Apple could be coming out with an additional device that would work as a controller for the new Vision Pro. This particular device might be something that users could wear on their fingers for added eye- and hand-motion-based control.
Apple Vision Pro Headset to Use Hand-Tracking and Eye-Tracking Control Device
According to the story by The Verge, it was noted that the new Vision Pro headset would be using hand-tracking along with an eye-tracking control device. However, recent news shows that the company could also develop a controller device that users can simply wear on their fingers.
This was reportedly according to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg in the Power On newsletter, who suggested that Apple was considering making an input device that users could wear on their fingers. This comes as Gurman announced that the development cycle of the Vision Pro comes as the company was testing out third-party virtual reality controllers from different companies, just like HTC.
Initial News of a Smart Ring Device was Seen in a 2015 Patent, but It First Wasn't Thought of as a Related Device to Mixed-Reality Headsets
Later on, it was announced that it looked directly into the finger-worn device, which was a smart ring patent that was spotted as early as 2015. During that time, it seemed like the device was a different type of wearable and not something specific to Apple's new mixed-reality headset.
Gurman also noted that the company had decided that using new eye-tracking as well as hand motions to be able to control its upcoming Vision Pro device was what it described as a "more elegant solution."
How the Device Functioned Without the Need for Excessive Hand Motions
The article by The Verge noted that one of their own, Nilay Patel, tested the headset and commented on it, saying it was the "best headset demo ever." It was noted that he thought that the eye-tracking technology was solid.
Aside from that, Patel reportedly confirmed that users will be able to keep their hands down on their sides or on their laps while still using the device. This meant that despite the hands being down, users would still be able to tap their thumb and forefinger together to make certain selections.
The Apple Vision Pro was First Announced During the WWDC 2023
However, the report noted that users wouldn't need to wave their hands in the air or point at things. The article by The Verge also points back to the WWDC 2023, when Apple noted that the Vision Pro would reportedly still have support for what it called external input devices.
These included third-party game controllers as well as keyboards. This would provide users with the option to skip the hand controls for certain input types.
With the upcoming Apple Vision Pro confirmed, what still needs to be settled is whether or not the company will be releasing a finger-based controller. Fans will have to wait until an official statement from Apple regarding the device.
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