Tech fans are facing some disappointing news this week as Apple cuts back on its futuristic headset and a cool new transforming drone gets blocked from sale in the US.
First, Apple is laying off about 200 workers. Around 100 of these jobs are from the Vision Pro headset team, specifically people working on games and immersive videos. These are high-quality videos that make you feel like you are standing right inside the scene. Another 100 jobs are being cut from the Siri team. Apple is moving away from the old version of its voice assistant. Instead, the company wants to focus on smart glasses and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) that can chat like a human. The Vision Pro headset costs a massive $3,699, which made it far too expensive for most normal buyers. Apple still plans to make a new headset by 2028, but they are pivoting for now.
Meanwhile, a highly anticipated new gadget has run into major trouble with US regulators. The HoverAir Versa is a small pocket camera with clip-on wings that turn it into a flying drone. Just 3 days after launching on a fundraising website, the company stopped taking US orders. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which is the government agency that approves wireless devices in the US, appears to have blocked it. The US government has strict safety rules against importing Chinese drones. HoverAir tried to argue that the device was just a camera with accessories, but the agency did not agree.
This matters to you because it shows how hard it is for companies to bring futuristic gear to your living room. Cool gadgets often end up being far too expensive, or they get blocked by strict government laws. If you wanted to play new headset games or buy a transforming pocket camera, you will have to wait. We will just have to see what tech makers come up with next.
