Apple recently released its new Vision Pro Headset. This wearable computer is groundbreaking! Initial users are already learning about the unique capabilities and drawbacks of this piece of technology.
Let’s take a look at what Apple says their innovative new offering is capable of, as well as the many news stories that have come out about it.
What is the conversation surrounding the Apple Vision Pro like?
Let’s take a look.
The Apple Vision Pro
This headset blends both AR and VR, allowing users to run various Apple applications and interact with them in new ways.
According to Apple:
Apple Vision Pro is a spatial computer that blends digital content and apps into your physical space, and lets you navigate using your eyes, hands, and voice.
As far as the cost, the least expensive Apple Vision Pro Model costs $3,499. A higher powered version costs almost $4000.
A demo arrived this month in US Apple stores. According to Apple, the new spatial experience the Apple Vision pro offers can enhance game play, work, and connecting with others.
YouTube Says A Vision Pro App Might Be On The Way
It’s interesting to note that many major players denied allowing their iPad apps to run Vision Pro before it launched. This includes YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix.
However, YouTube seems to have had a change of heart. YouTube spokesperson Jessica Gibby told The Verge:
“We’re excited to see Vision Pro launch and we’re supporting it by ensuring YouTube users have a great experience in Safari. We do not have any specific plans to share at this time, but can confirm that a Vision Pro app is on our roadmap.”
Gibby did not give any kind of timeline, so it’s hard to say exactly what will happen or when. YouTube could enact minor updates for their iPad app, or go further.
YouTube has actually had 3D support since 2011. It has also had 360 support since 2016. However, none of it works on the Vision Pro. As such, there is a lot of room for improvement.
So far, a lot of new Vision Pro owners are running into issues with different kinds of VR videos. This is because Safari’s WebXR support just isn’t there when it comes to VR.
Users Are Already Getting Wild With Apple Vision Pro
Apple has been very clear about the best use cases and safety precautions that Apple Vision Pro Users should take.
For example, on their support page, the company says:
Always remain aware of your environment and body posture during use. Apple Vision Pro is designed for use in controlled areas that are safe, on a level surface. Do not use it around stairs, balconies, railings, glass, mirrors, sharp objects, sources of excessive heat, windows, or other hazards. Never use Apple Vision Pro while operating a moving vehicle, bicycle, heavy machinery, or in any other situations requiring attention to safety.
However, few people read the fine print of what they purchase. Also, many people seeking views and attention online are already showing the outlandish ways they are using these new devices.
For example, YouTuber Casey Neistat already showed himself traversing Manhattan on an electric skateboard while wearing the Apple Vision Pro. Another reviewer even showed themselves chopping vegetables with it on.
One person showed themselves using Apple Vision Pro in a public gym, and others in cars and other places. One big issue that comes with using Apple Vision Pro in public is that if there is any connection issues or the device malfunctions, users will be essentially blind.
One Twitter user even had to explain that his post about getting arrested for wearing his Apple Vision Pro headset behind the wheel of his Tesla was a joke.
Think different. #applevisionpro pic.twitter.com/dEALUsntS8
— Dante (@lentinidante) February 2, 2024
Also, there is a whole viral genre of tiktoks dedicated to misusing the Apple Vision Pro.
On TikTok this is especially concerning, as many users are children. This is why all of these people online promoting unsafe uses of the Apple Vision Pro may inspire others to hurt themselves.
Mark Zuckerberg Weighs In
While Apple is offering their Apple Vision Pro headset, Meta is working on one of their own. Mark Zuckerberg personally has a lot to lose if Apple takes over in this arena and users do not chose the Meta Quest 3 headset.
In a video posted to Instagram, he explained his thoughts and compared the Apple Vision Pro to the Meta Quest 3 headset.
He had this to say:
“I don’t just think that Quest is the better value, I think Quest is the better product, period.”
Some of the things he highlights about the Quest 3 are that its a lighter overall product, which makes it more comfortable to wear for a longer period of time.
Zuckerberg also says that as the Quest 3 doesn’t have an attached wired battery pack and has a wider field of view, the user experience is just better.
The fact of the matter is, Meta has a significant leg up in the mixed reality headset game because they have just been working on them a lot longer than their competitors.
However, there are some clear advantages to the Apple headsets. These include hardware and developer ecosystem advantages. However, as the Apple Vision Pro Headsets are still very new, it will take time for these things to develop.
Apple Announces Over 1000 Dedicated Apps For Vision Pro
Greg Joswiak, Senior VP of Marketing at Apple, recently announced that not only does apple have 1000 apps specifically geared toward their new Vision Pro headset, but there are also over 1 million compatible apps.
All of these apps are now available in the dedicated visionOS App Store. However, 600 of them have been available since the headset launched almost two weeks ago.
However, several major platforms, like Netflix and Spotify, said they won’t develop dedicated apps just for the Vision Pro. That means that headset users will have to access them through the Safari browser.
YouTube initially said they would not create a dedicated app, but it seems that they possibly may have backtracked. They have since said that a dedicated Vision Pro app is “on the roadmap.”
This is likely because they could miss out on royalties without one. It remains to be seen if other major companies change their stance, should the headset gain more traction.
Some say that due to the high price of the headset, having only 1000 apps to choose from is not that impressive. However, it is important to keep in mind that the Apple Vision Pro was just released. More apps will likely come with time.
Potential Applications in Science and Medicine
Scientists and researchers are already starting to consider how these headsets could impact medicine as well as the scientific process in general.
Since it’s release on February 2, 2024, it has been called the most advanced VR and AR headset ever made. It has won awards and been praised by OpenAI Ceo Sam Altman.
According to Ken Pfeuffer, who studies human–computer interaction at Aarhus University in Denmark, this technology could potentially help disabled people use computers and access information.
“You don’t need to point anywhere, you can just look at things. Maybe you’re injured and not able to move your hand, now you don’t have to.”
Researchers are also exploring how the technology behind the Apple Vision Pro can be applied to healthcare.
Jan Egger and Jens Kleesiek, medical researchers at Essen University Hospital in Germany are exploring the headset’s advanced eye-tracking technology. They believe that it may be able to pick up conditions such as vertigo or even be able to detect early signs of stroke or dementia.
Final Thoughts on the Apple Vision Pro
As you can see, even though it was released less than two weeks ago, the Apple Vision Pro is already making a big impact.
While the price alone may prevent it from becoming a widespread global everyday staple, or something that most people go to, it is an impressive achievement in tech.
What do you think? Comment below.
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