Apple to host secret training for staff on the Vision Pro

Apple

Apple is preparing retail staff for the Vision Pro launch in 2024. It invites them to apply for a secret training event in Cupertino early next year. There, they will learn about the product and how to sell it.

The memo says, "Selected team members will travel and participate in an event in Cupertino, California, at some point in the first months of 2024. Upon returning to their home store, they’ll deliver training and ongoing support to store team members." Applicants need to pass an interview and show passion for Apple products.

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A 'cheaper' Apple Vision Pro might be in the works

Apple

Apple may release a "cheaper" Vision Pro headset with fewer features and an iPhone chip instead of a Mac chip, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. He wrote in his Power On newsletter that this could lower the price between US$1,500-$2,500 (around CA$2,043-$3,405) for a budget model. Of course, that's still a premium price tag, but that's still less than its US$3,500 (CA$4,767) starting price.

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Apple rumoured to take a gradual in-store, rollout strategy for the Vision Pro

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Apple's Vision Pro headset will reportedly launch in the US with in-store appointments and a head-scanning app. The mixed reality device will cost USD 3,500 and will be available in select Apple Stores in early 2024. Apple is also expected to expand its international availability later that year, starting with Canada and UK. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the company will adopt a gradual rollout strategy that resembles how it introduced the Apple Watch in 2015.

Customers who want to buy the Vision Pro will need to make an appointment at an Apple Store that has a designated area for demos and fittings. There, they will be able to try the device and get the right accessories, such as a light seal, a head strap, and optional prescription lenses. Apple will also ask them to provide their eyeglass prescriptions and use an iPhone app and a physical machine to scan their heads to ensure a snug fit and a clear view.

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Report: Apple doesn't plan to support VR game controllers on the Vision Pro

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Apple’s Vision Pro, the company’s first VR headset, was announced at WWDC without much emphasis on gaming. Unlike other VR headsets, Vision Pro does not support any VR game controllers—either from Apple or third parties. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple is betting on hand and eye tracking as the primary input methods for Vision Pro. He says Apple tried a finger-worn device and third-party VR controllers but opted for a simpler solution.

Gurman also claims that Apple is not planning to add VR game controller support anytime soon despite feedback from developers and gamers. Apple did show some gaming capabilities for Vision Pro at WWDC, such as playing games from Apple Arcade like NBA 2K in a 2D visionOS window with a PlayStation DualSense controller.

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