A recent Apple patent document describes customizable and potentially themed effects when a user enters and leaves a new virtual environment.
In Apple's Metaverse, users might appear and vanish in creative ways when entering and leaving virtual reality. It makes sense considering Apple's flair for dramatic presentations. So far, it sounds like Apple's unconfirmed AR/VR headset aims for a high-end solution, so there should be plenty of graphics performance available to power some impressive effects.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has mentioned augmented reality frequently but hasn't officially confirmed any product plans. However, rumors have been flying for several years of a wearable that looks like sunglasses and overlays helpful descriptions and facts onto real-world scenery or offers an entertaining break from monotony when needed. Leaks indicate the first such product will be more like a lightweight virtual reality headset, and several patent documents have been filed that describe possible implementations.
Apple recently won a patent that describes an AR/VR headset that displays a virtual space where users make pretty dramatic entrances, appearing from a cloud of smoke or an explosion of sparkles. Exit effects include being swept away by a whirlwind or falling into a hole. It goes on to say that several senses could be involved, including visual, audio, and haptic effects. The sense of smell is also mentioned, referencing a release of fragrances and breezes simulated with a fan. It all sounds very futuristic, and some of these aspects might not appear for years, if ever. Apple smell-o-vision probably won't be part of Apple's first AR/VR headset.
Apple's patent takes 28 pages to describe the entrance and exit transitions, which initially might sound a little cheesy. However, the results could be very eye-catching if Apple applies cinematic-quality effects, given the rumors of the VR headset being quite expensive. While cartoon-like imagery would grow tiresome over time, a realistic poof of smoke that fades quickly would serve as a way of announcing a new participant entering the environment. A Star Trek-like sparkle as a new person 'beams in' along with a sci-fi sound effect would be fun and compelling. Leaving a room by falling through a hole is comical, and the whirlwind effect seems appropriate only for games or social interactions.
Apple explains that there might be default effects as well as customizable aspects that could add to the entertainment value of a shared virtual space. Apple's patent document also mentions hand-held mobile devices, so its vision of a Metaverse might include more than just AR and VR participants. It will take more than impressive effects and options to lure enough users into Apple's Metaverse. It seems like the company is investing quite a bit of time in designing a compelling solution.
Source: USPTO
