Hello Apple Vision Pro
I've approached the new Apple Vision Pro with some caution compared to most of my XR community friends. Now, don't misunderstand—I was genuinely thrilled when Apple finally unveiled their device. However, having already invested in an Oculus, an HTC Vive, a Magic Leap, followed by two Quests, and dedicating substantial time to demoing devices like the Microsoft Hololens (among others that escape my memory), my expectations were somewhat subdued. With each new gadget, I began with boundless enthusiasm only to find them relegated to gathering dust in my closet after a few months. Part of this shift may be attributed to my role as a parent in recent years, where my focus naturally gravitates towards the tangible realities rather than virtual exploration. Yet, deep down, I recognize it's more than that—it's the discomfort of prolonged wear; after just 30 minutes, I'm usually itching to remove these devices due to the discomfort and sweat they induce.
Ironically, my initial encounter with the Vision Pro at a Superbowl gathering with friends left much to be desired. My friend, who had eagerly purchased the device, couldn't even get it to function in guest mode. "$3,500 for this?" I couldn't help but lament.
However, my impressions took a positive turn when I finally had the opportunity to try out a demo at the Apple store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, yesterday. I was genuinely impressed by the experience. The visual fidelity far surpassed anything I'd encountered before, particularly the immersive spatial recordings of family gatherings, which imbued a sense of intimacy unmatched by mere photos or videos. I also enjoyed the cinematic ambiance while watching movies like "Mario Brothers" and "Avatar"; it felt as though I had my own private theater. Yet, like many, I found myself pondering—do I truly want to be watching these movies alone? While the future vision promises shared virtual experiences with friends in communal spaces, we remain distanced from that reality.
The Apple demo experience emphasized the integration of various apps typically used on smartphones, spanning from word processing to social networking, photo editing, and gaming. Essentially, the concept positions the Vision Pro as a replacement for traditional computer interfaces. However, as I began to feel the weight of the device pressing on my head, I couldn't shake the feeling that we're not quite there yet. For the Vision Pro to truly succeed for me, it needs to emulate the weightlessness of glasses. Until then, while I remain intrigued by the ongoing evolution of this field, my enthusiasm has been somewhat tempered. What we truly need are devices that facilitate greater interconnectedness rather than adding more fragmented screens into our lives.
