Apple's highly anticipated Vision Pro headset, priced at $3,500, is launching in the U.S. this Friday. I had the chance to test it out for a week, and while there are some flaws, this device offers an exciting look into the future of tech.The Vision Pro is Apple's first major new product since the Apple Watch debuted in 2015.
Despite analysts predicting limited initial sales—around 400,000 units—it sets the stage for a new era of "spatial computing." This technology lets users engage with both the physical and digital worlds by placing apps in their surroundings, offering a variety of experiences, from working to gaming to watching movies.
The device is powered by a sharp display and an M2 chip, the same processor found in Macs, allowing for smooth functionality. It supports over a million iPhone and iPad apps and can be connected to a Mac for a 4K display experience. Apple has also developed a dedicated App Store for Vision Pro-specific apps.
What’s Good:
Initially, I was skeptical—after all, many companies have tried and failed with virtual or augmented reality. However, the Vision Pro impressed me with its incredibly sharp and colorful screens, superior passthrough technology (allowing you to see the real world around you in high clarity), and ease of navigation.
Apple has removed the "screendoor" effect, a common issue in lower-cost headsets like the Meta Quest 3, making text and visuals crisp and easy to read. I could watch 3D movies on screens larger and sharper than any TV I own. The headset’s digital crown allows users to switch from an immersive 3D experience to their real-world environment, providing seamless transitions between virtual and physical spaces.
One of my favorite features was the virtual environments, like working by a lake or watching movies in Hawaii. It reminded me of the transformative moment when Apple introduced the iPhone’s multitouch display—no controllers, just intuitive gestures tracked by the headset's sensors. This allows for precise control, whether you're browsing the web, working, or watching videos.
App Customization and MultitaskingThe Vision Pro shines in multitasking. I could customize my environment by opening various apps, like a browser, music, and TV, all floating around me. Apple’s clever foveated rendering sharpens only the part of the screen you're focusing on, ensuring efficient performance.Watching movies, especially with the NBA app that lets you stream multiple games at once, felt incredible.
I also enjoyed Apple's specially recorded content, which makes you feel like you're standing next to a dinosaur or a tightrope walker.Disney+ offers a fun 3D experience in different landscapes, but I personally preferred watching movies in 2D, which felt more natural.
Communication & Personas:
FaceTime works well, but with a twist. Instead of the real you, the person you're calling sees a 3D-rendered "Persona" of yourself. While this feature is still in beta, it's a novel way to interact virtually without the cartoony avatars used by other headsets.
The Vision Pro also integrates spatial audio, delivering a realistic sound experience that moves with you. The speakers offer high-quality sound, though you might want to use AirPods for more privacy.I was also impressed with the headset's ability to capture "spatial photos" and videos, allowing you to relive moments in 3D, which felt surprisingly moving.
What’s Not So Great:
Though Apple's core apps work seamlessly, some third-party apps aren't available yet. Netflix and Spotify don’t support Vision Pro, and major apps like Google’s YouTube TV and Facebook’s Instagram are also missing.Typing with the floating keyboard is slow and takes some getting used to. For extensive work, you’ll want a physical keyboard or rely on Siri’s voice-to-text feature.
The battery pack could also be better integrated. While it worked fine during my testing, embedding the battery into the headset itself would be more convenient, though it might add extra weight.
Conclusion:
Despite the few drawbacks, the Vision Pro delivers an immersive and futuristic experience. It offers a glimpse into how we’ll interact with technology in the future, whether for entertainment or work.
While the $3,500 price tag may limit its appeal initially, future, more affordable versions could make this technology mainstream. For now, though, it's an impressive leap forward, solidifying Apple's reputation for innovation.
#ToddHaselton #CNBC #30thjan20240914
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