New details about Apple’s Mixed Reality headset revealed

If you are in virtual reality, you’ve probably been focused on the news that came out at CES this week. There was no shortage of new augmented reality glasses and virtual reality helmets. But the biggest news about AR-VR came from a company that deliberately didn’t announce it at CES.

More leaks about Apple’s upcoming mixed reality headset surfaced this week. The Information report says a bunch of new parts about the most anticipated wearable devices in recent years. According to unnamed Apple insiders working on the project, the ski goggle-shaped device will feature a plethora of features. Some of these, like dimpled rendering and see-through views, can also be found in competing headsets like the Meta Quest Pro and the upcoming Sony PS VR2. But Apple’s headset aims to be lighter than the Quest Pro and more agile than any competitor.

Internal sensors automatically adjust 8K visuals (4K per eyeball) to match users’ unique facial features. Some of the features also seem to be aimed at making sure that wearing the headset doesn’t feel like being hermetically sealed in a digital silo. The cameras inside can broadcast your facial expressions to a display outside the device. An Apple Watch-style dial on the side lets you quickly switch between virtual reality modes and colorful views of the real world around you. Much to Meta’s chagrin, Apple’s headset can even detect leg movements.

The leaks also revealed some limitations. It is reported that non-Apple Bluetooth headphones will not sync well with the headset. There’s no headphone jack, so you’ll need either AirPods or one of the speaker-equipped headset straps that Apple is apparently developing. And while there is no hint of a release date, the production of the device has reportedly been delayed several times. Apple may be ready to announce the device later this year.

Here’s some other consumer technology news.

Apple is reportedly canceling the iPhone SE

According to Ming-Chi Kuo, analyst with TF International Securities Apple can not to do new iPhone SE. Citing supply chain issues and lower sales of mid-range phones compared to iPhone Pro models, Kuo says Apple may delay or simply not release the new iPhone SE this year.

The SE is a decent enough phone, but it’s clear that Apple’s breathless marketing of its flagship devices has stalled the budget model. Either that or people just prefer big phones these days. Ever since Apple ditched the iPhone Mini last year, it looks like the company has ditched more modest options.

Google Maps, Where’s Y’at?

Hey, did you know you can use Google Maps while driving? Okay, yes, that’s the core feature of Google’s GPS app, but now the company is introducing something a little different for certain vehicles. Google allows car companies to sell their HD Map Software in their onboard navigation software. It’s not Google Maps per se, but a kind of fundamental system that underpins car technology. So far, Volvo and Polestar have said they will use the Google HD Map system.

We live at CES now

It is not possible to continue typing this news review without going to CES. WIRED attended the giant consumer technology event in person for the first time since 2020, and our reporters were able to get a first-hand look at all the weird and wacky technologies on display.

this week Gadget Lab The podcast comes straight from the heart of CES. Our field team gathered late at night in a hotel room in Las Vegas to cut through the marketing hype and talk about what stood out at this year’s CES.