles and enhanced detail using improved volumetric rendering. Spatial Scenes use AI to add depth to spatial photos, making images feel more immersive and interactive. Web browsing also evolves with spatial Safari, enabling 3D models to be embedded directly on web pages. VisionOS 26 brings native playback support for 180°, 360°, and wide field-of-view content from Insta360, GoPro, and Canon, while adding compatibility with PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers for enhanced gaming. For enterprises, new APIs include team device sharing, Protected Content API for sensitive materials, and support for accessories like Logitech Muse. The update also adds Look to Scroll, enabling eye-based scrolling, a redesigned Control Center, and the ability to relay iPhone calls directly to Vision Pro. Users can also unlock their iPhone while immersed in Vision Pro experiences, and the new Home View folders feature helps organise apps. Tecno Pova Curve: Unboxing and First Look
