Apple unveiled its much-anticipated Vision Pro, an augmented reality headset that has been generating considerable buzz in recent months. The release prompted a firsthand experience by a curious onlooker, providing an exclusive review of the encounter.
The Vision Pro bears a resemblance to the Meta Quest but carries the distinct Apple touch – a high-end packaging with a fabric mask protecting the goggles and comfortable fabric straps. A fabric mask conceals the glass-like goggles until unveiled for use.
To initiate the experience, users are required to undergo a brief eye readiness quiz. Presently incompatible with eyeglasses, the device offers prescription lenses for an additional cost. Following the quiz, an Apple expert guides you through a face and eye scanning process using an iPhone, adapting the goggles to individual facial features and eye specifications.
Once properly adjusted, the Vision Pro, though slightly hefty, proves comfortable. Calibration involves focusing on various dots on the screen and manipulating them with finger pinches, as the device notably lacks hand controllers, relying solely on eye and finger movements for navigation.
The device’s capabilities were presented during a demonstration, featuring a familiar “home page” akin to Mac and iPhone setups but on a larger scale. Users can navigate through folders and photos effortlessly using intuitive finger movements, with standout features including 3D photos and videos for an immersive experience, like being present at a child’s birthday party.
Stunning panoramic photos and 3D videos add to the realism, creating an almost tangible experience. The device extended its applications to movies, enabling users to transform the screen into an IMAX-sized display, providing an immersive cinematic experience.
Incorporating functions like web browsing and office tasks, the Vision Pro showcases its versatility. An external battery, although stationary during the demonstration, could be attached to the user’s body if mobility is necessary.
Despite its remarkable capabilities, the device’s hefty price tag of $3499 on opening day raises questions about its accessibility to a broader audience. Early adopters are likely to embrace this cutting-edge technology, evident in the enthusiasm observed during the demonstration.
While Apple may have joined the augmented reality scene later than some competitors, the Vision Pro emerges as a potential game-changer, particularly in the realm of entertainment and capturing family memories. However, its bulkiness and weight might limit its practicality for prolonged office use.
Noteworthy is Zoom’s quick response, introducing an app tailored for the Vision Pro that promises to revolutionize the office Zoom environment. The potential impact on workstations, combined with Apple’s instructional videos on YouTube, adds an intriguing dimension to the device’s future in both entertainment and professional settings.