Vision Pro: Apple is reportedly working on support for PSVR2 controllers
New rumors suggest that Apple is backing away from hand controllers for its mixed reality headset. The company is working with Sony to achieve this.
The PSVR2 controllers are also said to work in conjunction with the Apple Vision Pro.
(Image: heise online, sahe)
Apple is reportedly working with Sony on hand controllers for Apple's mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro. According to a media report, the specific aim is to make the PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers compatible with the spatial computer. Apple hopes that such controllers will provide new impetus to make it attractive for developers to bring games to the visionOS platform. However, the control of productive apps such as Final Cut Pro video editing, which is not yet available for the Vision Pro, could also benefit from this.
The report by Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman is based on unnamed sources at Apple. According to the report, the iPhone manufacturer approached Sony at the beginning of the year. Apple is working hard to support third-party hand controllers in visionOS, Gurman writes. Apple has already approached third-party developers to see if they would also support the controllers in their games. According to the report by the US financial news agency, plans for a market launch were postponed a few weeks ago.
Operating concept called into question?
If the rumors turn out to be true, Apple would move even closer to its competitors in terms of the operating concept. When the Vision Pro was unveiled in June 2023, Apple initially gave the impression that control with the eyes and hands was considered adequate. Dispensing with controllers, such as those used by Meta, promised a tidier design and less ballast when transporting the device. However, at least for productive purposes, Apple itself has now brought the use of a hardware keyboard into play – Hand controllers would be a further step in this direction.
The Sense controllers from Sony have a six-axis motion sensor system, can track the position via IR LED and have a capacitive sensor for touch recognition on the fingers. Like the DualSense wireless controllers, they have an adaptive button with haptic feedback.
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Controller support is no guarantee of success
Apple's planned support should also extend to the Vision Pro operating system. The controllers could partially replace both eye and gesture control.
However, this is not the first time that Apple has promised new impetus with the help of controllers. Support for the Apple TV was also seen as paving the way for significantly more game titles –, but the device has not been able to match the success of games consoles over the years.
(mki)
