(CARTOON BY LI SHIGONG) 

At an event on June 5, Apple unveiled Apple Vision Pro, a mixed reality headset that promises a blend of digital content with physical reality. With further integrations with Microsoft Office software, it can become a workspace without the need for desks, computers and other physical office facilities. Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, said the device is "years ahead and unlike anything created before." 

With artificial intelligence continuing to make headway, virtual reality is likely to break new ground at a faster pace as artificial intelligence can lower the threshold and improve the efficiency of virtual content creation. Apple's venture into the mixed reality headset business is likely to give it a shot in the arm.

However, nausea, dizziness and a number of other physical discomforts are common with users of virtual reality or mixed reality headsets. Meta, Google and Microsoft have launched similar products before, but none have become popular in the market. Whether Apple's new invention will offer a better user experience remains to be seen.

(Economic Daily, June 9)