Nintendo Switch Lite - is it worth buying the budget model?

July 11, 2019 / From Johannes Domke / Gadgets, News / Post a comment

After some rumors in the last few weeks and months, Nintendo has now confirmed this to be the truth: there will be a budget version of the "Switch" launched in 2019 in 2017. The Nintendo Switch Lite is a smaller handheld console that is primarily intended for mobile use. It supports all games that can be played in handheld mode. A TV or table mode like at the big Nintendo Switch is not scheduled. The smaller device for radio connections is compatible with its big sister, so that all users can play with and against each other on the go.

The new Nintendo Switch Lite comes in yellow, gray and turquoise as well as a Pokémon version. Technical data, price and assessment can be found here. Image source: Nintendo

Chapter in this post:

1 Buy Nintendo Switch Lite (Amazon)
2 Nintendo Switch Lite Specifications
3 Nintendo Switch Lite release date and price
4 Nintendo Switch Lite in the Pokémon version (sword and shield)
5 Presentation of the console in the video
6 Coupling with Joy-Cons for motion control possible
7 What about the Pro Controller?
8 top games that can be played on the handheld
9 How can I tell that a game can be played on the handheld?
10 is it worth buying the Nintendo Switch Lite?
11 Conclusion on the budget and no longer hybrid console
12 Sources: Official information, data and images
13 Similar posts

Sir Apfelot recommendation: Clean up your Mac hard drive with CleanMyMac

Buy Nintendo Switch Lite (Amazon)

24,00 EUR

Nintendo Switch Lite Turquoise Console

Nintendo Switch Lite is the compact lightweight of the Nintendo Switch family with integrated controls
All Nintendo Switch titles that support handheld mode can be played on Nintendo Switch Lite - ...
Since Nintendo Switch Lite is a game console designed specifically for handheld gaming, it supports playback on ...

Nintendo Switch Lite Specifications

The Nintendo Switch Lite is the budget version of the hybrid console launched two years ago by the game giant from Japan. Here I have summarized the most important technical data from the data sheet of the handheld for you. There are some positive and negative differences from the large sister console:

Manufacturer: Nintendo
Model: Switch Lite
Device type: handheld console
Dimensions (H x W x D): 91,1 mm x 208 mm x 13,9 mm
Weight: 275 g
Display: 5,5 inch touch LCD screen
Display resolution: 1.280 x 720 pixels HD resolution
CPU / GPU: Customized NVIDIA Tegra processor
Internal memory: 32 GB (6,2 GB are already used by the operating system)
Memory expansion: microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC (after updating via the Internet)
Sensors: gyroscope, acceleration
Battery: 3.570 mAh, permanently installed
Battery life: varies according to game and further use
Run time example: "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" can be played for about 4 hours
Battery charging time: approx. 3 hours (in standby mode)
Charging connection: USB-C
Headphone connection: 3.5 mm jack
Color: gray, yellow or turquoise
Detachable Joy-Cons: No.
Coupling of external Joy-Cons: Yes
Properties and features abbreviated: detachable controller, IR motion sensor, vibration, TV mode, table mode, support for all games
Market launch Germany / Europe: September 20, 2019
Price: $ 199,99 or EUR 199,99

Big differences with the small handheld: no detachable Joy-Cons, smaller screen, but longer battery life - and a directional pad instead of individual buttons on the left.

Nintendo Switch Lite release date and price

The Nintendo Switch Lite hits the market on September 20, 2019 and will cost $ 199,99; in this country probably 199 euros or with the popular “broken price” 199,99 euros. The device cannot yet be pre-ordered according to the current status. However, it was only announced on July 10, 2019.

Nintendo Switch Lite in the Pokémon version (sword and shield)

In addition to the three colors gray, yellow and turquoise, there will also be a special Pokémon version, according to an official press release from Nintendo. This is based on the games that are still to be released Pokémon sword and Pokémon shield. It is interesting that the blue-pink color scheme is retained here, similar to the Joy-Cons of the large Switch console; just on the analog sticks, buttons and the control pad instead of on the gripping surfaces.

For Pokémon fans who are looking forward to the new generation with sword and shield, there is a dedicated Nintendo Switch Lite.

Presentation of the console in the video

Coupling with Joy-Cons for movement control possible

If you want to play games like "1-2-Switch" or "Arms" on the Lite handheld, you need additional controllers, namely the Joy-Cons. Since the launch of the predecessor, these can be ordered individually or in a double pack as accessories. It is important to know here that the batteries of the Joy-Con controllers cannot be charged directly on the Nintendo Switch Lite, as is the case on the Nintendo Switch. In addition to the controls, a charging station is also required.

15,00 EUR

Nintendo Joy-Con Set of 2 Neon Red / Neon Blue

The versatile joy-con offer multiple surprising ways for players to have fun
Two joy-con can be used independently in each hand or together as one game controller when attached to the joy-con grip...
They can also attach to the main console for use in handheld mode or be shared with friends to enjoy two-player action...

5,29 EUR

HORI Joy-Con USB Charging Station for Nintendo Switch

Loads up to 4 Joy-Cons
LED indicators for the charging status
Connects to the Nintendo Switch Dock

What about the Pro Controller?

Up until now, Nintendo has not mentioned a single syllable that the Pro Controller can be used. So it can be assumed that the Nintendo Switch Lite not is compatible with the Pro Controller. This is important for everyone who wants to put together a complete set or who want to give one away.

Top games that can be played with the handheld

Due to the restricted usage modes, the lack of motion control, the shortened IR camera (below on the right Joy-Con of the Switch) and the remote HD rumble (vibration), one can ask: Which games can you actually play on the Nintendo Switch Lite? Still a lot! Here is a little one not complete, List of top titles:

1-2-Switch (with Joy-Cons)
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Mario Odyssey
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Kirby Star Alliance
Mario Tennis Aces
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Arms
Super Mario Maker 2
Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze
Splatoon 2
Pokémon, Let's Go Pikachu / Eevee
Pokémon sword
Pokémon shield
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
And many more

How can I tell that a game can be played on the handheld?

When buying a new game, if you only have the Lite-Switch available for use, you should pay attention to the so-called "handheld mode". You can see whether this is supported by the respective game on the back of the game cover. There is usually a small table with the lines "Game mode" and "Player". It shows you which mode is playable and how many participants are possible. Here is an example from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe:

How do I know if a game is compatible with the Switch Lite? In the performance of players in "handheld mode". — How do I know if a game is compatible with the Switch Lite? At the performance of players in "handheld mode".

Is it worth buying the Nintendo Switch Lite?

Here you probably have to ask the question: Fur wen is it worth buying? Because the Nintendo Switch Lite has its target group. And this consists of people who do not play on the television or with external controllers, but want to play on a handheld console like on the Game Boy or Nintendo DS. On the go as well as at home.

The target group does not want to be able to use 100% of all games, but is limited to the range of titles that are also designed for their device. It doesn't need functions such as the IR motion camera or HD vibration either, but rather relies on longer battery life with a smaller screen. Do you find yourself in this description? Then the Switch Lite is worth buying for you!

Conclusion on the budget and no longer hybrid console

The Nintendo Switch Lite will be more than 100 euros cheaper than its big sister model. On the other hand, the display is smaller and there will be no way to couple the device with the TV. There are also restrictions elsewhere. But everyone who only wants to play games in mobile and flexible handheld mode will get their money's worth. In terms of price, the purchase only makes sense if there are no accessories such as Joy-Cons and their charging station or other additions that bring the device closer to the previous model. Because then you quickly get to the point that the regular switch is more worthwhile.

Sources: Official information, data and images

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.

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Sir Apfelot newsreel week 23, 2023
This week is mainly devoted to the new systems and devices that Apple presented at WWDC23. But there have also been other interesting reports in the Apple and tech world in the past few days. And that's why there's another Sir Apfelot newsreel today. The news for calendar week 23 of 2023 includes the following topics: Apple is introducing new operating systems, Mac models and the Vision Pro headset, the Edward Snowden leaks are celebrating their 10th anniversary, and in May alone 3.900 US jobs were cut because of AI , Vimeo Discontinues Its TV Apps, IKEA Uses Drones For Inventory, Apple Bought Mira, And More!
Sir Apfelot as a podcast
If you enjoy both the Sir Apfelot Blog and podcasts, then you should check out the Sir Apfelot Podcast. Lynne and Jens address interesting topics and throw their own experiences and opinions into the mix. Here are the different platforms where you can listen to the two:
In the Sir Apfelot newsreel for calendar week 23 of 2023 you will find, among other things, the following reports: Apple systems and products from WWDC23, 10 years of Edward Snowden leaks, AI content should be marked, malware in Chrome extensions, it's over Vimeo's TV Apps, and more!

Our contributions to the highlights of the WWDC23 keynote
On Monday the WWDC23-Keynote as a prelude to this year's World Wide Developers Conference. Of course I watched them live again, took notes and then presented you with a summary. In addition, you will also find some individual contributions to certain systems and devices. Here is the complete list:
Whistleblower anniversary: Edward Snowden Leak from 10 years ago
In June 2013, Edward Snowden made sure that the wiretapping programs operated by the NSA and the FBI became known. The technology magazine heise online has reviewed the process and the discussions that followed summarized. Among other things, it describes the disclosure of the fact that the US intelligence services and authorities not only had extensive access to the data and information of US citizens. It became known that data was being tapped around the world, for example through customer data from technology groups such as Apple, Google, Facebook, Yahoo, Skype, Microsoft and AOL. The linked source shows the development in Germany up to the present day.
Laid off because of AI: 3.900 US jobs wiped out in May alone
Sometimes I'm happy that digitization is progressing rather slowly here in Germany. Because my job is anything but safe from being replaced with artificial intelligence (AI). Blog articles written with ChatGPT and similar tools are still a bit bumpy and sometimes just plain wrong, but that should change in a few years. Like again heise online this week berichtet, but a total of 3.900 jobs were already cut last month in the USA because the corresponding jobs were taken over by an AI. "That's according to the latest report by outside agency Challenger, Gray & Christmas on layoffs in the United States", is it [called. You can find this primary source here .
Code of conduct against disinformation should also apply to AI content
Like the European Commission this week announced here, Commission Vice-President Věra Jourová and Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton sat down with the companies that have signed the code of conduct against disinformation, which will be tightened in 2022. In addition to false information, deep fakes and similar content, these should also moderate AI content in the future or mark it as content created with AI. "The signatories are to present measures for identifying AI in July in the next background reports on the implementation of their obligations"It says, among other things. Among the 44 listed signatory companies are companies like TikTok, Twitch, Vimeo, Adobe, Google, Meta, Microsoft and more ( ). Twitter has terminated the cooperation under Elon Musk ( ).
Vimeo will be retiring its TV apps on June 27, 2023
Web video hosting and streaming service Vimeo is discontinuing its Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Roku apps later this month. About it informed Vimeo on its own help page. Those who wish to continue watching Vimeo content on TV are encouraged to use the official Vimeo app for iOS, iPadOS or Android and then use a transmission technology such as AirPlay or Chromecast for playback on the Smart TV. Something similar is also recommended for using the Vimeo website. The apps for Apple TV, Android TV and Roku have been around since 2016, but they no longer fit into the provider's business model.
"Recommended" Chrome extensions containing malware, 30+ finds
A former developer of the ad blocker Adblock Plus named Vladimir Palant warns in his Blog currently ahead of numerous extensions used by millions of people on Google's Chrome web browser. Some are said to have even been marked as "recommended" in Google's add-on store. The largest extensions, some with 5 million users, are called Crystal Ad Block, Autoskip for YouTube and Brisk VPN. In various updates to his blog posts, Palant points out that Google has already removed some offers. However, those affected must remove the remaining ones themselves.
IKEA uses drones to determine store inventory
Lynne and Jens sent me a message for the newsreel that revolves around IKEA and drones. Because IKEA uses the flying camera devices in different countries to check the inventory and thus automatically update the corresponding databases. Not only does this ensure faster warehouse management on site, but also a more quickly updated availability overview on the IKEA website. A total of 100 drones, which are used in branches in Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands, only fly after the shops close – between 22:30 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. There are details about it here .
Apple has bought AR headset company Mira
It has been clear for years that Apple is interested in Augmented Reality (AR) realized via a headset. Since Monday there has even been an official Apple product for it. However, the development continues, and start-ups from the corresponding areas are also being bought up. Like The Verge in reference to Mira's CEO Ben Traft shows, so this AR headset company was bought out by Apple. At least eleven Mira employees should now work at Apple. In addition to the US military, Nintendo is a customer of the company. Mira headsets come e.g. B. used in the "Mario Kart" ride in the Nintendo World Parks (Japan and USA). It is not known whether Apple will maintain the military and Nintendo connections. Mira website: Have a look here.
5 app recommendations in June 2023
This week is all about Apple's World Wide Developers Conference. That's why I picked out a few – more or less – thematically appropriate apps for the June recommendations. If you have found the necessary motivation to optimize your workflow on the Mac because of WWDC23, then here are a few app examples to help you achieve this goal. But I also have programs with me for those who now want to switch from the Windows PC to the Apple Mac. At the bottom you will find the recommendations of the last two years, so that you can use dozens of other apps; many of them free.
1. Phoenix
The Phoenix App is a window manager for people who can handle JavaScript. Because the software offers the possibility to position app windows on the Mac display according to your own preferences. These positions, the window size and the key combinations required for the change must first be programmed in yourself. Individual settings can be ideally defined here, especially for large or extra-wide monitors. Or also for vertically used displays. If you want to pin windows to certain display positions, but don't want to program anything for this, then take a look at the app, which is also free Rectangle
- Name: Phoenix
- Category: Utilities
- Price: Free
- Information: Documentation
- Download: GitHub
2. Menu World Time
WWDC isn't the only event you want to watch from a different time zone? Do you also sometimes have meetings, chats, deadlines and other appointments that need to be coordinated with people on the other side of the world? Then Menu World Time will help you. As the name suggests, this little helper brings different times to the macOS menu bar. Simply enter the respective cities, place them in the menu of the app for the menu bar and then use the design you prefer for the display. Incidentally, in addition to AM and PM times, symbols for day (sun), night (moon), sunset and the like are also displayed.
- Name: Menu World Time
- Category: Utilities
- Price: Free
- Info and download: Mac App Store
3. Magic Menu
The MagicMenu App from iBoySoft allows you extensive customization of the right-click or secondary-click menu. If you click on the desktop with the right mouse button, you can select new files from a list of installed programs thanks to MagicMenu. This list is customizable, and you can even set specific templates for the menu alongside default blank formats. This will help you create new tables, letters, design layouts and more faster. In addition to new files, you can also set quick access to specific directories and folders. The MagicMenu app combines convenience from Windows with a few extras - in the screenshot you can see other menus that can be helpful.
- Name: MagicMenu
- Category: Utilities
- Price: Free Trial; Subscription for $19,60 a year
- Info and download: Website
4. Gestimer 2
I got you the Gestimer app that lets you set a timer by dragging your mouse down from the appropriate menu bar icon already presented a year ago. However, the program is now available in a new version. This now requires at least macOS 12, but offers a more modern interface and new functions. After setting the correct time, a description can be entered, for example (in order to be able to distinguish between several timers). In addition, the timers can be linked across devices with entries from Apple's Reminders app. To try out Gestimer 2 there is a trial version for the first 50 timers. Then the purchase version is required, which you can find for 7,99 euros in the App Store.
- Name: Gestimer 2
- Category: Productivity
- Price: Free Trial; Full version for €7,99
- Information and demo download: Website
- Download the full version: Mac App Store
5. QuitAll
The QuitAll app helps you to quit several or all active apps. This allows you to quickly and easily free up resources for more complex processes, conserve the MacBook battery and generally speed up the system. You use the QuitAll menu bar icon to set which open apps should be closed. Important documents and projects can therefore be spared the close action. You can also use a timer for unused apps, e.g. B. to close automatically after 30 minutes of inactivity. QuitAll can also be used to use the "Force Quit" option for stuck apps. You can also define your own key combinations for the individual options. You can find the app in the Setapppackage from MacPaw.
- Name: QuitAll
- Category: Utilities
- Price: Setapp subscription for €9,99/month (single license) or €19,99/month (family subscription)
- Info and download: Setapp
Setapp offers over 240 full versions of the app at a low subscription price
The software subscription Setapp brings you more than 9,99 apps as a full version with all updates and without ads on the Mac from $240 per month. Also included is an interesting app package for iPhone and iPad. For families, there's the family plan for just $19,99 a month, which can be shared between four people. Everyone gets their own account and can use the offers for macOS, iOS and iPadOS. On the website of the offer you will already find all titles from the categories Maintenance, Lifestyle, Productivity, Mac Hacks, Developer Tools, Task Management, Writing & Blogging, Education, Creativity and Personal Finance. Here are the individual offers: Setapp Single License / Setapp family subscription.
All previous app recommendations for 2023
All "App Recommendations" posts that I published between June 2021 and December 2022 can be found here: The best Mac apps for 2023 - app recommendations for all areas of application. But even in the year 2023 itself, I will again create an overview each month with five practical Mac apps. And that's why there are already listings of Mac app recommendations from January, February, March, April and May of this year:
Graphics in the VR headset: what is foveated rendering?
For several years, manufacturers of VR headsets have used the term "Foveated Rendering" to emphasize the advanced nature of their devices. Research on this type of image and scene creation with different degrees of sharpness and detail in the user's field of vision has been going on for over 30 years. But only in recent years does the technology seem to have become powerful enough to enable foveated rendering - on the HTC Vive Pro Eye, on the Oculus Quest / Meta Quest, on the Sony PlayStation VR 2 (PSVR2) as well as on the apple vision pro, presented on June 5, 2023 became. But what exactly is foveated rendering?
What is foveated rendering? What are the differences between the static and the dynamic application? And how does it all work in the Apple Vision Pro headset? Here are answers to these questions.

The Term: What is Foveated Rendering?
Foveated rendering describes the image synthesis for VR and AR applications on appropriate headsets, taking into account the direction of view, so that image content in focus is displayed sharper or more detailed and content viewed only peripherally is less sharp / less detailed. Or to put it more simply: If you use a virtual reality headset with foveated rendering, only the viewed parts of the display content are displayed in the highest resolution. What is not viewed directly is not rendered at full resolution and with the most detailed textures.
From "Foveated rendering: A state-of-the-art survey" by Lili Wang, Xuenhuai Shi and Yi Liu. The link to the study is at the bottom of this post.
The advantage is that the highest image quality can be used in the direct line of sight, while the edges of the image require less computing power. However, this poses several challenges for technical research, the manufacturing companies, the developers of the software and games used and, last but not least, the devices in use. Because eye movements are fast, the reaction time of the brain is also rapid and the VR headset is only as good as the technology that is built into it.
Where does the name "Foveated Rendering" come from?
The first part of the term, "Foveated," refers to the fovea centralis in the human eye. This Latin term means something like "central pit" and describes the so-called visual pit on the retina of the eye. This is the area of sharpest vision (foveal vision). The diameter of the fovea centralis measures around 1,5 mm and there are around 147.000 light receptors (cones) per square millimeter, mainly M and L cones for the green and red range of visible light, fewer S cones for blue light .
The fovea centralis is located on the temporal side next to the optic nerve of the eye. Figure by Hans-Werner Hunziker under CC BY-SA 3.0 license at Wikimedia (here ).
The second part of the term, namely "rendering", refers to the computer-assisted generation of images from raw data. In operating systems, software with a graphical interface, video games, apps and the like, data, commands, coordination and other information are used to generate an image output that is then displayed to the user on the output device. In the generation of individual image files, the speed of the rendering process is important. In the case of moving image and multimedia content, these are repeated several times in a short space of time. The fps number specifies how many frames per second are calculated and output. As a complete term, "Foveated Rendering" describes the creation of computer graphics or virtual scenes that are only fully and sharply calculated in the direct viewing direction. Anything outside of the straight line to the fovea centralis will be rendered less sharp and/or with less elaborate textures. The rendering process can thus be accelerated and uses fewer resources, while the users do not have to accept any (noticeable) reduction in image quality. So e.g. For example, VR games can be displayed in 4K resolution in the field of view, while a lower resolution is used at the edges of the display. So an interplay of foveal and peripheral vision.
The Technique: How Does Foveated Rendering Work?
There are different approaches to the realization of this technique, depending on the type of foveated rendering to be offered. The most convenient and natural for users is Dynamic Foveated Rendering, in which the direction of gaze is determined by eye tracking and the sharp image area is repositioned accordingly. However, this is the most technically complex implementation. Fixed or Static Foveated Rendering assumes that the user is only looking straight ahead or at another fixed point, which is why only the same point is rendered completely sharp and the sharpness or level of detail decreases towards the edges of the image.
Without Eye Tracking: Static / Fixed Foveated Rendering
The advantage of fixed foveated rendering is that the virtual reality headset does not have to include a new eye position and thus a new viewing direction as the data basis each time it calculates individual images. This means that there is less computing effort for the input evaluation and the processors are less heavily used for this. In this way, less demanding technology can be used (seen in comparison) and/or power consumption can be reduced. Furthermore, manufacturers can save on the technology for eye tracking and the device becomes cheaper. The disadvantage, of course, is that the virtual reality headset either only displays the center of the image or image content rated as interesting in the highest resolution. So, in a video game, it could be that only the game character and its immediate surroundings are fully rendered, while areas further away from them appear blurry. Here the developers have to rely on game tests and the associated measurements of the direction of view, it is not possible to react ad hoc to where the players are really looking.
With Eye Tracking: Dynamic Foveated Rendering
The advantage of Dynamic Foveated Rendering / Dynamically Foveated Rendering is that the direction of view of the user is included in the image calculation in the VR headset. If you look to the left in the virtual scene, the left sides of the display are sharp, the center is less sharp and the right display areas have the least resolution. If you look to the right, the right sides of the display will have a higher resolution, and so on. This technique allows for more natural usage and doesn't require developers to anticipate the gaze interest in the application. The disadvantage is that the VR glasses have to take into account the user's line of sight for every image calculation. This has to be done extremely quickly because you can focus on a wide variety of objects in a wide variety of directions in a short amount of time. The eye movements, the rapid registration of image content and the unpredictable change of mind when selecting important scene content pose a challenge here. The registration of eye movement (eye tracking), the calculation of the field of view and the corresponding image synthesis must take place in a small fraction of a second . This requires the latest technology and optimized processes.
Video: Foveated Rendering Demo in just 45 seconds
In this Video shows how foveated rendering can work in combination with deep learning. For this, the viewed object was given a higher pixel density and 95% of the pixels were removed from the rest of the image. In this way, the eventual dissolution of the retina of the eye was simulated. The now missing pixels were then replaced by an AI, which leads to more and more abstract forms with increasing distance to the viewed object, but makes no difference overall, since the distant content is only seen peripherally and is therefore not perceived in detail by the brain. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPK8eQ4o8Pk
The challenge: reaction to eye movements under 13 milliseconds
from one Investigation by Mary C. Potter, Brad Wyble, Carl Erick Hagmann and Emily S. McCourt, whose results were published in 2013, show that people can capture new image content - or at least the main content of the images - within 13 ms. In detail, the study "Detecting meaning in RSVP at 13 ms per picture" published in Attention, Perception, & Psychophysics, Volume 76, Issue 2 in February 2014 states:
The results of both experiments show that conceptual understanding can be achieved when a novel picture is presented as briefly as 13 ms and masked by other pictures. Even when participants were not given the target name until after they had viewed the entire sequence of six or 12 pictures, their performance was above chance even at 13 ms [...]
The challenge for modern virtual reality headsets with dynamic foveated rendering is to calculate detailed and blurred image areas in a cycle of 0,013 seconds. No wonder, then, that the development of the Apple Vision Pro headset took so long and that besides the M2 chip the new R1 chip was installed, which is made exclusively for the interpretation of sensor data. In the press release the Apple Vision Pro says accordingly:
[...] while the all-new R1 chip processes input from twelve cameras, five sensors and six microphones, ensuring content feels as if it's happening in real-time in front of the user's eyes. R1 transmits new images to the displays within 12 milliseconds [...]

The Apple Vision Pro headset has LEDs and infrared cameras on the inside that measure eye movements. The R1 chip evaluates the data determined in this way so that the image can be generated on the M2 chip as quickly as possible.

How the technology is integrated into the Apple Vision Pro headset
According to Apple, Dynamically Foveated Rendering is part of the visionOS operating system. Developers can use it to customize their content using Apple's Xcode and Reality Composer Pro tools. Unity can also be used natively under visionOS for certain apps and games. The Unity game engine supplements the visionOS SDK (SDK = Software Development Kit), the RealityKit, the UIKit and the aforementioned Apple offers for programming, AR design, VR applications and the like. On the developer page for the topic (here ) it says accordingly:
Now, you can use Unity's robust, familiar authoring tools to create new apps and games or reimagine your existing Unity-created projects for visionOS. Your apps get access to all the benefits of visionOS, like passthrough and Dynamically Foveated Rendering, in addition to familiar Unity features like AR Foundation. By combining Unity's authoring and simulation capabilities with RealityKit-managed app rendering, content created with Unity looks and feels at home on visionOS.

In addition to the PlayStation VR 2 headset (PSVR 2), the Meta Quest and similar devices, there is now also the Apple Vision Pro as a VR and AR headset. The manufacturer points out on its developer page that Dynamically Foveated Rendering is used for the visionOS system and the programs running on it.

Summary: Foveated Rendering in Virtual Reality Headsets
With regard to image content of virtual reality (VR) and in some cases also augmented reality (AR), foveated rendering describes a concentration of computing processes on the user's field of vision, in which foveal vision plays a role. Resources can be saved in areas of peripheral vision, i.e. for content that is literally only perceived marginally, since the resolution is not as high and the textures are not as large. In dynamic foveated rendering in particular, the challenge consists in reacting to eye movements in the shortest possible time (less than or in 13 milliseconds) and outputting appropriately adapted image content.
Sources for your own research
Below is a list of sources I used in researching this post. These supplement the content already linked in the article, which can also be viewed as sources:
- English Wikipedia article on the subject: View here
- German Wikipedia article on the fovea centralis: View here
- State-of-the-art study on foveated rendering from 2022, by Lili Wang, Xuehuai Shi & Yi Liu (to be published in early 2023): View here
Is my Apple Watch compatible with watchOS 10?
In addition to various other operating systems and some devices, Apple presented the new watchOS 10 for the Apple Watch on Monday. The innovations that are to come to compatible Apple smartwatches from autumn 2023 include widgets, color adjustments in the world clock overview, new display options in the fitness app, new functions for maps and hiking navigation, etc. One wonders but: Is my Apple Watch compatible with watchOS 10? Here you will find the answer to this question as well as further information from the WWDC23 keynote.
Is my Apple Watch compatible with watchOS 10? Here's the answer to that question, the full list of the regular Apple Watch, the SE models, and the previous Ultra model. Also information about compatible iPhones with iOS 17.

These Apple Watch models are compatible with watchOS 10
Looking at the watchOS 10 compatibility list, there are fewer surprises than with macOS, iOS and iPadOS. Basically, compared to the models, compatible with watchOS 9, no changes. Accordingly, these Apple Watch models are compatible with watchOS 10:
- Apple Watch Series 4 (2018)
- Apple Watch Series 5 (2019)
- Apple Watch Series 6 (2020)
- Apple WatchSE (2020)
- Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)
- Apple Watch Series 8 (2022)
- Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen (2022)
- Apple Watch Ultra (2022)
Apple points out that not all functions of the new system can be used with all smartwatches mentioned. Older watches and the slimmed-down SE version cannot be used with functions that require newer hardware. Some watchOS uses are also limited to the Apple Watch Ultra. It is also important to know that an Apple Watch with macOS 10 requires an iPhone with iOS 17 – compatible with iOS 17 are iPhones from 2018 (XR, XS, SE 2nd Gen, and newer).
When to install the watchOS 10 upgrade?
The official version of watchOS 10 intended for all users will be released in autumn 2023. It may be that Apple will roll it out after the September event. However, it is also possible that the upgrade will not be available until October or November. That depends on when the new Apple Watch models will be presented and when you can buy them. Because the new system will certainly be brought onto the market again in parallel with the new devices. If you can't wait, you can use a public beta.
Learn more about watchOS 10, iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS 14 and more
Now the question should Is my Apple Watch compatible with watchOS 10? be sufficiently answered. If you also want to know what's in the new system, what innovations are coming to the iPhone, the Mac and the iPad or what's up with the apple vision pro then take a look here: WWDC23 Keynote Summary - Operating Systems, Macs and MR Headset. If you are interested in the new Apple computers, then have a look here: 15″ MacBook Air, Mac Studio 2023 and Mac Pro 2023.
Official information about watchOS 10 from Apple
The source for the list of Apple Watch models compatible with watchOS 10 is by the way this preview page. This is provided by Apple to provide a preview of watchOS 10. On the page you will find numerous screenshots, descriptions of new features, videos and animations, the list shown above, information about compatible devices such as the iPhone, apps from watchOS and links to other preview pages and the beta program. So if you want to take a look at watchOS before the official release, you can install the public beta. I'm waiting for the fall and the official upgrade.
Is my Mac compatible with macOS 14 Sonoma?
Within the WWDC23 keynote Apple introduced various new operating systems on Monday, including macOS 14 Sonoma. Named after California's Sonoma Valley, the computer operating system will be rolled out in the fall of 2023, raising the question: Is my Mac compatible with macOS 14 Sonoma? - Get the answer and a list of iMac, iMac Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, Mac Studio and Mac Pro models compatible with macOS 14 here. You can also find more information about Monday's Apple releases below.
Is my Mac compatible with macOS 14 Sonoma? Here you will find an answer to this question as well as the list of iMac, iMac Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, Mac Studio and Mac Pro models that can be used with Sonoma.

These Mac models are compatible with macOS Sonoma
Here is the list of Mac models compatible with macOS 14. Compared with the Apple computers, compatible with macOS 13 Ventura, there are a few small changes. While the 2022 system can be used on the Apple iMac from 2017, the upcoming system requires at least a 2019 iMac. The MacBook Pro is also missing a year. Here is the whole macOS 14 compatibility list:
- Apple iMac from 2019 or newer
- Apple iMac Pro from 2017 or newer
- Apple MacBook Air from 2018 or newer
- Apple MacBook Pro from 2018 or newer
- Apple Mac mini from 2018 or newer
- Apple Mac Studio from 2022 or newer
- Apple Mac Pro from 2019 or newer
The new Apple computers unveiled on Monday are coming along next week macOS 13 Adventure on the market. But of course they will also get the upgrade to macOS 2023 Sonoma in autumn 14. The three new Macs presented at the WWDC23 keynote are those 15 inch MacBook Airthe Mac Studio with M2 Max or M2 Ultra and the Mac Pro with M2 Ultra. The latter completes the transition from Intel processors to Apple Silicon. Accordingly, the upcoming operating systems will be even more tuned to this ARM system.
When will the upgrade to macOS 14 appear?
According to Apple, the new version of macOS will be officially rolled out in autumn 2023. In advance there is of course Beta versions for developers and other interested parties. But the finished macOS Sonoma for the general public will only be available after one of the autumn keynotes, possibly as early as September. However, it is also possible that the upgrade to macOS 14 can only be loaded in October or November. In any case, you have to be patient for at least another quarter of a year. Here at Sir Apfelot we will of course keep you informed of developments.
Learn more about macOS 14, iPadOS 17, iOS 17, watchOS 10 and more
If you want to know what's in detail in the new system and what innovations are coming to the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch or what's up with the apple vision pro then take a look here: WWDC23 Keynote Summary - Operating Systems, Macs and MR Headset. In this round-up of Apple's events on Monday, you'll find details of the new features and improvements in macOS 14, iPadOS 17, iOS 17 and watchOS 10, as well as the key specs of the new devices. There are also a few updates for the AirPods, the HomePod (mini) and tvOS on the Apple TV. So if you want all the news from Monday evening's event, click here.
Official information about macOS 14 Sonoma from Apple
The source for the list of Mac models compatible with macOS 14 Sonoma is by the way this preview page. This landing page is provided by Apple.com to provide a preview of the new system. You get screenshots, details about new functions, videos and animations, the compatibility list shown above, information about compatible devices such as iPhone and game controllers, apps from macOS and links to other preview pages and the beta program. So if you want to take a look at macOS Sonoma before the official release, you can use the public beta. I'm waiting for the fall and the official upgrade.

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