After Apple Vision Pro’s initial release in the United States, Apple now appears to be preparing to launch in nine other countries.

Apple Vision Pro currently only supports English (US) and Emoji as languages but a closer look at the code that underpins the technology by MacRumors suggests that preparations are underway for 12 new languages coming soon.

Apple plans for a wider Vision Pro launch

This is a vital step to bringing the Vision Pro to new countries. The code appears to demonstrate that Apple is planning to add support for the following languages:

• Cantonese, Traditional
• Chinese, Simplified
• English (Australia)
• English (Canada)
• English (Japan)
• English (Singapore)
• English (UK)
• French (Canada)
• French (France)
• German (Germany)
• Japanese
• Korean

Judging from these languages, the code seems to hint that Apple will launch the Vision Pro in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, as well as possibly Hong Kong and Taiwan.

However, it’s worth noting that this is speculation for now and Apple hasn’t confirmed where it plans to launch the VR headset next. It could easily be that support for wider languages is planned but the device will still only be sold in the United States – although this seems less likely with the inclusion of regional dialects like English (Australia), English (Canada), English (Japan), English (Singapore), and English (UK).

Apple has openly stated that it plans to bring the Vision Pro to more countries later in 2024 but without defining exactly when or where. This comes after the VR product got largely glowing reviews from critics, despite an admittedly slow start during the pre-order phase.

Despite being an impressive product for people who get their hands on it, the high price might be getting in the way of people wanting to try it out, especially considering the steep production cost for the headset.

Featured image: Apple

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Wearable ring Oura has introduced new pregnancy features in a bid to help pregnant people understand the changes their bodies go through.

It’s no secret that wearables have made health monitoring an everyday habit for many, from smart watches to smart earrings – and now it can help people stay informed throughout pregnancy too. On Tuesday, March 12, Oura Ring launched Pregnancy Insights, with data and in-app education to walk people through each trimester. It was developed by a team of scientists, led by Neta Gotlieb, PhD, women’s health product manager and clinical research scientist at Oura.

“Pregnancy is one of the most physiologically significant events in many members’ lives,” Dr. Gotlieb said. “Our goal with this feature is to equip our pregnant members to better know their bodies and take care of their health accordingly. And we’re just getting started — we’ll continue to iterate and develop this feature based on our members’ input.”

What pregnancy features does Oura Ring offer?

Oura Ring users can turn on Pregnancy Insights in the new Women’s Health settings in the menu at the top left of the home screen or opt-in after tagging a positive test in their tracking.

From then on, users can track their gestational age (meaning how far along they are in their pregnancies) and get weekly updates on physiological changes they can expect. For example, people can expect to see their resting heart rate spike after conception, and then drop off. Levels of restless sleep while pregnant can also be compared to those of other expectant people.

Pregnancy Insights also offers in-app content on topics related to bearing a child, based on population-level data and peer-reviewed research. These are general trends and user data may deviate from the patterns you see in the Pregnancy Insights content.

“Although we can characterize the physiological pattern for most pregnancies, every person and every pregnancy is unique and deviations or fluctuations are not necessarily a negative sign,” Dr. Gotlieb explains. “If you have questions about your individual pregnancy, it’s best to speak with your OB-GYN.”

Oura also states that minor fluctuations are normal and advises users to monitor long-term trends using the data provided by the wearable ring.

Featured image: Oura Ring

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Considering Apple has a reputation for releasing product updates every couple of years, it is somewhat surprising that we’re yet to be treated to the second generation of the hugely popular Apple AirPods Max.

The AirPods Max represented Apple’s first foray into the over-ear headphones market when they launched in 2020, having already taken the wireless earbud market by storm with the AirPods and AirPods Pro.

A sublime blend of reliable battery life, comfort, cinematic spatial audio, incredible sound quality and beautiful design made the Airpods Max the most popular headphones on the market. Even at the high-end price of £549.

However, in what is a little out of character for Apple, fans are still patiently waiting for the second generation Apple Airpods Max. Current rumors, though, suggest the wait may be over pretty soon.

When will Apple AirPods Max 2 arrive?

There are no concrete dates for when Apple fans can get their hands on the AirPods Max 2, but a few rumors are circulating that we might be able to expect a new Max edition in the latter stages of 2024.

That is according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who claimed earlier this year that a new edition of the AirPods Max is likely to launch alongside a newer, more affordable version of earbuds, which he believes is due later in 2024.

(4/5)
The next-generation AirPods will likely begin mass shipments in 2H24 or 1H25, including more affordable AirPods (with Apple targeting a price of $99) and new AirPods Max, which will be assembled by Luxshare ICT and Hon Teng.

— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) January 12, 2023

Apple has a history of making us wait for AirPods Max releases, though. Before officially launching in December, it was expected they would debut a couple of months earlier alongside the launch of the iPhone 12. That didn’t happen due to “complications” and fans were made to wait a couple more months.

But a three-year wait for a fresh upgrade is unusual, which is fuelling rumors of an imminent announcement at some stage in 2024.

How will the Apple AirPods Max 2 look?

Whatever upgrades are in line for the Airpods Max 2, you can bet the overall design, look and feel will be sleek, comfortable and eye-catching. That’s what we’ve come to expect from Apple ever since the launch of the iMac G3 in 1998.

As we’re still relatively in the dark about the next edition of the Max, we’re having to rely on insider speculation to get a picture of what we might expect when they do eventually arrive.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has fueled many of the rumors in this area with several comments in an October 2023 newsletter, in which he also echoes the views of Kuo regarding a potential release date. He mostly hints at new colors and the introduction of USB-C charging.

The color range

Firstly, there’s the color range. The Airpods Max is available in Silver, Blue, Space Grey, Pink and Green. Gurman believes an “AirPods Max refresh with new colors” is on the horizon. That has fuelled rumors that the tech giant are considering introducing Yellow, Orange and Purple to the range, while it’s also being whispered that a Product (Red) edition. Some believe the new colors may be in sync with those of the upcoming iPhone 16, which is also expected to debut later this year.

USB charging

Elsewhere, the rumored introduction of USB-C charging is arguably the least surprising rumor of all. Apple announced the USB-C connections on the new iPhone 15 and charging cases for the Airpods Pro 2 in December 2023, so it’s a reasonable assumption to make that it will be present in all Apple products in the future.

Touch controls

Meanwhile, there is talk that Apple is making changes to the Max’s control mechanism, moving closer towards touch controls instead of continuing with the existing Digital Crown. This may come as music to the ears (pun intended) to current Max owners who find themselves knocking the Digital Crown when adjusting them.

The carry case

And finally, on to the carry case. While the AirPods Max’s design wowed fans, their protective case has come under some criticism. Particularly for not being very protective. Thankfully, a patent uncovered in the summer of 2022, appears to suggest Apple is working on a more substantial and durable case that utilizes a magnetic clasp.

This points towards an actual case, as opposed to what can only be described as a wrap-around cover we have today.

What are the Apple Airpods Max 2 specs?

The first edition AirPods Max arrived packed with top-of-the-range specifications and features, including active noise-cancellation (ANC), adaptive EQ, spatial audio with dynamic head-tracking and two H1 Apple chips.

That’s quite a lot to live up to and improve on in a second edition, but rumors point towards Apple working on making several significant improvements.

Firstly, there are improvements to ANC, with a recent AirPods Max patent referring to “audio howl” detection, with Apple looking to improve on ways to better mitigate unwanted feedback that is typically created by ANC microphones.

Elsewhere, there are whispers that Apple might be working on a way to deliver wireless lossless audio via better-than-Bluetooth audio transmission technology. If true and, of course, if it’s included in the Max, this will likely revolutionize the quality of portable wireless audio.

There is currently no noise surrounding what chip the Airpods Max 2 will use, but we can make a reasonable assumption that the H2 chip might be introduced to replace the H1 chips in the first edition Max. The H2 chip is already incorporated in the Airpods Pro 2. That said, there a no guarantees.

Other rumored features include the new “Find My” feature, which will allow owners to locate their headphones via the use of their iPhone, and a likely IPX rating, which means the Airpods Max 2 will be more suited to wetter conditions, such as rain, splashes and even sweat, for those that use their cans in the gym.

How much will Apple AirPods Max 2 cost?

Eyebrows were raised when the first-generation Airpods Max launched with a hefty £549 price tag, but it still didn’t stop people rushing to buy them. They sold out almost instantly, with the waiting list peaking at around 14 weeks.

There is nothing on the rumor mill to suggest Apple will launch the second-generation Max at a lower price point, so we should still expect to pay a top-of-the-range fee for what is going to be a top-of-the-range product.

Some fans have expressed wishes for a cheaper model to be released alongside the new Max to give fans the option depending on their budget, which Apple has previous with when it comes to their iPhone, Macbook, iPad and Apple Watch ranges.

However, that’s just people expressing their wishes as opposed to a credible rumor at this stage.

Featured Image: Photo by Super Snapper on Unsplash.

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Meta reportedly plans to showcase and demo its first true augmented reality glasses at its fall developer conference this year.

According to Business Insider, several anonymous sources claimed that the AR team is being pushed to have the high-tech glasses showcased during Meta’s annual Connect conference for third-party developers. 

Internally known as “Orion,” these glasses are different from the recently introduced Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses and the Meta Quest headsets. For one, the glasses do not feature AR properties, while the headsets are mainly used for VR gaming and mixed-reality experiences.

However, the Orion project, managed by Meta’s Reality Labs division responsible for AR, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and all metaverse-related initiatives, has already been in development for several years.

Originally known as Oculus VR, Reality Labs is a division of Meta Platforms specializing in creating virtual reality and augmented reality hardware and software. This includes producing the Quest headsets and developing online platforms like Horizon Worlds. Earlier this month, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg posted a picture on Threads showing supposed prototypes of the glasses on his desk. 

Business Insider reported that a source told them that at least the two glasses frames pictured — were much thicker than the available Meta smart glasses.

Quite a few glasses prototypes on Mark Zuckerberg's desk.

Could some of these have AR, or at least a HUD? pic.twitter.com/YPKtdDV25s

— David Heaney ᯅ (@Heaney555) February 5, 2024

In 2023, Meta announced the roadmap ahead of its plans to release the AR glasses in 2027. Before then, we may see a third generation of Ray-Ban smart glasses in 2025 that come with a “neural interface band” as an input device.

Other AR glasses are being developed

Samsung has also joined the market, as the company recently secured a UK trademark for the term “Samsung Glasses,” covering product categories like augmented reality headsets, smart glasses, and virtual reality headsets. 

Meanwhile, Apple’s first headset, the Vision Pro, has had a slow uptake after it was released earlier this year. At an entry point of $3,499, the new device could become a niche product that will present its challenges. Research found Vision Pro costs considerably more to manufacture than the retail price of many other similar wearables.

Featured image: Canva

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Concerns over the viability and challenges ahead for Apple to establish its Vision Pro headset have been highlighted by research claiming each device costs a whopping $1,500 to manufacture.

As reported by Omdia, the findings indicate the flagship Apple product is more expensive to make, compared to the retail price of most consumer-grade virtual reality headsets.

The cost factor is an obvious issue and because of it, the Vision Pro will not be for everyone. At an entry point of $3,499, the new device could become a niche product that will not penetrate the mainstream market. Apple will need to ensure it is capable of selling enough units, but one option will be to release a cheaper model.

Why does Apple Vision Pro cost so much to produce?

The Omdia research found Vision Pro costs considerably more to manufacture than the retail price of many other similar wearables.

In addition to the hefty price tag, consumers could be hesitant to put their faith in a product that is marketed as something different to what is already out there. Despite the comparisons to similar headsets, the Apple device is not marketed as a Virtual Reality or Augmented Reality headset. Instead, it has been labeled as mixed reality or termed as a ‘spatial computer’.

David Hsieh, senior research director at Omdia, uncovered the specs with some startling revelations. He found Vision Pro’s primary displays (inside) cost $456 – nearly as much as the retail price of Sony’s PS VR2. Then there is the secondary screen (the one that makes your eyes visible to the outside world), pushing costs up to $526 just for displays, taking production costs above both the PS VR2 and Meta’s Quest 3 which has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $499.

The next most expensive components for the Vision Pro are its onboard processors.

Its main M2 chip, the same as the one utilized in recent MacBooks, is tasked with running visionOS, apps, and graphics. This is supplemented by the R1 secondary chip, largely responsible for managing data processed by external cameras, sensors and microphones. The combined chip components add up to a cost of around £240 per unit.

Omdia estimates all materials, including every component, required for the manufacture of the Vision Pro racks up a total cost of $1,542 – more than three times the MSRP of the PS VR2 and Quest 3.

It appears almost essential for Apple to drive down the price of any second-generation Vision Pro headset whilst carefully considering any trade-offs in quality or performance.

Image: Apple

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Humane, a Bay Area AI startup, has announced a slight delay in the shipment of its highly anticipated Ai Pin, pushing the release from March to mid-April. This update was shared by Sam Sheffer, the company’s Head of Media, in a recent video. According to Sheffer, the first units are expected to leave the factory by the end of March, with “priority access” customers receiving their devices in mid-April and other preorders following shortly after.

The Ai Pin, Humane’s debut product, has generated significant buzz in the tech community, thanks in part to the founders’ backgrounds at Apple and a series of intriguing prelaunch teasers. Revealed last November in San Francisco, the $699 Ai Pin represents a pioneering venture into the use of generative AI in consumer hardware, positioning itself as a novel alternative to the traditional smartphone form factor.

As the tech industry leans increasingly toward integrating generative AI into consumer devices, Humane’s Ai Pin is set to be among the first to explore this new territory. This move aligns with the broader trend of “AI smartphones” and other AI-first consumer devices, such as those showcased by startup rabbit at CES last month.

According to TechCrunch, Humane has raised approximately $230 million to date, including a $100 million Series C round last year, underscoring the high stakes of the Ai Pin’s launch. The company’s decision to delay the release to ensure the product is consumer-ready reflects a cautious approach to fulfilling the high expectations set for this innovative device.

Despite a recent 10% workforce reduction announced at CES, which raised eyebrows given the company’s well-funded status, Humane remains focused on delivering a product that meets the needs and expectations of its early adopters.

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has urged consumers not to use smart devices to manage blood glucose levels unless they pierce the skin.

The FDA’s statement, released on their website officially states that only the items that are FDA-approved for specifically managing these vital levels should be trusted. FDA MedWatch posted on X:

Do Not Use Smartwatches or Smart Rings to Measure Blood Glucose – FDA Safety Communication https://t.co/OmUgZAT0dW pic.twitter.com/3iSavMqYO8

— US FDA MedWatch (@FDAMedWatch) February 21, 2024

FDA advice

The FDA has stated that “regardless of manufacturer or brand” those devices which are not approved by the regulator should be avoided as “sellers of these smartwatches and smart rings claim their devices measure blood glucose levels without requiring people to prick their finger or pierce the skin. They claim to use non-invasive techniques. These smartwatches and smart rings do not directly test blood glucose levels.”

Accurate reportage of blood glucose is vital for diabetic conditions for example and inaccurate results could prove more costly than a non-regulated device. Taking the wrong dose of insulin,
sulfonylureas or other medications based on improper reportage can cause an imbalance that could lead to “mental confusion, coma, or death within hours of the error.”

”If your medical care depends on accurate blood glucose measurements, talk to your health care provider about an appropriate FDA-authorized device for your needs,” says the statement recommendations for Consumers, Patients and Caregivers.

The government watchdog has asked users who have had issues with medical devices to report the problem via the MedWatch Voluntary Reporting Form.

Any developments that arise in this area will be monitored by the FDA and they will keep the public informed according to the statement.

In tech-related medical news that might not thrill the FDA, Goolge’s Articulate Medical Intelligence Explorer (AMIE) reportedly became more efficient at diagnosing conditions in text-based interactions with patients.

The large language model (LMM) managed to beat human doctors in a closed experiment of twenty mock patients and their fabricated illnesses, but Google has been quick to reaffirm that this was just a trial of a potential new avenue for artificial intelligence (AI) application.

AI is becoming an ever-increasing part of the modern world and reportage data and experiments will continue to be a feature as long as the technology industry sees them as valuable, however, institutions like the FDA will be close at hand to regulate them.

Image Credit: FDA.

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Wearable tech expands into new territory with a prototype smart earring that offers fashionable health monitoring.

Researchers from the University of Washington have developed the Thermal Earring, a piece of jewelry that can monitor the user’s temperature. Early tests on six users demonstrate the Thermal Earring out-performing a smartwatch at sensing skin temperature during periods of rest.

How does the smart earring work?

At about the size and weight of a small paperclip, the earring is an unobtrusive form of wearable tech, with a 28-day battery life. It attaches to the ear with a magnetic clip (so no need for a piercing) and attaches one temperature sensor to the wearer’s ear, while another sensor dangles below it. This second sensor estimates room temperature.

The small size of the wearable presented a challenge to its engineers.

“It’s a tricky balance,” said co-lead author Yujia (Nancy) Liu, who worked on the research during her Masters. “Typically, if you want power to last longer, you should have a bigger battery. But then you sacrifice size. Making it wireless also demands more energy.”

To strike that balance, the team focused on making the earring’s power consumption as efficient as possible, leaving just enough room for its essential components of a Bluetooth chip, a battery, two temperature sensors and an antenna. One way they did so was by employing Bluetooth advertising mode, rather than needing to pair the earring with another device, which uses more power.

After reading and sending the temperature, the Thermal Earring goes into deep sleep to save power. What’s more, the piece of smart jewelry can be personalized with various resin designs or with a gemstone, without negatively affecting its accuracy.

Earlobe temperatures tend to change more often than core temperatures, being affected by eating, exercising and experiencing stress. After more use cases are tested, it’s hoped that the earring will be able to provide insights into daily health rhythms, as well as potentially incorporate heart rate and activity monitoring in future versions.

Featured image: Raymond Smith/University of Washington

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Meta CEO – Mark Zuckerberg – tried Apple’s new Vision Pro headset and shared his honest thoughts. Shock, horror, he thinks his company’s Quest 3 headset is better.

Apple has launched boldly into the mixed-reality wearable world with the much-talked-about Vision Pro. A headset that provides an interface for users to view apps, play augmented or virtual reality games, or even just build a fresh workspace. Needless to say, the arrival of the Vision Pro has got a lot of people talking. However, some people have more to say than others.

In a video posted to his Instagram, Zuckerberg gave a breakdown of the Vision Pro when compared with Meta’s Quest 3 headset in which he said ‘I don’t just think the Quest is better value, I think it is the better product, period.’

Vision Pro vs Quest 3

The video – which was shot on a Meta Quest 3 – also included Zuckerberg weighing up the various tradeoffs the Vision Quest made and why he isn’t a fan of them.

Apple is known for their sleek designs, however Zuckerberg was critically over some decisions made:

“Quest I think is just a lot more comfortable. We designed it to be 120 grams lighter, which makes a really big difference on your face. There’s no wires that get in the way when you move around. Our field of view is wider and I found our screen to be brighter also.”

“Apple’s screen does have a higher resolution and that’s really nice. But I was surprised at how many tradeoffs they had to make to the device, in terms of comfort and ergonomics.”

Hand tracking was a big factor according to Zuckerberg, saying:

“Both headsets support hand tracking but I found ours to be a little more accurate. Apple’s eye tracking is really nice. We actually had those sensors back in Quest Pro, we took them out for Quest 3, we’re going to bring them back in the future. It’s a nice interface, it’s not perfect for everything though. For typing or complex tasks you’re going to want hands or a keyboard.”

Content library was another area where Zuckerberg gave an edge to the Quest saying:

“Quests immersive content library is a lot deeper. We’ve been working with studios building virtual and mixed reality games for some time now.”

The battle between the Vision Pro and the Quest 3 is only just beginning. The price difference between the two products is significant. The Vision Pro can be bought for $3500 vs around $500 for the Quest 3.

Featured image: Flickr/Creative Commons 2.0

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A group of scientists, doctors, and entrepreneurs have pulled in $12 million in seed investment for a new noninvasive health wearable powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

Created by health tech company Elemind, the wearable neurotechnology platform uses proprietary algorithms and AI to improve health through brainwave stimulation, offering apparent benefits without the side effects of pharmaceuticals. The first round of seed investment has pulled in $12 million for the program, following multiple studies proving its efficacy, it was announced on Tuesday (Feb.6).

How does Elemind work?

The wearable works by reading individual brainwaves and stimulating them in real-time with responses tailored to the individual, thanks to its AI. This ability for precise guidance of brainwaves offers a more targeted approach than traditional pharmaceuticals, as well as fewer side effects.

“Chemical drugs affect the entire body, often leading to unwanted side effects. Elemind offers a non-chemical, direct, and on-demand solution that learns and dynamically adjusts to each person,” said Meredith Perry, CEO and co-founder of Elemind. “We’re the first and only company able to precisely guide and redirect brainwaves in real-time.”

Elemind has dubbed the approach “electric medicine”, created through partnerships with multiple leading research institutions from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Imperial College London, Harvard Medical School and the University of California at Berkeley. Multiple applications have been adapted for the platform, offering various ways to employ it through wearable technology.

Early clinical trials demonstrate that Elemind’s technology is effective at inducing sleep up to 74% faster, decreasing tremors after just 30 seconds of stimulation, and boosting memory. The team behind Elemind hopes for further future “potential impact across many neurological conditions”.

As a general wellness device, Elemind’s first product is not subject to FDA regulation. Thanks to early investment from Village Global, LDV Partners, and other funds, the company plans to build more wearable adaptations for the neurotech platform.

Featured image: Pexels

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A university in Singapore has developed a bone conduction headphone and a micro camera that captures the wearer’s field-of-vision, translating the data using artificial intelligence (AI).

Associate professor of the information and analytics department of the National University of Singapore Computing (NUS), Suranga Nanayakkara is hoping that interaction with AiSee can be seamless between a user and the world around them.

”With AiSee, we aim to empower users with more natural interaction. By following a human-centered design process, we found reasons to question the typical approach of using glasses augmented with a camera,” the professor said of the new technology.

AiSee’s Vision Engine

The ‘vision engine’, is the informational capture software that can scan for data such as text, logos and labels from the objects in the camera’s eye line. A bone conduction headphone is also a core part of AiSee that allows the wearer to hear the world around them, but also receive information from the device.

Using text-to-speech and speech-to-text recognition the device interacts with the user who has an object of interest they wish to scan. This scanning tool allows for the cloud-based algorithms, which is an information repository used by AI similar to that of an OpenAI, to compose and answer to queries posed by the wearer.

NUS student Mark Myers took part in the testing of the device as a visually impaired user, saying “I think AiSee is a good balance. Both visually impaired and blind people could get a lot of benefits from this.”

Nanayakkara hopes to make the technology available to everyone in his home nation, saying the people of Singapore “do not have access to assistive AI technology of this level of sophistication. Therefore, we believe that AiSee has the potential to empower visually impaired people to independently accomplish tasks that currently require assistance.”

The NUS is working with a disability care provider SG Enable in Singapore to conduct further testing with visually impaired users to collect more data to refine the offering AiSee can provide those with impairments.

”Our next step is to make AiSee affordable and accessible to the masses. To achieve this, we are making further enhancements, including a more ergonomic design and a faster processing unit,” Nanayakkara concludes.

Image: NUS.

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With Apple estimated to have shifted around 180,000 Vision Pro headsets over its first pre-order weekend last month, initial reports indicated a slow uptake on the latest development from the world’s biggest company by market capitalization. 

The sales pitch from Apple describes “an infinite canvas that transforms how you use the apps you love.” The ability to see your apps in front of you, arranged as you wish for the perfect workspace, all whilst moving between real and virtual realms. It sounds impressive and it is, but to what extent? This substantial headset has the potential to be a game-changer but it remains to be seen if people will take to wearing it, as well as carrying around a very expensive piece of equipment.

All the pre-orders are on the way to consumers, but if you are yet to be sold on buying the headset, you will want to read more. Here is a rundown of some of those reports on the mixed-reality device from Apple.

‘Most innovative product since iPhone’

Global editor-in-chief of Tom’s Guide, Mark Spoonauer, lauded the hand and eye-tracking technology as well as the 3D spatial video playback embedded in the Vision Pro. 

He approved of the design spec of the headset but opted to take regular breaks from wearing it due to its weight. Spoonauer believes the software is “still in its early stages” in some aspects, with the App Store devoid of several key apps at this time and he noted a gripe with the tethered battery.  He rightly draws attention to the high price point ($3,499) with the suggestion that a breakthrough could come with another version of the Vision Pro at a lower, more accessible price for the mass market. 

Overall, the Tom’s Guide chief insisted this is “the most innovative Apple product since the original iPhone”, which includes an abundance of immersive environments and significant capability to multitask.

Nilay Patel, editor-in-chief of The Verge coined an interesting paradox with the description of Apple’s creation as “the best consumer headset anyone’s ever made – and that’s the problem”. 

He was effusive in his praise for the magic of the Vision Pro whilst tempering the positivity with reality. Patel considered if the headset was too advanced, questioning if it could become another market leader (like the iPhone) or end up a niche product. He also noted a sense of isolation in the mixed-reality environment. 

‘Familiar and distinct’

Further reviews came from Tech Radar’s Lance Ulanoff, who required just half an hour to be convinced Vision Pro is “the real future of virtual and augmented reality”. He was blown away by his initial experience of the “mixed-reality headset that is at once familiar and wholly distinct.”

Despite the glowing approval, Ulanoff too balked at the price of the product which will surely be succeeded by other, cheaper releases in order to penetrate the market.

The Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern expressed a similar sentiment.

Following a week-long trial with the Vision Pro, she described a work in progress that “you’re probably not going to buy”. The first-generation release was also deemed as “big and heavy, its battery life sucks, there are few great apps and it can be buggy”.

CNET’s Scott Stein described a “thrilling” experience but overall, awarded the Vision Pro a score of just 7.8 out of 10.

His words of a “mind-blowing look at an unfinished future” appear to aptly represent the immediate prospects for this impressive yet imperfect version of Apple’s mixed reality headset.

Popular tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee echoed those thoughts, “I love this thing, not because it’s flawless – it is far from flawless – but because it’s actually interesting…but this [holds Vision Pro], this thing is interesting it’s risky but most of all it’s new.”

Feature image: Apple

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Apple has steadily continued with its world domination ever since the first iPhone was released in 2007. And now, during the tech giant’s first earnings call of the year, CEO Tim Cook shared that the number of active Apple devices has crossed 2.2 billion worldwide.

To put that into context, it’s estimated that there are 2 billion children in the world. So technically, there are more iPhones, iPads, and Macs on this globe than there are literal children.

Tim Cook shared all during Apple’s latest earnings call

“We are pleased to announce that our installed base of active devices has now surpassed 2.2 billion, reaching an all-time high across all products and geographic segments,” Cook said in a press release.

“And as customers begin to experience the incredible Apple Vision Pro tomorrow, we are as committed as ever to the pursuit of groundbreaking innovation — in line with our values and on behalf of our customers.”

This is a 10% increase from the last time Apple recorded its amount of active devices in February 2023. According to Statista, Apple reached 1 billion devices in 2016, meaning that in just seven years, that number has almost doubled. But what’s next for Apple?

As they celebrate the release of the Apple Vision Pro, their new VR headset, there are plenty of rumors about the company’s eventual pivot to AI. At this point, such a pivot would be inevitable — especially since they’re reportedly working on their generative AI dubbed ‘Apple GPT.’

But despite gossip that iOS 18 might bring with it a host of AI-related updates, Cook and the rest of Apple have remained coy, saying only this in their press release:

“As we look ahead, we will continue to invest in these and other technologies that will shape the future. That includes artificial intelligence where we continue to spend a tremendous amount of time and effort, and we’re excited to share the details of our ongoing work in that space later this year.”

Featured Image: Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

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A US neurotech start-up has announced an artificial intelligence (AI) system named Morpheus-1 designed to induce lucid dreams.

A lucid dream is when you’re aware you’re dreaming and can control or influence the dream’s content. Imagine realizing you can fly, walk through walls, or conjure up any scenario imaginable. Well, the developers at Prophetic AI claim they’re close to enabling people to do just that.

INTRODUCING MORPHEUS-1

The world’s first multi-modal generative ultrasonic transformer designed to induce and stabilize lucid dreams.

Available for beta users Spring 2024 pic.twitter.com/crFJ0aNblP

— Prophetic (@PropheticAI) January 25, 2024

While experienced lucid dreamers can sometimes trigger this state through techniques learned over time, science has yet to reliably induce conscious dreaming on demand.

This is where Prophetic AI’s Morpheus-1 comes in – it marks the first AI system focused specifically on ultrasonically stimulating targeted brain areas to trigger lucid, controllable dreams.

The company has for some time been developing a physical product for which this tech could be used. The non-invasive wearable product called the Halo is a headband that will detect when dreamers are in REM to induce and stabilize lucid dreams, presumably using the Morpheus-1 system.

Slated for beta release in Spring 2024, Morpheus-1 takes desired brain states as input prompts, and then outputs tailored ultrasonic signals for neurostimulation to achieve those states, essentially allowing users to select a lucid dream theme ahead of time.

Prophetic AI envisions this as just the first step toward reliable, on-demand conscious dream engineering without invasive surgery. By honing ultrasonic neuromodulation – the process of using sound waves beyond the range of human hearing to gently stimulate areas of the brain – with AI systems like Morpheus-1, their goal is to develop a “digital psi-ence” giving humanity safe new windows into dream worlds we can’t normally access or control while awake.

Since the beginning, Prophetic’s mission has been to give humanity the tools to explore and expand consciousness.

Morpheus-1 is a leap forward in that mission, moving us closer to ultrasonically inducing conscious experiences on-demand and changing the world forever. pic.twitter.com/h3tn5O0cCR

— Prophetic (@PropheticAI) January 25, 2024

It sounds like something from the realms of fantasy but if achieved, technologies like Morpheus-1 may one day be seen as expanding consciousness or as Prophetic co-founder and CEO Eric Wollberg puts it, “We are building Prophetic, so that humanity can map and cultivate the frontier of consciousness.”

But we could still be a year out from a fully working prototype, with plans to ship completed Halo devices starting in early 2025.

Who is behind Prophetic AI?

Prophetic AI was co-founded in March 2023 by Eric Wollberg (age 29) and Wesley Berry (age 27). The two young tech entrepreneurs met while independently researching brain imaging tools and their potential for visualizing thought patterns, reports CNBC.

Wollberg was focused on using lucid dreams – dreams in which the sleeper is aware they are dreaming – to investigate consciousness. Meanwhile, Berry was collaborating with musician Grimes on translating neural signals into art. Recognizing their shared interests at the intersection of neuroscience and consciousness, they decided to launch Prophetic.

The startup raised $1.1 million in funding led by VC firm BoxGroup to build prototypes of Halo and they’ve partnered with Card79, also known for making hardware for Elon Musk’s Neuralink.

Prophetic compares its mission to that of OpenAI – using technology to demystify and expand human consciousness.

Featured Image: Prophetic AI

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Apple is estimated to have sold around 180, 000 Vision Pro headsets on the first pre-order weekend, according to an analyst.

As reported by End Gadget, this early indication reflects a slow start for the mixed-reality entertainment device but it is still in its very early stages.

Based on pre-order inventory and shipping time information, Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted the trillion-dollar company has taken between 160,000 and 180,000 orders for its new launch.

The report suggests this figure dwarfed the initial production figures but overall it is still a drop in the ocean compared to Apple’s reported 1.2 billion active users.

Early Obstacles for Apple’s Vision Pro

Kuo pointed out shipping times have remained unchanged for those who have bought the new headset, which can be a sign of lesser demand if it is not pushed back.

“The inability to sustain a steady increase in pre-order demand is a major concern and also confirms earlier concerns about whether the intensity of demand can be sustained,” wrote Kuo, who works for investment research firm TF International Securities.

The Vision Pro is expected to have its full release around June, so Apple will be keen to build momentum and exposure for the product building up to that point.

It has to be said that the Vision Pro will not be for everyone, especially with its heavy price tag. At an entry point of $3,499, the new device could become a niche product that will present its challenges. Apple will need to ensure it is capable of selling enough units, but one option will be to release a cheaper model.

Vision Pro has also been beset with a snub from YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify with those platforms confirming they will not be launching a dedicated app for the new Apple headset. Instead, users will need to use a web browser to avail of their services.

Apple is rolling out a 25-minute demo service on the Vision Pro in its stores which will be accepted by its hardcore fans but will the wider consumer base have the appetite as well as the means to take a bite at this latest production?

An interesting few months lie ahead for the full launch of Apple Vision Pro.

Featured Image: Apple

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YouTube and Spotify will not be launching a dedicated app for the new Apple Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, joining Netflix after the streaming giant had already ruled it out.

As reported by Bloomberg, a YouTube statement detailed how they would not provide fresh app support for the upcoming Apple launch nor allow its existing iPad app to work on the device. It means YouTube and Netflix will recommend users use a web browser if they want to view content on the mixed-reality headset. Spotify is also not providing, or planning, a dedicated app for VisionOS, the operating system for Vision Pro.

The Apple device is due for launch over the coming weeks. It is the latest product by the trillion-dollar company seeking to break down barriers of what’s possible with technology while also adding convenience to its users. Users can interact with the product’s OS by using their eyes, hands, and voice, and even if YouTube, Netflix and Spotify are out there are still more than 1 million compatible apps already existing in current iOS and iPadOS app stores.

Extensive demo required for Vision Pro

Within the headset, Vision Pro will include access to Apple’s own apps for music and podcasts, but the absence of giants like Spotify, YouTube and Netflix is a blow. This is significant as the Apple product is being presented as an entertainment platform, for video, games, music, and other interactive experiences.

The situation could change later but there is no sign of it at present. The existing YouTube and Spotify apps for iPad and iPhone should provide an easy route toward supporting the Vision Pro if desired.

Pre-orders for the Apple Vision Pro are underway, with a hefty price point of $3,499.

But don’t expect to plug-in and play. Apple is training its retail store workforce to demonstrate the Vision Pro to customers with sessions that could last 25 minutes.

Image: Apple

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Apple has recently taken a significant step in its ongoing patent dispute with Masimo Corp by removing the blood-oxygen measurement feature from its latest Series 9 and Ultra 2 Apple Watches, according to a Bloomberg report. This move comes as a strategy to comply with a U.S. ban imposed by the International Trade Commission due to patent infringement claims by Masimo.

In October, the ITC ruled that Apple’s devices infringed on Masimo’s patents related to blood-oxygen measurement technology. To avoid the repercussions of this ruling, Apple temporarily halted the sales of the affected smartwatches just before Christmas. However, an interim stay later allowed the company to resume sales at the end of the month.

Apple’s team of engineers worked on developing a software workaround to bypass the dispute. They aimed to modify the blood-oxygen app and its algorithms to circumvent the issue without completely losing the feature. However, the most immediate solution to prevent a potential reimposition of the ban was to remove the capability altogether.

Impact of the blood-oxygen removal from the Apple Watch

The decision to eliminate the blood-oxygen feature from the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 is a significant one, as it was a prominently advertised function of these devices. Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Tamlin Bason noted that while this move addresses the immediate risk of a ban, it could potentially affect customer demand.

Apple has already started distributing the modified versions of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches to its retail locations across the United States. Store employees have been instructed not to open or sell these new models until they receive further instructions from Apple’s corporate offices.

In addition to these changes, Apple is awaiting a federal appeals court’s decision on its motion for a continued stay on the ban. The ITC has recently argued against Apple’s request, labeling their arguments as “weak and unconvincing.”

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Apple has announced the Vision Pro will be available to purchase in US stores from February 2, with pre-orders beginning on January 19.

The tech giant first revealed the Vision Pro headset in June last year, with Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, saying, “The era of spatial computing has arrived.”

In their most recent announcement, Apple claims Vision Pro “seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world and unlocks powerful spatial experiences in visionOS, controlled by the most natural and intuitive inputs possible.”

It is the latest innovative product by Apple that looks to break down barriers of what’s possible with technology while also adding convenience to its users. The California-based company explains that users can interact with the product’s OS by using their eyes, hands and voice, with more than 1 million compatible apps already existing in current iOS and iPadOS app stores.

“Intuitive gestures allow users to interact with apps by simply looking at them, tapping their fingers to select, flicking their wrist to scroll or using a virtual keyboard or dictation to type,” the announcement says.

The Vision Pro can also be used for FaceTime calls, which Apple says “takes advantage of the space around the user so that everyone on a call appears life-size,” which sounds like it will feel like you’re actually in the room with the person you’re Facetiming, presumably only if you’re both using the Vision Pro.

Other features include users experiencing their favorite memories in the Photos app in “entirely new ways,” watching entertainment using the Vision Pro’s ultra-high-resolution displays that deliver more pixels than a 4K TV for each eye, and gaming, including more than 250 titles on Apple Arcade.

How much does Apple Vision Pro cost?

The technology and the product look incredible, almost futuristic, so it is no surprise that Apple has announced a price point of $3,499, while prescription lenses will cost an extra $149. Reading lenses are $99.

For your money, you get 256GB of storage, a Solo Knit Band, Dual Lopp Band, Light Seal, two Light Seal Cushions, an Apple Vision Pro Cover, Polishing Cloth, Battery, USB-C cable and USB-C Power Adapter.

Featured Image: Apple

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Apple has halted the online sales of its Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States due to a patent dispute. According to MacRumors, this decision comes just before the enforcement of an import ban on these models. Visitors to Apple’s online store will now find these devices marked as “currently unavailable.” Additionally, Apple has withdrawn refurbished Series 7 and Series 8 models from its website.

The suspension of sales is in compliance with an International Trade Commission order. This order prevents the import of components linked to the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen monitoring technology, which the ITC found to infringe on patents owned by Masimo, a medical device company.

Retail sales to cease post-Dec. 24

While the Apple Watch is still purchasable at Apple’s brick-and-mortar stores, sales will end after Dec. 24. The ban is confined to the United States and only affects Apple’s direct retail channels. However, third-party retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy are allowed to continue selling the Apple Watch until their stock runs out. The Apple Watch SE, which does not feature a blood oxygen sensor, is exempt from this ban and will remain available for sale.

The fate of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 now hinges on the White House’s decision, which has until Dec. 25 to review the order and potentially veto the import ban. If the ban remains unchallenged, Apple will be unable to sell the affected models until it removes the technology that infringes on Masimo’s patents.

In an effort to overturn the decision, Apple is set to appeal on Dec. 26. The company is actively seeking various legal and technical solutions to resume sales as quickly as possible. One potential resolution being explored is a software update. Apple’s engineers are working on modifying the method for measuring oxygen saturation and the way this data is relayed to users. The company hopes that this software approach could persuade U.S. Customs to lift the ban. However, the effectiveness of this strategy is uncertain, as the patents in question are related to hardware components.

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Apple has warned buyers of its Apple Watches to be vigilant and take care when purchasing chargers in case they are fakes.

The tech giant released a support document last week reminding users of the importance of using only Apple-branded or Apple MFi-certified chargers for its line of watches.

Apple said that by using counterfeit or uncertified chargers, users are risking harmful effects which range from slow charging or repeated chimes to a reduced battery lifespan.

How to spot genuine Apple Watch chargers

Method 1: look at the charger for model numbers

The support document said that Apple’s chargers are always white, and frequently have text and markings on the cable.

If a charger is any other color or has any other designs on the cable, it is almost certainly not an Apple-branded charger. The tech company has given a list of model numbers that appear on Apple Watch chargers.

Method 2: use a Mac to check the manufacturer

Because the writing on the Apple Watch charging cables is so small that it might be difficult to check, they have also provided an alternative method of ensuring you’re using an Apple-certified charger, but it does require a Mac.

1. Connect your Apple Watch charging cable to your Mac.
2. On your Mac, choose Apple menu  > System Settings, then click General in the sidebar.
3. Click About on the right.
4. Click System Report.
5. Click USB.
6. Choose your watch charger to view details.
7. Locate the manufacturer. Watch chargers made by Apple list Apple Inc. as the manufacturer.

Method 3: check the packaging for the MFi badge

There are third-party chargers available which have MFi (Made for iPhone) certification. According to Apple, you identify theseby the MFi badge appearing on the packaging.

Method 4: Search the MFi-licensed database

Apple has also released a public database of MFi-licensed accessories. Users can search by model, brand, or UPC/EAN barcode numbers to determine if their accessory is MFi-licensed.

Apple Watches are the most popular wearable tech at the moment, and as they continue to innovate, particularly in health monitoring, this will likely remain true. People looking for a quick buck are sure to take advantage of this with low-quality accessories, so it’s vital to know the signs of Apple or MFi-certified products to ensure the longevity of your tech.

Featured image credit: Pixabay/Pexels

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