The field of augmented and virtual reality viewers is booming since the launch of Apple Vision Pro. Whether you like it or not, the truth is that Apple Vision Pro is setting a standard for what to expect from a virtual reality device of this style. So much so that even Meta intends to copy one of the most characteristic features of Vision Pro: EyeSight.
A Meta search with EyeSight?
The patent, discovered by Patently Apple, is titled Embedded Sensors in Immersive Reality Headset to Enable Social Presence, which implies a focus on social presence through the use of built-in sensors in augmented reality devices. For now, this is only a patent that does not necessarily materialize in any product, but the move does indicate that Meta could be considering an update to the design of the Meta Quest, or even a completely new design that will add this feature.
The most striking thing about this patent is that it seems to directly copy the EyeSight function of Apple Vision Pro, although with a minor change. In Apple, this function uses a previous scan of our face to create a virtual image of the eyes on an external screen, a feature that the company highlighted as a solution to the problem of isolation that often accompanies the use of augmented reality headphones.
The Meta version could differ by including sensors that not only aim to accurately represent the user’s face, but also collect health data in the process. Beyond just the standard privacy concerns, the similarity is more than just obvious.
Considering Mark Zuckerberg has publicly stated that the Meta Quest 3 is superior to the Apple Vision Pro ‘in most things,’ the integration of the new feature could be a step closer to matching Apple’s success. It is a step that would also bring another price increase, as the elevated cost of the Apple Vision Pro has, as far as we know, a lot to do with the technology of the curved front screen necessary for the EyeSight function.
As we always say in these cases, a patent is a patent, so it is possible that we may not see a Meta Quest capable of displaying the user’s face. However, it is interesting to see how Apple has managed to establish the foundations of what a headset should offer despite its relatively recent arrival to the market. We will see how things continue to develop.
