Apple is reportedly teaming up with gaming giant sony in a bid to broaden teh appeal of its Vision Pro augmented reality headset. The move comes as Apple seeks to attract a new wave of customers to its innovative but currently niche device.
While the Vision Pro boasts remarkable specs, including a powerful M2 chip, a stunning display, and immersive sound, it has yet to capture the hearts of gamers. ”The potential was there,” notes Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman. “The product has a Mac-level M2 chip, one of the most stunning displays available on the consumer market, and a built-in app store. There’s also immersive sound technology and advanced sensors – ingredients that should ensure an amazing gaming experience.”
A Gaming Partnership?
However, the Vision Pro currently lacks support for standard VR/AR controllers and a robust library of high-quality games, two crucial elements for attracting a gaming audience. This is where Sony, with its expertise in gaming hardware and software, could prove to be a valuable partner.
“Apple glasses had an ideal opportunity to succeed precisely among gamers at the beginning,” Gurman adds.
The potential collaboration between apple and Sony could signal a meaningful shift in the vision Pro’s strategy, perhaps opening up a whole new world of gaming possibilities for the innovative headset.
Apple’s highly anticipated Vision Pro headset,launched with much fanfare,is facing a surprising challenge: waning consumer interest. Despite its cutting-edge technology and promises of immersive experiences, the device hasn’t captured the market as was to be expected. Experts are pointing to several factors contributing to this unexpected dip in demand.
One key issue seems to be the limited gaming library available for the Vision Pro. While Apple touted the headset as a revolutionary platform for gaming, the current selection of titles primarily consists of simple arcade games from the App Store. This pales in comparison to the AAA titles and expansive open-world experiences offered on platforms like Mac computers, leaving hardcore gamers wanting more.
“Part of the problem is surely the game offering: titles from the App Store are more or less arcade games and not games from big studios like Resident Evil Village or open-world no Man’s Sky type,” observes one industry analyst. “Simultaneously occurring, both games are normally available for Mac computers.”
Apple’s initial marketing strategy, wich focused on dialog, immersive video experiences, and office work, may have also missed the mark. While these are valid use cases, they don’t necessarily appeal to the core demographic of early adopters who are typically drawn to cutting-edge gaming technology.
As Apple grapples with this unexpected setback, the company is reportedly exploring ways to address the concerns and revitalize interest in the Vision Pro. Expanding the gaming library with more compelling titles and highlighting the headset’s potential for other immersive experiences, such as virtual tourism and interactive education, could be key to turning the tide.
Apple’s highly anticipated Vision Pro headset, set to launch in early 2024, is facing some early challenges. while the device boasts impressive technology, concerns are mounting regarding the limited game selection and the unconventional control methods.
One major hurdle is the scarcity of games specifically designed for the Vision Pro. “There are few games available,” notes renowned Apple analyst Mark Gurman. this lack of content could significantly hinder the headset’s appeal to gamers.
Adding to the challenge is the control system. Apple, instead of developing its own VR controllers, has recommended using existing wireless gamepads like those from Xbox or PlayStation 5.While this offers a temporary solution, it falls short of the immersive experience typically associated with dedicated VR controllers, such as those used with Meta Quest or PlayStation VR.
Apple has reportedly focused on eye and hand tracking for control, a concept championed by Vision Pro progress chief Mike Rockwell and former chief designer Jony Ive. While this innovative approach has received positive feedback from users, it lacks the precision and functionality required for playing complex games.
Recognizing the need for a more robust solution, Apple is reportedly exploring partnerships with third-party VR controller manufacturers, with Sony emerging as a potential collaborator. This move could significantly enhance the gaming experience on the Vision Pro, addressing a key concern for potential buyers.
“Apple is looking at deploying support for third-party VR controllers,” Gurman revealed. A partnership with sony, known for its PlayStation VR system and innovative Sense controllers, could be a game-changer for the Vision Pro.
Apple’s highly anticipated vision pro headset is poised to receive a significant boost in functionality with the potential integration of Sony’s PlayStation VR2 controllers. According to insider reports, Apple and sony have been in discussions to bring support for the PS VR2 controllers to the Vision pro, expanding its capabilities beyond its own ecosystem.
“Apple approached sony earlier this year and both parties agreed to work together to launch support for PlayStation VR2 controllers on the Vision pro device. […] apple has already discussed the plan with third-party developers and asked them to integrate support into their games,” the insider revealed.
Apple and Sony originally aimed to announce this capability weeks ago, but the rollout has been postponed. My expectation is that an announcement will still come at some point — unless it gets abruptly scrapped.
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) December 8, 2024
This move could be a game-changer for Apple’s Vision Pro, as it would provide users with access to a wider range of immersive experiences. Notably, Apple has no plans to release its own mechanical controller for the Vision Pro, making the integration of third-party drivers like those from Sony crucial.
The potential benefits extend beyond gaming. The support for sensitive drivers could attract professionals who rely on graphic tools like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Photoshop, which are rumored to be coming to visionOS. These applications demand precise control, making the PS VR2 controllers a valuable asset.
However, there are some logistical hurdles to overcome. Sony currently does not sell the Sense controllers for PS VR2 as standalone devices; they are bundled with the headset. If this partnership materializes, Sony would need to start offering the controllers separately and potentially sell them through Apple’s online store as official Vision Pro accessories.
Furthermore, Apple would need to address the availability of compatible games and actively promote the Vision Pro as a viable gaming platform. this would require collaboration with game developers and a strategic marketing campaign to highlight the unique capabilities offered by the PS VR2 controller integration.
The potential partnership between Apple and Sony represents a significant development in the evolution of virtual and augmented reality. If successful, it could unlock new possibilities for both companies and pave the way for a more immersive and interconnected future.
## Apple Seeks Gaming Boost for Vision Pro with Potential Sony Partnership
Apple’s Vision Pro augmented reality headset, touted as a revolutionary device with cutting-edge technology, is facing an unexpected hurdle: a lackluster response from consumers. While the headset boasts notable specs like a powerful M2 chip and immersive sound, experts are pointing too a limited gaming library and unconventional control methods as key factors hindering its appeal.
**Gaming Library: A Void apple Needs to Fill**
One of the most pressing concerns surrounding the vision Pro is its paltry selection of games. While Apple initially envisioned a future where the headset would become a dominant platform for immersive gaming **experiences**, the current App Store offerings primarily consist of simple arcade games.
“There are few games available,” notes Apple analyst Mark Gurman. “This lack of content could considerably hinder the headset’s appeal to gamers.”
Industry experts agree. They point out that the absence of AAA titles and expansive open-world games, the type found on platforms like Mac computers, leaves hardcore gamers wanting more.
**Control Conundrums: Lack of Dedicated VR Controllers**
Adding to the challenge is the control system.Contrary to expectations, Apple opted against developing its own dedicated VR controllers. Instead, the company recommends using existing wireless gamepads like those from Xbox or PlayStation 5.
While this offers a temporary solution, it falls short of the immersive VR experiance offered by dedicated controllers like those used with Meta Quest or PlayStation VR.
**A Potential Turnaround: Partnership with Sony**
Recognizing the need for a more robust gaming solution, rumors suggest that Apple is actively exploring partnerships with third-party VR controller manufacturers.Sony, with its expertise in gaming hardware and software, has emerged as a potential collaborator.
such a partnership could mark a important shift in the Vision Pro’s strategy, potentially opening up a new world of gaming possibilities for the innovative headset.
“Apple is looking at deploying support for third-party VR controllers,” Gurman revealed. A partnership with Sony, known for its PlayStation VR ecosystem, could address the current control limitations and pave the way for a more compelling gaming experience on the Vision Pro.
