Apple to Equip AirPods with Camera: What's the Purpose?
Apple is said to be preparing the latest generation of AirPods equipped with a camera integrated into each earbud.
This news comes from the latest report by Bloomberg journalist, Mark Gurman, who said that the device is now in the final stages of development and has the potential to launch before the end of this year.
Even though it is equipped with a camera, this latest version of AirPods is not designed to take photos or record videos like a regular camera.
According to Gurman’s report, the new Siri version, which is now expected to be part of the OS 27 update, will be a key component of these camera-equipped AirPods.
Therefore, Apple is said to be designing the device to support hands-free Visual Intelligence experiences, without the need for an iPhone.
The camera is reportedly placed on the stem of each earbud, with a design that is slightly longer than the current AirPods Pro 3.
The camera will later function to provide low-resolution visual information to Siri, where users simply point the AirPods at an object, then ask Siri directly.
According to Gurman, these AirPods are now in the final stages of development, where the prototype already has a “design and capabilities that are almost final”.
This stage is usually a moment for Apple to make some final adjustments and refine the software system before entering mass production.
After that, Apple can immediately enter the Product Validation Testing (PVT) stage, which is a limited production process for internal testing before the product is announced and sold to the public.
Even though it is in the final stages of development, this latest generation of AirPods has not been officially announced, so there is still a possibility of changes, delays, or even cancellation of the release.
It is also not yet known how much this device will cost or the official name that Apple will use. However, reports say that this device could be named “AirPods Ultra”.
Gurman said that these camera-equipped AirPods have been in development for about four years and are part of Apple’s larger strategy to develop AI-based products.
In addition to camera-equipped AirPods, Apple is also said to be preparing a number of other AI devices such as smart glasses and wearable devices in the form of pins or pendants, as compiled by KompasTekno from MacWorld.
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