Apple patents system to stop people scaring you when you're in VR
What you need to know
- Multiple rumors indicate Apple is working on a VR headset.
- A new patent reveals an alert system for hailing users who are immersed in virtual reality.
- A future Apple headset could recognize when someone is trying to get your attention in VR, and even who that person is.
A new patent from Apple has revealed how a future Apple VR headset could one day detect when someone is trying to get your attention whilst you're immersed in virtual reality.
The patent is titled 'System and Method For User Alerts During An Immersive Computer-Generated Reality Experience' and covers systems and methods for hailing the user of a virtual reality headset. The patent explains:
The system features a head-mounted display, as well as an image sensor and a microphone that can detect when the user of a VR/AR headset is being "hailed":
Not only can the system alert you to someone trying to get your attention in VR, it can also use image detection to figure out who exactly might be trying to talk to you. When a hail event is detected, the headset could display an audio and visual alert.
Multiple reports indicate Apple is working on a mixed-reality headset that could be used for gaming and communication.
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Stephen Warwick has written about Apple for five years at iMore and previously elsewhere. He covers all of iMore's latest breaking news regarding all of Apple's products and services, both hardware and software. Stephen has interviewed industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. He also specializes in curating and reviewing audio hardware and has experience beyond journalism in sound engineering, production, and design. Before becoming a writer Stephen studied Ancient History at University and also worked at Apple for more than two years. Stephen is also a host on the iMore show, a weekly podcast recorded live that discusses the latest in breaking Apple news, as well as featuring fun trivia about all things Apple. Follow him on Twitter @stephenwarwick9