Apple's mixed reality headset is at least a year away from launch, but DALL-E mini users have already created AI-generated images of the upcoming device. DALL-E mini has become something of a sensation the last couple of weeks, with users typing in very specific queries to generate AI-made art. Users put in either random or very specific keywords to create their artwork, and while a lot of it can be weird, some of the results are digital masterpieces.
DALL-E mini has become so popular that it's quite common for users to get a "too much traffic" error when trying to use the program. It can take a few tries before the program is able to run, and even then users might need to wait for a few minutes to get a result. The images are usually worth it though.
One of the many ways users have been taking advantage of DALL-E mini's AI skills is by running prompts for unreleased or rumored products. Among these is Apple's mixed reality headset, which has been the subject of multiple leaks this past year. The headset was originally rumored to be unveiled at Apple's WWDC conference, but is now expected to be released in 2023. According to the leaks, the headset will have three displays (one micro-LED high-resolution panel for each eye and a third for peripheral vision), and come with a wraparound design. It's also expected to feature a powerful processor and GPU, and feature up to 15 cameras for AR and detecting the environment. While there haven't been any leaked images of the headset so far, there are plenty of concept renders around, and DALL-E mini has come up with some pretty convincing results too.
Apple's Mixed Reality Headset, According to DALL-E Mini
DALL-E mini displays different images depending on the specific request run by the user, so it's often worthwhile to play around with words to get the best result. For example, typing "apple mixed reality headset" comes up with some very bizarre-looking creations, while "apple virtual reality headset" has more realistic results. Dan Ackerman of CNET used the prompt "a VR headset made by apple" to generate images of the Apple headset, and some of them aren't too bad. Many of the images feature a prominent Apple logo in the front, which is a clever touch by the program. Most of the headsets feature a wraparound design, although some come with an additional headstrap. Some of the headsets are also laughably huge, and one even has a plastic Apple logo as the frame.
Twitter user Nathan Liu got a hilarious result for Apple's mixed reality glasses, which shows what looks like a typical AR headset next to a green apple. Not exactly what he was looking for, but points to DALL-E mini for trying.
AI artist and musician August Kamp got some surprisingly realistic images for the Apple headset that don't look too far off from what the concept renders have revealed so far. The images show a sleek headset, some with a single headband and one that features spectacle-like arms that wrap around the back of the head. The headset is rumored to be lightweight, and these images actually look like a design that Apple would use.
Clearly, DALL-E mini is capable of producing some very realistic images of future tech products. What Apple's mixed reality headset might eventually look like is anybody's guess at the moment, but until there are actual leaked images of the device, these DALL-E mini AI-generated ones are as good as any concept renders out there.
Source: Hugging Face, Dan Ackerman/Twitter, Nathan Liu/Twitter, August Kamp/Twitter