Apple Vision Pro: A deep overhaul of a revolutionary product
The Apple Vision Pro has generated immense excitement and curiosity. These mixed reality glasses promise to redefine how we interact with digital content, blending virtual and augmented reality in ways previously unseen. However, like any groundbreaking technology, they come with their own set of challenges and imperfections. In this article, we dive deep into the features, potential, and limitations of the Apple Vision Pro, based on our extensive hands-on experience.
The Vision Pro Experience: Mesmerizing Yet Imperfect
Using the Vision Pro is a fascinating experience that can be highly addictive. The visual immersion they offer is unparalleled, creating a sense of being enveloped in a digital world. However, this advanced technology has some rough edges that need addressing.
High Cost and Intended Use
One of the most significant drawbacks of the Vision Pro is its price. Starting at $3,499 (plus taxes) and available only in the United States, it's a substantial investment. It's important to note that these glasses are not designed to replace a computer; instead, they are positioned more as an advanced tablet.
Technical Specifications
Vision Pro
- Weight: 600-650 grams (depending on the band and adjustment pad); additional 353 grams for the battery
- Displays: 2 panels x 11.5 million pixels, micro-OLED; Resolution per panel: 3,660 x 3,200 pixels; 3D display system, 7.5-micron pixels; 92% DCI-P3; Refresh rates: 90, 96, and 100 Hz
- Chip: M2 chip with 8 cores (4 performance, 4 efficiency); 10-core GPU; 16-core Neural Engine; R1 chip with 256 GB/s bandwidth; 12 ms photonic latency
- Cameras: 3D stereoscopic camera system; Spatial photo and video; 18 mm, f/2.0 aperture; 6.5-megapixel stereo
- Sensors: 4 eye-tracking cameras; 2 high-resolution tracking cameras; 6 front-tracking cameras; TrueDepth camera; LiDAR scanner; Ambient light sensor; Blink sensor; Four inertial measurement units (IMU)
- Biometrics: Optic ID
- Audio: Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking; Audio ray tracing; Six-microphone array with directional beamforming; Ultra-low latency H2 to H2 connection with 2nd-gen AirPods Pro (with USB-C case)
- Battery: Up to two hours of general use; Up to two and a half hours of video playback; No hot-swapping; Can be used while connected to power (30W USB-C adapter)
- Storage: 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3
- Operating System: visionOS
- Price: Starting at $3,499 (plus taxes, only available in the United States)
Redefining Market Standards
Apple has a history of entering existing markets with a unique twist that often sets new standards. The Vision Pro follows this tradition, introducing a mixed reality experience that is both familiar and entirely new. While virtual reality headsets and augmented reality have been around, the Vision Pro stands apart with its innovative approach.
Design: Familiar Yet Novel
The Vision Pro's design is a blend of familiar Apple aesthetics and new innovations. The device features two buttons: a digital crown and an oblong button, similar to those found on the Apple Watch. The use of mesh for the front protection and certain components feels novel for Apple, known for materials like silicone and leather.
Comfort and Fit
Weighing over 600 grams with the weight concentrated at the front, the Vision Pro is not easy to forget you're wearing. The distribution of weight and the necessary headbands can make extended use uncomfortable. However, the personalized fitting process, including options for magnetic Zeiss lenses for glasses wearers, aims to improve comfort.
New Gestures and Interactions
Setting up the Vision Pro is straightforward, and the gesture-based controls are intuitive. The primary interaction method is a pinch gesture combined with eye tracking, which feels natural and quickly becomes second nature. This could potentially become the new standard for mixed reality interactions, much like multi-touch did for smartphones.
Immersive and High-Quality Displays
The Vision Pro's displays are crucial to its experience, offering an incredibly high pixel density that creates stunning visual immersion. Despite this, there are occasional visual artifacts and a noticeable drop in quality in low-light conditions. The field of view, approximately 100 degrees, is slightly narrower compared to competitors, creating a binocular-like effect.
Augmented Reality vs. Virtual Reality
Apple emphasizes the Vision Pro's augmented reality capabilities, but the device currently excels more in virtual reality applications. Most available apps and games are designed for virtual environments, highlighting the device's strengths in immersive experiences over real-world augmentation.
A Revolutionary Step Forward with Room for Improvement
The Apple Vision Pro represents a significant leap in mixed reality technology, offering a unique and immersive experience. However, its high price, comfort issues, and some technical limitations indicate there's still room for refinement. As developers continue to explore its potential, the Vision Pro could become a staple in the realm of mixed reality, much like the iPhone did for smartphones.
Working with the Apple Vision Pro: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction
The Apple Vision Pro represents a significant leap in augmented reality technology, combining immersive experiences with high-end computing. With a hefty price tag of around €4,000, the Vision Pro is positioned as a high-end gadget that promises to redefine both leisure and professional use. Here, we dive into its capabilities and limitations, particularly focusing on its potential for professional work and multimedia consumption.
Working with the Vision Pro
Professional Usage: What to Expect
When considering a device like the Vision Pro, the question arises: Can it be effectively used for professional tasks? The answer isn’t straightforward and depends largely on individual needs and expectations. Apple’s Vision Pro offers two primary ways to work:
- Native Apps on visionOS
- Extending a Mac’s Display
1. Native Apps on visionOS
Using visionOS apps provides a more integrated experience, but it's limited by the current availability of apps. The Vision Pro’s App Store features over a thousand apps, including Microsoft 365 from day one. However, many of these apps are designed to showcase the device’s unique capabilities rather than provide comprehensive professional tools. This early ecosystem is akin to a gold rush, with many apps priced individually—a model increasingly rare in iOS.
Limitations and Considerations
While some native visionOS apps are adapted versions of iPad apps with minimal adjustments, the range of professional applications is still narrow. Users might have to rely on web apps accessed through Safari, which offers a temporary solution but is not ideal for intensive work.
A key consideration is the necessity for external peripherals such as a keyboard and trackpad. Although virtual keyboards are available, they are not suited for extensive typing, and relying solely on gestures and eye movements for prolonged periods can be impractical.
2. Extending a Mac’s Display
Connecting the Vision Pro to a Mac is relatively straightforward, especially with a MacBook—pairing is as simple as looking at the device. For desktop Macs, the connection is managed through the Control Center. This feature transforms the Mac’s screen into a floating, customizable display in your field of view.
Performance and Usability
The extended screen functions similarly to a 4K external monitor, but with a fixed resolution equivalent to 2560 x 1440 Retina. Users can only work within this single floating rectangle without the option to create multiple virtual desktops natively. Third-party applications can offer additional desktops, but the default setup is limited.
Integration with visionOS Apps
While users can surround their Mac display with visionOS applications such as Apple Music and Mail, there are limitations. The experience is generally smooth, with minor annoyances like occasional difficulty in locating the cursor or the appearance of an unnecessary virtual keyboard. Overall, the Vision Pro may not offer the transformative leap in productivity that one might expect.
Vision Pro as an Entertainment Hub
A Multimedia Powerhouse
The Vision Pro excels in immersive multimedia experiences. Users are treated to a consistently impressive "wow" factor, especially when engaging with immersive content. The device enhances traditional viewing experiences, turning media consumption into a highly engaging event.
Immersive Content on Apple TV+
Apple TV+ features content specifically designed for the Vision Pro, such as 3D recordings in 180º and 8K resolution with spatial audio. These experiences range from live performances to virtual nature explorations, providing a breathtaking view of content that surpasses typical screen experiences.
3D and Cinematic Viewing
While the device allows for viewing in simulated cinema environments, including options for selecting seating positions, it’s still early days for 3D content. The immersive videos are stunning, but 3D movies might not yet justify the investment on their own.
Future of Immersive Content
Transitioning everyday content like sports events into immersive formats will take time. The Vision Pro’s current focus on specific partnerships, such as with the MLS, offers a glimpse into the potential of immersive sports viewing but widespread adoption may be slow.
A Capsule of Time: Spatial Videos
Capturing Memories with Depth
One of the standout features of the Vision Pro is its ability to play spatial videos recorded with the iPhone 15 Pro or the device itself. These videos capture moments with a sense of depth and immersion, offering a more vivid recollection of experiences than traditional videos.
Long-Term Value
These spatial videos can transform how we relive memories, making them feel almost tangible. As technology evolves, the ability to record and view these memories in immersive formats could become an invaluable tool for preserving and reliving personal moments.
The Solitary Nature of the Vision Pro
Individual Use Case
The Vision Pro is inherently designed for individual use. Unlike shared devices such as TVs or tablets, the Vision Pro’s immersive nature makes it difficult to share experiences with others. This aspect might be a significant drawback for users who live with family or roommates, as it isolates the user from their immediate surroundings.
Practical Considerations
For solo travelers or individuals with a high degree of independence, this isolation might be less of an issue. However, for those sharing a household, the Vision Pro’s solitary use might be a significant consideration.
Additional Details
Audio Experience
The Vision Pro’s audio system, featuring small speakers built into the headband, delivers impressive sound quality. The spatial audio capability is a notable highlight, providing an immersive audio experience that complements the visual elements of the device. However, due to its design, it is not as private as headphones, potentially disturbing those nearby.
Battery Life
The Vision Pro’s battery, which attaches externally, provides between two and three and a half hours of usage. While this is sufficient for many tasks, it limits extended use and requires careful management to avoid inconvenience. The battery is not hot-swappable and additional units come at a significant cost.
Personas and Avatars
The Vision Pro features the ability to create "Personas," which are avatars that replicate the user's face for virtual interactions. While technically impressive, the current implementation might still be considered unsettling by some users.
Outdoor Use
The Vision Pro is designed for indoor use, with limited functionality for outdoor activities. Features like Fitness+ and enhanced navigation through Apple Maps are currently absent, making the Vision Pro more suited for static environments.
The Apple Vision Pro stands as a pioneering device in augmented reality, offering a mix of professional utility and immersive entertainment. Its potential is vast, but its current limitations and high price point make it a significant investment. As technology and app ecosystems evolve, the Vision Pro could become an integral tool for both work and play, but for now, it represents an ambitious step into the future of augmented reality.
