Apple’s latest augmented reality (AR) headset, the Apple Vision Pro, is poised to incorporate compatibility with a curated assortment of Microsoft Office software offerings.
During Apple’s recent Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) event, they unveiled the Apple Vision Pro, a cutting-edge eyewear priced at $3,499. This advanced device is designed to enhance user experiences by integrating seamlessly with Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Word, and Teams.
Users can look forward to a truly immersive experience as they interact with these software tools. Notably, the interface of the Apple Vision Pro can be controlled using eye movements, adding a new level of convenience and intuitive interaction.
Based on the demonstrations showcased at the WWDC event, it appears that the software experience offered by the Apple Vision Pro aligns closely with the web versions of the Microsoft Office productivity tools rather than the desktop applications. This suggests that users can expect a streamlined and optimized experience tailored specifically for the AR headset, ensuring seamless integration and efficient functionality while utilizing Excel, Word, and Teams.
Additionally, Microsoft Teams will extend its support to Apple’s 3D personas, which are AI-generated avatars representing users’ faces. These 3D personas are compatible with the Vision Pro platform and can be utilized not only in Teams but also in other video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Webex.
This integration further enhances the immersive capabilities of the Apple Vision Pro headset, enabling users to engage and interact with others using personalized and expressive avatars during virtual meetings and collaborations.
The Apple Vision Pro is set to receive support from various other vendors as well. Prominent game engine Unity and software giant Adobe are among them. Unity will offer compatibility, allowing developers to create immersive and interactive experiences for the AR headset.
Adobe, on the other hand, will ensure that Lightroom, its popular photo editing software, is compatible with the Apple Vision Pro. This compatibility will enable users to control photo editing functions using not only their eyes but also their hands, adding a new level of precision and control to the editing process.
There have been concerns regarding the status of Microsoft’s AR headset, HoloLens, as news emerged earlier this year about layoffs within the division working on the project. These reports raised speculation about the future of HoloLens and sparked worries that the project may have been discontinued.
In recent years, Microsoft has indeed undergone a significant transformation, diversifying its focus beyond its traditional flagship sector of the Windows operating system. This shift in strategy can be attributed to various factors, including the changing landscape of technology and evolving consumer needs.
Indeed, Microsoft has placed significant emphasis on its productivity software and services, including the widely used Office suite and cloud computing platform Azure. The company has recognized the growing importance of cloud-based solutions and AI technologies in meeting the evolving needs of businesses and consumers alike.
As an investor in OpenAI, Microsoft has a vested interest in leveraging AI capabilities across its product offerings. Integrating AI models, such as those developed by OpenAI, into various products and services allows Microsoft to enhance functionality, improve user experiences, and provide more intelligent and personalized solutions to its customers.