When you wear an Apple Vision Pro, you can still make FaceTime video calls. You do not do this by ‘filming’ yourself, but with the help of your Persona. This is a virtual version of yourself that can copy and simulate facial expressions and hand gestures.
It is a unique way to still participate in video calls or online meetings. This is not only possible with the help of FaceTime, but other (business) applications can also use this digital version of yourself.
What is a Persona?
Persona is the term Apple uses for a digital 3D avatar of yourself. The virtual figure can be displayed life-size in video calls and has the ability to mimic real movements and facial expressions. For this purpose, special cameras in the Vision are used that record your face and hand movements in real time.
Create persona with Vision Pro
A Persona can only be used in combination with a Vision Pro. On the spatial computer you can create the 3D avatar so that you can use it in apps. We explain how that works:
- Go to Settings on the Vision
- Choose ‘Persona’
- Tap ‘Get Started’
- Follow the steps
If you have already created a Persona, you can also edit the details afterwards or create a new one.
Persona creation process
After watching the intro video, you can start creating a digital version of yourself. During the installation process you will be asked to lift the Vision Pro away from your head and turn it so that the front is ‘looking’ at you at eye level. Then follow the spoken instructions.
The instructions ask you to turn your head in different directions and make different facial expressions while holding Apple Vision Pro in front of you. On the display of the Vision Pro you will also see instructions such as directional arrows and rings.
If you can’t perform one of the facial expressions, you can also double-click the Digital Crown to skip that expression.
Customize persona and clothing
Once you’ve captured a Persona, you can edit it by adjusting the lighting, temperature, and brightness, or selecting glasses. For example, choose Studio to brightly illuminate your Persona, or Contour to add dramatic shadows with highlights and lowlights. You should especially adjust the temperature if your skin color does not match well.
You can edit your persona during creation or afterwards via Settings â–¸ Persona. Good to know, your Persona always wears the clothes and accessories you wore during creation. Do you want to change this? Then you need to create a new Persona.
Tips for recording your Persona
- Take your time getting ready. Capturing only starts when you hold the Apple Vision Pro at eye level. If you don’t start the recording within 15 minutes, it will be canceled.
- Find a room with even lighting that shines directly on your face so there are no shadows.
- Avoid bright light sources above or in the background.
- Stand or sit in front of a simple, neutral background without too many details.
- Stay in the same location and position during the recording process.
- Relax your shoulders while holding Apple Vision Pro.
- Natural and real facial expressions produce the best results.
Spatial Persona
A person participating in SharePlay activities on Apple Vision Pro has the option to participate using their Spatial Persona. The system arranges Spatial Personas around the activity content, giving each person a clear view of the content and each other.
Each person sees the facial expressions of other participants, what they are looking at and what they are pointing to. This experience creates the feeling that they are in the same physical space, interacting with shared content and each other.
The default persona is displayed on a transparent tile and is a ‘flat’ digital 2D version of yourself. Spatial Persona is like a digital 3D version of the user and ‘floats’ in space without a transparent background. In addition, the Spatial Persona can also clearly display body language and hand movements. This gives the impression that the person is present in the room.
Eyes for EyeSight
Your Persona is not only displayed during video calls, this digital version is also used for EyeSight. This feature reveals your eyes on the front of your Apple Vision Pro and lets people nearby know when you’re using apps or fully immersed in an experience.
Optimally secured
Your Persona is stored encrypted on the device and requires Optic ID or your passcode to gain access. If you have Optic ID enabled and then disable it, your Persona will be deleted.
Additionally, you cannot capture or edit your 3D avatar while in travel mode and during FaceTime calls. In addition, your Persona will be unavailable while others are using your Apple Vision Pro as a guest user.