Meta’s New Patent Suggests Advanced VR Technology to Rival Apple’s Vision Pro

Highlights

• Meta files patent for new VR headset technology
• Patent includes features similar to Apple’s EyeSight
• Possible health sensors integrated into the headset
• Meta aims to enhance social presence in VR

Meta, the company behind the Quest VR headsets, has recently filed a patent that suggests they’re working on new technology to compete with Apple’s Vision Pro headset.

“We are developing EyeSight, because we know more than anything, if we were going to cover your eyes, it would take away a lot of things that might happen when you connect with other people. Getting this right is at the heart of the product concept because we want people to stay connected in their real world,” Apple said.

What’s in the Patent?

The patent is called “Embedded Sensors in Immersive Reality Headset to Enable Social Presence.”

It hints at Meta either redesigning their current Quest headset or creating a completely new one with advanced features.

These features might include:

1. Technology similar to Apple’s EyeSight feature.
2. Health sensors built into the part of the headset that touches your face.

Apple’s EyeSight and Why It Matters

Apple’s Vision Pro headset, which came out earlier this year, has a special feature called EyeSight.

This feature:

• Lets users see the real world around them while wearing the headset.
• Shows the user’s eyes to people nearby.
• Helps people understand what the headset wearer is doing or looking at.

This feature makes it easier for VR users to interact with people in the real world, which is a big step forward for VR technology.

Meta’s Response

By filing this patent, Meta seems to be recognizing how important features like EyeSight are.

They want to offer something similar in their own headsets.

This shows that Meta is paying attention to what other companies are doing and wants to stay competitive.

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, has said before that their Quest 3 headset is more comfortable and works better than Apple’s Vision Pro.

But this new patent shows that Meta still sees room for improvement.

What This Means for the Future

While we don’t know exactly what Meta’s future headsets will look like, this patent gives us a clue.

It shows that:

1. The AR/VR market is very competitive.
2. Companies are constantly trying to improve their technology.
3. Features that make VR more social and connected to the real world are becoming more important.

As companies like Meta and Apple continue to innovate, we can expect to see even more advanced and user-friendly AR/VR devices in the future.

FAQs

What is Meta’s recent patent about?

Meta’s recent patent, titled “Embedded Sensors in Immersive Reality Headset to Enable Social Presence,” suggests the development of new VR technology that may include advanced features for improved social interaction.

What features might be included in Meta’s new VR headset?

The patent hints at features similar to Apple’s EyeSight, which allows users to see the real world and show their eyes to people nearby, as well as health sensors integrated into the headset.

What is Apple’s EyeSight feature and why is it important?

Apple’s EyeSight feature in the Vision Pro headset enables users to see their surroundings while wearing the headset and shows the user’s eyes to others, enhancing social interaction and situational awareness in VR.

How is Meta responding to Apple’s Vision Pro?

By filing this patent, Meta indicates its intention to incorporate similar advanced features in its VR headsets, showing that it values staying competitive and improving user experience.

What does this patent mean for the future of VR technology?

This patent underscores the competitive nature of the AR/VR market and the ongoing efforts by companies like Meta and Apple to innovate, making VR more socially connected and user-friendly.

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