Apple on Tuesday introduced a new feature called Spatial Personality for its mixed-reality headset Vision Pro, according to a report. Expanding on the existing Persona feature, where users can view 3D virtual representations of each other in a window, the new feature is said to allow users to step into a common virtual setting for a collaborative experience. Users can now play games, work together on a project, or watch a movie while seeing all participants. The new feature was reported to be added to Apple Vision Pro’s VisionOS via an update.
According to a report by The Verge, Vision Pro users will be able to activate Spatial Personality via FaceTime by clicking the corresponding button on the screen. This will allow users to step out of the window-like box and stand together in a virtual sandbox. Reportedly, only the face, upper torso, and hands will be visible, which are rendered through various cameras on the headset and Apple’s on-device digital rendering. This feature was added with the VisionOS 1.1 update.
Personas, 3D avatars inside windows, were introduced just after the launch of Apple Vision Pro. Spatial Persona was demonstrated at WWDC 2023, however, the feature was still under development. Now, it’s available in beta, and users can now collaborate on SharePlay-enabled apps.
With this feature, users can now sit together while watching a movie on the screen inside a virtual setting, while also seeing other participants in the room and their reactions. Raymond Wong of Inverse reported on his experience using the feature at an Apple demo and highlighted that the avatars now look more realistic than their previous iteration. Collaborative work through Apple’s Freeform app also allows participants to write on a whiteboard or add and rearrange notes. Up to five participants can collaborate at a time, Wong said.
Reportedly, when in the same virtual setting, another participant’s voice comes from the same direction as their avatar. Its intensity also increases or decreases depending on how close or far they are located. Similarly, Apple Vision Pro users see other participants just as they would in real life, even if they do not share the same physical space. It is reported that this feature is still in beta version and is expected to be introduced publicly in the coming weeks.
