Apple has yet to savor the groundbreaking success it envisioned for its AR-enabled Professional headset. Despite a hefty price tag of $3,500, the lackluster gaming ecosystem, a crucial factor in driving adoption for the VR segment, served as an additional obstacle. The corporation is seeking to rectify the situation with the help of Sony’s expertise.
Bloomberg reports that two companies are collaborating to bring support for the PlayStation VR2’s controllers to the pricy Apple headset, a move that could expand the virtual reality experience for users of both devices. According to a recent report, Apple has outlined its strategy to integrate AR capabilities into mobile gaming, by collaborating with third-party developers who have been asked if they would incorporate this technology into their games.
Despite initial expectations that each event would be confirmed weeks ago, unexpected technical issues have arisen, prompting a delayed announcement. The prospect of a partnership remains uncertain, with no specified timeline for its implementation, according to the report; furthermore, there is a possibility that it may not come to fruition at all.
As part of the agreement, Sony is expected to showcase the PlayStation VR2 controller across Apple’s online marketplace and retail stores. The Apple Store already sells third-party equipment, including products from Belkin and the Sony PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller, among others.
Until recently, the Imaginative and Prescient Professional has been unable to support third-party VR controllers effectively, whereas it does accommodate standard gamepads from brands like Sony, Microsoft, and 8BitDo with relative ease. The established order has unexpectedly harmed the headset’s VR gaming aspirations.
While most VR video games rely on customized movement controllers, the transition to these devices poses significant technological challenges in terms of both hand-eye coordination and real-time monitoring. Apple has consistently emphasized the value of intuitive, hands-free control options for users of the AR Pro.
Despite this, the corporation remains unconvinced about the imperative need for physical controllers to facilitate precise interactions and intimate haptic-motion feedback in digital reality applications, especially video games. Despite initial enthusiasm, the company ultimately scrapped plans to invest in cutting-edge virtual reality equipment designed specifically for their Imaginative and Perceptive Professionals.
According to a 2023 Bloomberg report, a corporate entity investigated the feasibility of wearable finger technology potentially serving as a control device. Apple reportedly initially considered leveraging third-party virtual reality (VR) controllers similar to those from HTC; ultimately, the company opted for a focus on hand and eye monitoring technology over physical controllers.
The Sony partnership may have far-reaching implications for both VR gaming on the Imaginative and prescient Professional and effective navigation of the visionOS interface. Two companies are said to have worked diligently to refine the PlayStation VR 2 controller’s directional pad, secondary action buttons, and analog sticks for tasks such as navigation and selection.
For customers seeking an additional layer of control over operating system interactions, using physical devices can provide a more intuitive and reliable experience, especially for those who prefer a hands-on approach rather than relying on eye and motion gestures. Building on past collaborations, we’ve made significant progress with iVRy, a pioneering initiative aimed at seamlessly integrating StramVR and its companion controller with the Imaginative and prescriptive Professional headset.
Will collaboration between Apple and Sony pave the way for a fresh influx of MFi-approved VR controllers compatible with the Vision Pro? That appears unlikely. According to Bloomberg’s report, Apple has successfully driven adoption of over 1 million ARKit-enabled products, but developer interest in creating high-quality AR experiences for the AR Pro hasn’t yet reached remarkable heights either.
