Apple's highly anticipated mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro, is set to launch in stores on Friday in the US. This marks Apple's first new product in seven years and is expected to be one of the most innovative tech products in recent years. Customers will have the opportunity to purchase the headset at Apple Stores across the country, while also being able to receive private one-on-one demos on a first come first serve basis.

CEO Tim Cook has long been a proponent of augmented reality and its potential to revolutionize communication and collaboration. With the Vision Pro, Apple aims to blend both virtual reality and augmented reality, creating a device that overlays virtual images on live video of the real world. Cook has referred to it as "the most advanced consumer electronics device ever created."

However, the Vision Pro won't come cheap. Priced at $3,499, it is a clunky computer worn on the face. The headset offers 256 GB of storage and offers prescription lens inserts starting at $149. Additional accessories such as a travel case and battery pack holder can bring the total cost up to $4,600. Despite the high price point, Apple hopes to convince consumers that the Vision Pro is the future of computing.

The release of the Vision Pro comes at a time when the extended reality (XR) market, which includes augmented, virtual, and mixed reality, has plateaued with limited mainstream consumer adoption. The headset will have limited apps available initially and will be tethered to a battery pack the size of an iPhone, providing about 2.5 hours of battery life on a single charge. However, the immersive experience it offers, particularly for watching videos and interacting with the environment, is unparalleled.

In terms of design, the Vision Pro resembles a pair of designer ski goggles. It features an adjustable strap on the top and two "digital crowns" - one on the back and one on the top, serving as a home button. Despite being a computer worn on the face, it is surprisingly lightweight and comfortable. The setup process involves eye tracking, hand scanning, and room mapping. Users will then see an iOS-like interface in front of their environment, which can be navigated using eye movements and hand gestures. The interface also responds to voice commands, allowing users to activate Siri.

The Vision Pro offers various use cases, ranging from cooking and meditating to working. Users can sync their Mac computers to turn the screen into a large display and connect a physical keyboard. Multiple windows can be opened simultaneously, maximizing productivity. During FaceTime calls, users appear as avatars, adding a unique touch to virtual interactions.

One of the standout features of the Vision Pro is its ability to provide immersive video experiences. During demos, users were able to watch clips from “Star Wars” and “Avatar 2” while feeling as though they were inside the scenes. Apple has also addressed the motion sickness issue commonly associated with headsets, thanks to a custom chip that reduces latency. The headset includes surround sound with audio pods placed outside the ears for an immersive audio experience.

Despite its impressive features, the Vision Pro is expected to remain a niche product initially due to its high price. Analysts estimate that Apple sold around 160,000 to 180,000 units during the first pre-order weekend. However, demand may taper off after core fans have made their purchases, as indicated by unchanged shipping times. Morgan Stanley analysts project that Apple will ship up to 400,000 units of the Vision Pro this year.

The launch of the Vision Pro comes at a time when competitors such as Meta, Snapchat, and Microsoft have also entered the smart glasses market. Apple's entry into augmented and virtual reality-equipped headgear signifies its commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation. As the Vision Pro hits the shelves, Apple aims to demonstrate its potential to revolutionize how we live, work, and interact with the world.