Apple now selling Belkin’s Vision Pro head strap it showed off at WWDC23
Apple is now selling a head strap from Belkin for its Vision Pro headset, designed to be used in combination with the included Solo Knit Band.
The new head strap adds 21 grams of weight to your Apple headset setup. Apple doesn’t bundle this strap with Vision Pro, offering it as a separate $50 purchase via its online store (hlariously, Apple offers financing options on $50).
The accessory attaches magnetically to both sides of the headset, with a secure locking mechanism providing additional stabilization. The strap can be adjusted for a precise fit “for a wide range of head sizes and shapes,” with “additional stabilization points to keep Apple Vision Pro in place, even during vigorous movement.”
Apple showed it off during the Vision Pro preview at the WWDC 2023, featuring it in early demo videos and commercials for the headset. Moreover, it provided the journalists attending early Vision Pro demo sessions with the original version of this accessory to use with the Solo Knit Band for enhanced comfort.
Apple selling Belkin’s head strap for Vision Pro
Belkin’s head strap isn’t required for the Dual Loop Band, which already has a built-in top head strap. Vision Pro ships with both Dual Loop Band and Solo Knit Band in the box, but the Solo isn’t as heavy on the face and distributes weight much better.
It’s unclear if there are any differences between the first generation shown at the WWDC 2023 and this version available to the public. What’s crystal clear though is the fact that journalists who wore it during Apple’s private demos experienced much-improved comfort and better stability while using the headset.
In demos, Apple pairs this head strap with its Solo Knit Band, which isn’t as heavy on the face as the Dual Loop Band. In fact, early adopters and press members complained about the Vision Pro + Dual Loop Band combo feeling heavy on the face, with many feeling great discomfort after just 20-30 minutes of wearing it.
If your Vision Pro with a Solo Knit Band feels unstable and impractical, this might be a last-minute fix. Like with other headgear, it may not work for everyone, but it should be pretty comfortable—especially for longer sessions.
Apple’s favorite manufacturer of accessories
Notably, Belkin is a go-to manufacturer Apple commissions to build niche accessories and demonstrate new technologies. For example, it was the first third-party vendor out of the gate with the world’s first 30-pin connector accessory and filed as Apple’s first partner to release Lightning-enabled accessories.
Moreover, Apple tapped Belkin to build the first MagSafe-certified carving vent mount and a clip for Vision Pro’s external battery pack. As of 2018, Belkin is owned by Apple’s contract manufacturer and iPhone assembler, Foxconn.
Released in February 2024 as the first face computer meant to usher in an era of spatial computing, Vision Pro is currently an early adopter’s product held back by its high price, lack of compelling content and use cases, and general bulkiness.
Vision Pro expands to more countries
However, Apple keeps pushing the headset and has announced that Vision Pro will become available to purchase in South Korea and the United Arab Emirates on November 15. The headset is currently available in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Source link: https://www.idownloadblog.com/2024/11/04/apple-selling-belkin-head-strap-vision-pro/
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