Apple is rolling out beta trials of visionOS version 1.2 – effecting all major Apple devices
This week, Apple, in a recent change list for its devices, confirmed that it is working on a second update for its Vision Pro spatial computing headset. Named visionOS version 1,2, the minor update is touted to improve the performance and communication between Vision Pro and iPad/iPhone devices.
The 1.2 update also improves products such as iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. The firm appears to be carefully optimising Vision Pro and enhancing features like its Persona system, which was updated in version 1.1. Following distribution across the US, it seems to be improving the product before international markets get hold of the device.
The 1.2 update is still in its early beta stages, with Vision Pro developers testing the most recent build periodically ahead of general availability.
Vision Pro’s version 1.2 feature list details are still relatively slim; however, a few details are hiding away based on the short notes available.
Most notable are the improvements to FaceTime and how the application works interoperably across Apple devices. The new update solves a common bug for Vision Pro users, whereby calls from an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch will “not sync to Vision Pro and vice versa”.
The update is timely because Apple is working to push productivity use cases and workplace adoption of its Vision Pro. A significant use case is remote communication over AR objects or via XR video calls, and making sure that these communications work as intended is critical to securing reliable communication technology in the workplace – even more so considering that many workers will not have a Vision Pro, so device interoperability allows for the Vision Pro to become more manageable in the workplace thanks to fewer adoption challenges, troubleshooting, and hurdles—little steps towards more major adoption goals.
The other revealed fix in the beta 1.2 build enhances the development of iOS or iPadOS applications on the Vision Pro by creating more stable renders of UI when accessing App Store review request APIs.
While details are slim, and the version 1.2 update will not majorly change the device operations, the small steps towards an improved end-device and its usage will only help broader adoption plans, as well as laying the foundation for a more sustainable update in the future.
The device is still very much in its early days; however, as it attempts to gain recognition, Apple is firmly placing the Vision Pro in notable workplace situations to translate the value of spatial data for business.
In a recent blog post, Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide Developer Relations and Enterprise Marketing, Susan Prescott, noted that Vision Pro represents a tremendous opportunity for businesses to reimagine what’s possible at work.
Prescott noted how enterprise clients are leveraging the Vision Pro in “innovative ways”, such as planning fire response operations to iterating on the most intricate details of an engine design. “Combined with enterprise-grade capabilities like mobile device management built into visionOS, we believe spatial computing has the potential to revolutionize industries around the world,” Prescott also remarked.
Apple Vision Pro Version 1.1: What’s New?
Apple’s version 1.1 debuted last month and has improved performance, application usage, and persona system. For enterprises, Apple has made improvements in enrollment for application access. According to reports, Apple supports workers undergoing account-driven enrollment. They can use new Vision Pro procedures such as installation, managing Apple IDs, networking, and providing support for services like Exchange and Google Workspace.
The latest update for Vision Pro users provides more control over 3D asset interaction, enabling easier manipulation of spatial objects and closer interaction with 3D assets. This feature is essential for small offices, work-from-home environments, and other on-the-go use cases.
The 1.1 update enhances this feature by introducing an updated near-user boundary for volumetric scenes. This allows users to move the volumetric scenes much closer than in the previous version, enabling easier direct interaction with the volumetric scene content.
Vision Pro also features a persona feature that tracks a user’s facial movements and eyes to create a digital twin known as a Persona – the feature’s early stages have faced criticism for its uncanny valley qualities.
Lastly, new SwiftUI frameworks enable a coordinated spatial environment and placement of 360 immersive applications. The 1.1 update for Vision Pro improves application placement and tracking of environmental changes.
Apple WWDC ’24 to be an XR Showcase?
Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is approaching, where the latest and potentially groundbreaking products will be showcased. The event is scheduled from June 10th to 14th, 2024. Apple will host an in-person keynote presentation at the conference, which will be widely publicized, followed by three days of virtual content to provide developers with the latest updates.
At WWDC 24, it is expected that Apple will talk about Vision Pro and its spatial computing ecosystem. Despite being in its early stages, Apple is working hard to promote Vision Pro as a leading XR product for consumer and enterprise usage. Last year, the device made headlines, but the question remains whether the latest updates will capture the audience’s attention again. It all depends on what is announced.
While Apple has not confirmed any Vision Pro-related news at WWDC, it is believed that the company may introduce the device to new regional markets since it is currently only available in limited regions.
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