You could soon try out iPhones virtually using Vision Pro
Apple has filed a patent for a technology that could potentially revolutionize the online shopping experience. The patent, first spotted by Patently Apple, describes a method for "customizing and demonstrating products in a virtual environment." This innovative approach would allow customers to virtually test new iPhones, iPads, and Macs from the comfort of their own homes using Vision Pro.
Unique shopping experience
The patent application outlines methods for offering a virtual shopping experience, where a product demonstration is presented to the user. In some instances, this demonstration will be interactive within a simulated virtual environment. The user could interact with the device and it would respond to the simulated virtual environment. The demonstration will also showcase customizable features of the product, enhancing user engagement in this unique shopping experience.
Augmented reality view
The patent includes an augmented reality (AR) view of a device in the user's own home. It also incorporates virtual environments for product testing. For instance, a user could virtually hold up an iPhone against a simulated picture of a mountain range, and preview the images that would be captured with wide-angle and telephoto lenses. This feature aims to mimic real-world usage scenarios.
Customizing Macs in a virtual environment
The patent also illustrates how users could customize a desktop Mac with different parts in this virtual environment. They could see the impact on performance both statistically and via an on-screen demo of actual use. A 'Buy' button would then allow them to purchase the system they just configured, further streamlining the online shopping process.
Comprehensive use of virtual devices
Apple's patent describes the ability to use the virtual device in a comprehensive way. For example, for a Mac or iPad, the device typically supports various apps that may be displayed in the computer-generated environment. These include drawing, presentation, word processing applications among others. The ultimate goal of this technology is to replicate the in-store experience virtually, potentially transforming how consumers interact with products before purchase.
