Apple has announced that its highly anticipated Vision Pro headset will be released on February 2nd in the United States. Customers in the US have the option to pre-order the mixed-reality device starting in mid-January, but there is no set date for a UK launch. This is Apple’s first major new product since the launch of the Apple Watch in 2015. However, there have been some production issues, with Apple reducing its production forecasts from one million units to 400,000 in 2024.

In addition to the release date, Apple also revealed that the Vision Pro headset will have 256GB of storage. The company clarified that the eye-tracking technology in the headset can function by monitoring just one dominant eye, making it accessible for individuals who do not have full use of both eyes. Apple is also trying to differentiate its headset from other devices on the market by encouraging developers to brand their apps as “spatial computing” instead of using terms like augmented reality or virtual reality.

Apple has released a trailer online to generate hype around the launch of the Vision Pro headset. If successful, this product could become a significant source of income for Apple. However, the high price tag of $3,499 is likely to limit its accessibility to wealthier individuals.

The BBC had the opportunity to try out the Vision Pro headset in June last year and found the mixed-reality experience to be a mixed bag. Unlike many existing headsets, Apple has detached the battery to reduce weight, but this means the battery has to be attached to a cable. The user experience is typical of Apple’s minimalist design, with familiar app icons and gesture control. The headset tracks where the user is looking, allowing them to interact with apps by pinching their fingers together. The level of immersion can be adjusted using a physical dial.

However, it should be noted that the demo version of the Vision Pro headset was not a finished product, and Apple’s ban on filming during the demonstration meant that any issues encountered could not be recorded or shared online.

Original news source: Apple Vision Pro: $3,499 headset finally gets release date (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Give each group a few minutes to read the article. Then, ask each group to write a concise summary of the article, highlighting the key points. Afterward, have each group present their summaries to the class.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Have the class engage in a discussion about the Apple Vision Pro headset. Divide the class into pairs or small groups and ask them to discuss their opinions on the product. Afterward, conduct an opinion poll by asking each pair/group to share their opinions and reasons with the class. Encourage a lively debate and exchange of ideas.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Create a list of vocabulary words related to the article, such as “headset,” “mixed-reality,” “augmented reality,” etc. Divide the class into teams. Give each team a set of vocabulary words. One team member from each team will have to draw a visual representation of the word, while the rest of the team tries to guess the word. The team with the most correct guesses wins.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Have the class discuss the pros and cons of the Apple Vision Pro headset. Divide the class into small groups and assign each group either the task of listing the pros or the cons. After a given time, have each group present their lists to the class. Encourage the class to engage in a thoughtful discussion and consider different perspectives.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Ask the class to speculate about the future of the Apple Vision Pro headset. Divide the class into pairs or small groups and have them discuss and make predictions about the potential impact of the product. Each pair/group should come up with at least three predictions. Afterward, ask each pair/group to share their predictions with the class and explain their reasoning.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. When will the Vision Pro headset be released in the United States?
2. Can customers in the US pre-order the mixed-reality device?
3. What is the storage capacity of the Vision Pro headset?
4. How does the eye-tracking technology in the headset work?
5. How is Apple encouraging developers to brand their apps for the headset?
6. How much will the Vision Pro headset cost?
7. What did the BBC find when they tried out the Vision Pro headset?
8. Why couldn’t any issues encountered during the demo version of the headset be recorded or shared online?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Apple has (1)______ that its highly anticipated Vision Pro headset will be released on February 2nd in the United States. Customers in the US have the option to pre-order the mixed-reality (2)______ starting in mid-January, but there is no set date for a UK launch. This is Apple’s first major new product since the launch of the Apple Watch in 2015. However, there have been some production issues, with Apple reducing its production (3)______ from one million units to 400,000 in 2024.

In (4)______ to the release date, Apple also revealed that the Vision Pro headset will have 256GB of storage. The company clarified that the eye-tracking technology in the headset can function by monitoring just one dominant eye, making it (5)______ for individuals who do not have full use of both eyes. Apple is also trying to differentiate its headset from (6)______ devices on the market by encouraging developers to brand their apps as “spatial computing” instead of using terms like (7)______ (8)______ or virtual reality.

Apple has released a trailer online to (9)______ hype around the launch of the Vision Pro headset. If successful, this product could become a significant source of income for Apple. However, the high price tag of $3,499 is likely to limit its (10)______ to wealthier individuals.

The BBC had the opportunity to try out the Vision Pro headset in June last year and found the (11)______-reality experience to be a mixed bag. Unlike many existing headsets, Apple has detached the (12)______ to reduce weight, but this means the battery has to be attached to a cable. The user experience is typical of Apple’s minimalist (13)______, with familiar app icons and gesture control. The headset (14)______ where the user is looking, allowing them to interact with apps by pinching their fingers together. The level of immersion can be adjusted using a (15)______ dial.

However, it should be noted that the demo version of the Vision Pro headset was not a finished product, and Apple’s ban on filming during the demonstration meant that any issues encountered could not be (16)______ or shared online.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is a mixed-reality device and how does it differ from augmented reality or virtual reality?
2. How would you feel if you had the opportunity to try out the Vision Pro headset? Why?
3. Do you think the high price tag of $3,499 will limit the accessibility of the Vision Pro headset? Why or why not?
4. What do you think about Apple encouraging developers to brand their apps as “spatial computing” instead of using terms like augmented reality or virtual reality? Why?
5. How do you think the release of the Vision Pro headset will impact Apple’s income? Why?
6. Do you like the minimalist design of Apple’s products, such as the Vision Pro headset? Why or why not?
7. What are some potential advantages and disadvantages of detaching the battery from the headset to reduce weight?
8. How do you think the ability to adjust the level of immersion using a physical dial will enhance the user experience with the Vision Pro headset?
9. What do you think about Apple’s decision to ban filming during the demonstration of the Vision Pro headset? Why?
10. How do you think the reduction in production forecasts for the Vision Pro headset will affect its popularity and demand? Why?
11. What is your opinion on Apple releasing the Vision Pro headset as their first major new product since the Apple Watch in 2015? Why?
12. How do you think the Vision Pro headset will compare to other mixed-reality devices already on the market? Why?
13. Do you think the Vision Pro headset will be successful in generating hype and becoming a popular product? Why or why not?
14. How would you feel about pre-ordering the Vision Pro headset? Why?
15. What do you think about the option for individuals who do not have full use of both eyes to use the Vision Pro headset? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. anticipated
2. mixed-reality
3. pre-order
4. launch
5. production
6. forecasts
7. accessible
8. differentiate
9. spatial
10. hype
11. significant
12. wealthier
13. minimalist
14. immersion
15. demo

Meanings:
(A) Relating to or involving the perception of space and the position of objects within it
(B) Expected or predicted, often with eagerness or excitement
(C) Combining elements of both the real and virtual worlds
(D) Having considerable importance, size, or worth
(E) To distinguish or set apart from others
(F) Characterized by simplicity and a lack of excess or ornamentation
(G) Intense promotion or publicity to create excitement
(H) The introduction or start of a product or service
(I) The feeling of being completely surrounded by and involved in something
(J) The process of manufacturing or creating something
(K) A preliminary version or trial of a product used for demonstration purposes
(L) To order a product in advance of its release
(M) Predictions or estimates about future performance or production
(N) Easy to obtain or use
(O) Having more money and resources; affluent
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. When will the Vision Pro headset be released in the United States?
(a) Mid-January
(b) February 2nd
(c) 2024
(d) June last year

2. How much storage does the Vision Pro headset have?
(a) 400,000 units
(b) $3,499
(c) 256GB
(d) One dominant eye

3. How does Apple encourage developers to brand their apps for the Vision Pro headset?
(a) As augmented reality
(b) As virtual reality
(c) As mixed-reality experience
(d) As “spatial computing”

4. What is the high price tag of the Vision Pro headset?
(a) 256GB
(b) Mid-January
(c) One dominant eye
(d) $3,499

5. What did the BBC find about the mixed-reality experience with the Vision Pro headset?
(a) Minimalist design
(b) A mixed bag
(c) Familiar app icons
(d) Gesture control

6. What did Apple detach from the Vision Pro headset to reduce weight?
(a) The cable
(b) The user experience
(c) The battery
(d) The physical dial

7. What can users do to interact with apps on the Vision Pro headset?
(a) Pinch their fingers together
(b) Adjust the level of immersion
(c) Monitor their dominant eye
(d) Use gesture control

8. Why couldn’t any issues encountered during the BBC’s demo of the Vision Pro headset be recorded or shared online?
(a) Apple’s ban on filming during the demonstration
(b) The high price tag
(c) The release date
(d) The storage capacity

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The Vision Pro headset will have 128GB of storage.
2. Apple’s Vision Pro headset will be released on February 2nd in the United States.
3. There is a set date for a UK launch of the Vision Pro headset.
4. Customers in the US can pre-order the mixed-reality device starting in mid-January.
5. The high price tag of $1,499 for the Vision Pro headset is likely to limit its accessibility to wealthier individuals.
6. Apple has reduced its production forecasts for the Vision Pro headset from one million units to 400,000 in 2024.
7. Apple discourages developers to brand their apps for the Vision Pro headset as “spatial computing” instead of using terms like augmented reality or virtual reality.
8. The Vision Pro headset is Apple’s first major new product since the launch of the Apple Watch in 2015.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. When will the Apple Vision Pro headset be released in the United States?
2. What production issues has Apple faced with the Vision Pro headset?
3. How much storage will the Vision Pro headset have?
4. How is Apple trying to differentiate its headset from other devices on the market?
5. What was the BBC’s experience with the Vision Pro headset during their demo?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. The Vision Pro headset will be released on February 2nd in the United States.
2. Yes, customers in the US can pre-order the mixed-reality device.
3. The Vision Pro headset will have 256GB of storage.
4. The eye-tracking technology in the headset can function by monitoring just one dominant eye.
5. Apple is encouraging developers to brand their apps as “spatial computing” instead of using terms like augmented reality or virtual reality.
6. The Vision Pro headset will cost $3,499.
7. The BBC found the mixed-reality experience of the Vision Pro headset to be a mixed bag.
8. Apple’s ban on filming during the demonstration prevented any issues encountered from being recorded or shared online.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) announced
(2) device
(3) forecasts
(4) addition
(5) accessible
(6) other
(7) augmented
(8) reality
(9) generate
(10) accessibility
(11) mixed
(12) battery
(13) design
(14) tracks
(15) physical
(16) recorded
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. anticipated
Answer: (B) Expected or predicted, often with eagerness or excitement

2. mixed-reality
Answer: (C) Combining elements of both the real and virtual worlds

3. pre-order
Answer: (L) To order a product in advance of its release

4. launch
Answer: (H) The introduction or start of a product or service

5. production
Answer: (J) The process of manufacturing or creating something

6. forecasts
Answer: (M) Predictions or estimates about future performance or production

7. accessible
Answer: (N) Easy to obtain or use

8. differentiate
Answer: (E) To distinguish or set apart from others

9. spatial
Answer: (A) Relating to or involving the perception of space and the position of objects within it

10. hype
Answer: (G) Intense promotion or publicity to create excitement

11. significant
Answer: (D) Having considerable importance, size, or worth

12. wealthier
Answer: (O) Having more money and resources; affluent

13. minimalist
Answer: (F) Characterized by simplicity and a lack of excess or ornamentation

14. immersion
Answer: (I) The feeling of being completely surrounded by and involved in something

15. demo
Answer: (K) A preliminary version or trial of a product used for demonstration purposes
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. When will the Vision Pro headset be released in the United States?
Answer: (b) February 2nd

2. How much storage does the Vision Pro headset have?
Answer: (c) 256GB

3. How does Apple encourage developers to brand their apps for the Vision Pro headset?
Answer: (d) As “spatial computing”

4. What is the high price tag of the Vision Pro headset?
Answer: (d) $3,499

5. What did the BBC find about the mixed-reality experience with the Vision Pro headset?
Answer: (b) A mixed bag

6. What did Apple detach from the Vision Pro headset to reduce weight?
Answer: (c) The battery

7. What can users do to interact with apps on the Vision Pro headset?
Answer: (a) Pinch their fingers together

8. Why couldn’t any issues encountered during the BBC’s demo of the Vision Pro headset be recorded or shared online?
Answer: (a) Apple’s ban on filming during the demonstration
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The Vision Pro headset will have 128GB of storage. (Answer: False)
2. Apple’s Vision Pro headset will be released on February 2nd in the United States. (Answer: True)
3. There is a set date for a UK launch of the Vision Pro headset. (Answer: False)
4. Customers in the US can pre-order the mixed-reality device starting in mid-January. (Answer: True)
5. The high price tag of $1,499 for the Vision Pro headset is likely to limit its accessibility to wealthier individuals. (Answer: False)
6. Apple has reduced its production forecasts for the Vision Pro headset from one million units to 400,000 in 2024. (Answer: True)
7. Apple discourages developers to brand their apps for the Vision Pro headset as “spatial computing” instead of using terms like augmented reality or virtual reality. (Answer: False)
8. The Vision Pro headset is Apple’s first major new product since the launch of the Apple Watch in 2015. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧