Meta Platforms, the company behind the Quest series of headsets, recently applied for a patent to rival the Apple Vision Pro’s EyeSight functionality.
In a bid to compete with the premium device from the Cupertino-based firm, Meta’s patent would feature the option to map a user’s physical eyes for display virtually, it is understood.
A report from Patently Apple found that Meta filed the patent, titled “Embedded Sensors in Immersive Reality Headset to Enable Social Presence,” to add the functionality to a future premium Quest device.
To differentiate itself from the Vision Pro, Meta’s iteration will incorporate health sensors, the report showed.
The news comes just days after Meta filed four patents aimed at developing eye tracking, image sensors, frame-tracking, and light source options for their headset. The massive push for the options will also cement the Menlo Park-based company’s future ambitions in the smart glasses and headset market, namely as Apple Vision Pro sales decline.
A Closer Look at Apple EyeSight
According to Apple’s website, the device would capture a person’s eye movements and gaze after mapping their Persona, a function that boosts spatial communication apps for the Vision Pro.
Apple’s EyeSight option displays a person’s eyes on the exterior of their head-mounted display (HMD), adding functionality and character to a person’s interactions with those in the real world.
Firstly, Apple noted that it shows an animation on the external display of the headset when people are using apps or digital content, notifying people that they are currently engaged in the virtual world.
It also works when the headset captures photos and videos, informing people that the camera is in use. Other options include notifications during visionOS updates and other tasks involving progress bars.
At the time of the Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC), Apple spokespeople stated that the feature would tackle the issue of social isolation, creating a more human presence during immersive experiences.
Media Targets Apple Vision Pro Woes
Despite this, 9to5 Mac claimed that reviewers noted the disparity between Apple’s marketing of the device and its actual functionality. On top of this, the company is expected to axe the function in a future scaled-down version of the Vision Pro.
Bloomberg reported earlier in July, citing figures from the International Data Corporation (IDC) and analyst sources, that the Vision Pro had failed to sell over 100,000 units since its sales launch in February.
According to veteran Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, many people bought the Vision Pro and stopped using the device “just after a few tries.”
He added: “If this is a common user case, simply creating a downgraded version with a more affordable price won’t solve the problem.”
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