The Apple Vision Pro is the latest innovation from the tech giant that promises to revolutionize computing by blending digital content with the physical world. It is a wearable device that runs on visionOS, a spatial operating system that allows users to control apps with their eyes, hands, and voice. Vision Pro has a high-resolution display system that delivers stunning visuals and spatial audio that immerses users in their content. Vision Pro can also capture 3D photos and videos, stream movies and shows, and make FaceTime calls more realistic. Vision Pro is designed to be elegant, comfortable, and powerful, and it is expected to be available in 2024.
But the Apple Vision Pro is not the first device to offer such capabilities. In fact, it has a lot in common with the helmet-mounted display system (HMDS) used by the pilots of the F-35 fighter jet, one of the most advanced military aircraft in the world. The HMDS is a helmet that integrates a visor, a camera, and a projector that can display information such as speed, altitude, target location, and weapon status on the pilot’s eyes. The HMDS also allows the pilot to see through the aircraft’s skin by projecting images from six infrared cameras mounted on the fuselage, giving them a 360-degree view of their surroundings.
The primary contractor for the F-35 fighter jet is Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin is a global security, innovation, and aerospace company. Some of its products include military and rotary-wing aircraft, such as the F-35; spacecraft and satellites and cyber solutions.
The HMDS is an example of how technology that starts in the military often ends up commercialized. This phenomenon is not new; in fact, it has been happening for decades. Some of the most common products that we use today have their origins in military research and development. Here are some of them:
– The internet: The internet was originally developed by the US Department of Defense as a network of computers that could communicate with each other in case of a nuclear attack. The network was called ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network) and was launched in 1969. It later evolved into the internet we know today, connecting billions of devices and people around the world.
– GPS: GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite-based navigation system that can provide accurate location and time information to anyone with a GPS receiver. GPS was developed by the US military in the 1970s to improve the accuracy of missile and aircraft navigation. It became available for civilian use in the 1980s and is now widely used for various purposes such as navigation, mapping, tracking, and geocaching.
– Microwave oven: The microwave oven is a device that uses electromagnetic waves to heat food quickly and evenly. The microwave oven was invented by accident in 1945 by Percy Spencer, an engineer working for Raytheon, a company that produced radar equipment for the US military. Spencer noticed that a candy bar in his pocket melted when he was near a radar set and decided to experiment with other foods. He then patented his invention and Raytheon produced the first commercial microwave oven in 1954.
– Duct tape: Duct tape is a strong adhesive tape that can be used for various purposes such as sealing, repairing, binding, and waterproofing. Duct tape was invented by Johnson & Johnson during World War II as a way to seal ammunition cases and repair military equipment. It was originally called duck tape because it was made of cotton duck fabric coated with rubber. It later became known as duct tape because it was also used to seal air ducts.
– Super glue: Super glue is a fast-acting adhesive that can bond almost any material together. Super glue was discovered by accident in 1942 by Harry Coover, a chemist working for Kodak, a company that produced photographic equipment for the US military. Coover was trying to develop a clear plastic for gun sights but found that his substance was too sticky and annoying. He later realized its potential as an adhesive and patented it in 1951.
These are just some of the examples of how technology that starts in the military ends up commercialized for consumers. The Apple Vision Pro is likely to be another one of them, as it offers a new way of experiencing digital information and reality. Whether it will be successful and popular remains to be seen.
The F-35 helmet and the Apple Vision Pro are two of the most advanced headsets in the world, but they have very different purposes and price tags. The F-35 helmet is designed for military pilots flying the stealth fighter jet, while the Apple Vision Pro is a consumer device for spatial computing and entertainment.
According to various sources, the F-35 helmet costs $400,000. The helmet is custom-fitted for each pilot and requires a two-day fitting process. The Apple Vision Pro was announced at WWDC 2023 and will be available early next year for $3,499.
Be honest, If you could, which would you rather have?
