Vision Pro gains new gestures, persona upgrades with visionOS 2
What's the story
Apple has launched visionOS 2, the first significant update to the operating system that powers its Apple Vision Pro headset.
The upgrade was announced at WWDC in June and has undergone multiple beta tests before its official release.
Now, owners of the flagship mixed reality headset can download this new version of the operating system.
The update encompasses a broad range of areas such as photographic and video content, new gestures, enhancements to Mac Virtual Display and Persona.
Multimedia upgrade
visionOS 2 enhances photo and video experience
The visionOS 2 update allows users to transform existing photos into spatial photos, adding depth for a more immersive stereoscopic effect.
The Photos app has been revamped for easier image management and quick access to spatial photos.
Additionally, the new OS enables users to share photographs, videos, and panoramas during FaceTime calls via SharePlay.
Video editing capabilities have also been enhanced with trimming controls now available on the headset itself.
User interface
New gestures and home view customization in visionOS 2
The latest update introduces new gestures for Apple Vision Pro users, simplifying access to Home View and Control Center.
To open Home View, users can now look at their palm and tap the dot that appears.
Flipping the hand over reveals time and battery information, which can be tapped to bring up Control Center or adjusted for volume control.
Additionally, visionOS 2 allows users to personalize their icon arrangement in Home View, a feature not available in the previous version.
Environment expansion
visionOS 2 expands immersive environments and improves peripheral visibility
The new update expands the list of immersive environments available to users, including a picturesque Bora Bora setting.
It also enhances peripheral visibility by recognizing and displaying a user's Magic Keyboard or MacBook keyboard. This feature aims to facilitate easier use of these peripherals.
Additionally, Mac Virtual Display users will now enjoy a panoramic screen equivalent to two side-by-side 4K displays, further enhancing their viewing experience.
App improvements
The update introduces app-specific changes for enhanced user experience
The visionOS 2 update brings several app-specific changes. Safari users can now watch videos on a large display in any environment and use Siri to read out web page content.
Tab Groups have been introduced to help manage multiple tabs.
Apple Music has been updated with collaborative playlist creation, emoji reactions, and sing-along features.
The Apple TV app now supports Multiview for MLS and MLB subscriptions, allowing users to watch up to five games simultaneously in different views.
App enhancements
Enhanced messaging and Mindfulness app
In the Messages app, users can now dictate messages by staring at the mic icon, making communication easier.
The Mindfulness app has been upgraded to track user's breathing patterns and sync them with visual animations during sessions.
These improvements aim to provide a more interactive and user-friendly experience across various apps on the Apple Vision Pro device.
Avatar refinement
Refined avatar system and new features
The avatar system in visionOS 2 now captures more accurate skin tones and clothing colors during user scans.
Hand movements have been made smoother with the addition of new animation effects.
Users can also choose from various backgrounds for their Persona during FaceTime or video calls.
The update also introduces Quick Look, which allows users to anchor objects to surfaces and instantly change materials, enhancing the virtual experience within the Apple Vision Pro device.