To The Moon

When $Apple(AAPL)$ announced its Q2 2023 quarterly earnings but did not follow up with an announcement of its augment reality (AR) headset, there was a bit of a disappointment.

Why ? Becos it would’ve been the “next” new product for the world and its fans (of course!).

On the run up to Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on Mon, 5 Jun 2023 - the same question is circulating again - will there be an official announcement of its highly anticipated AR headset?

Afterall, there have been vague references from Apple themselves.

What rumours do we know so far ?

Apple Headset - Hearsay Details?

• The headset is expected to offer color passthrough

• Logically speaking, should be wired “technically” for seamless integration with (minimally) Apple's AirPods wireless headphones.

• Include nascent technologies like (a) pass-through cameras, (b) in-air typing, (c) hand & eye control, and (e) ultra-high-resolution displays.

• Designed to be a precursor to Apple Glass, that is supposed to offer an "optical see-through AR experience"

• With all these “first” technical features, its “touted” to cost approx. $3,000.

• Hence, it might be targeted at enterprises, much like Meta’s Quest Pro.

How sleek are these devils ?

How Does Meta’s Stacked Against Apple’s?

In “anticipation” or “fear” of Apple’s impending AR headset, $Meta Platforms, Inc.(META)$ CEO, Mark Zuckerberg announced on 01 Jun 2023 (in advanced) its next generation headset - Meta Quest 3.

It will be coming to a shop near you this Fall, 2023.

Who will come up tops in the headset battle? It is a tough call for me to predict.

Both companies have different visions and strategies for their VR/AR products.

Meta

• Has been investing heavily in VR/AR for years.

• As a result, it has a dominant position in the market with its Meta Quest 2 headset; despite “challenges” from Pico 4 & HTC’s Vive XR Elite; that has hardly dented its lead.

• Meta Quest 2 is a standalone device that offers immersive VR experiences for gaming, socializing, and entertainment.

• It also supports some AR features through its experimental passthrough mode.

• Its “plus” should be its plans to build the metaverse, a virtual world where people can interact and create content across different platforms and devices.

• Not to mention its catalog of games “custom built” strictly for its headset of course.

• The “undesired” requirement (of course) is the need for a Facebook account. Who still uses a FB account? (sarcasm intended)

Apple

• Has been successful in maintaining radio silence about its VR/AR ambitions.

• Its mixed-reality headset is expected to be a niche product that will appeal to a smaller group of enthusiasts and professionals who are willing to pay a premium price for a high-end device.

• In all likelihood, the headset focuses more on AR than VR, with seamless integration with its existing Apple ecosystem of devices & services.

• Will leverage its strengths in (i) design, (ii) aesthetics, (iii) privacy, (iv) user experience (UX) etc.. to differentiate its headset from the competition.

• Apple’s maiden foray into the world of “reality” (augment or virtual) will need to the world “by storm” again.

Ultimately, the success of any headset will depend on the following factors:

• Quality of the hardware & software.

• Availability & diversity of content and applications.

• User adoption and retention rates.

• Customer satisfaction and loyalty levels.

• ** Future innovations and improvements that both will introduce.

Would I Buy The Apple Or Meta Headset?

• I am curious about Apple's headset, but I am unsure if I would buy either.

• I would like to try it first before making a decision.

• Firstly, I expect both products to be (a) well-designed & (b) well-engineered devices that will offer a unique and compelling VR/AR experience.

• Besides being compatible with other Apple devices & services, respect owner’s privacy & security, how wonderful would it be to be able to “conquer” the Andriod world as well?

• Apart from playing games, what other use case/s are there to entice me further?

• Quality of content and headset’s apps are equally crucial (additional deal-breaker considers) nowadays; for me at least!

• Last but not least, the price point. With a possible impending recession, possibly hitting the man in the street soon, every penny counts!

• Do you think you will get the new Meta Quest 3?

• Do you think you will stick your neck out for Apple’s Reality Pro (rumoured name)?

Please give a “LIKe”, “Share” and “Re-post” ok. Thanks! The rating is very important to me!

Would you consider “Follow me” so that you get first hand read of my daily new posts? Thanks!

@TigerPM

@TigerStars

@Tiger_SG

@TigerEvents

@Daily_Discussion