Apple has finally unveiled Vision Pro, its mixed reality headset, which has been the subject of rumors for years. Priced at $3,499, the product raises an important question: does it even work? And if it does, what is it useful for?
Although we have not yet tried the Vision Pro ourselves, some media outlets were able to test it at WWDC. Here’s what they had to say.
Apple Vision Pro is incredibly expensive, but not for the reason you think
What is Vision Pro & How Does it Work?
The Vision Pro is a mixed reality headset that combines aspects of both virtual reality and augmented reality. It weighs just under one pound and resembles a pair of futuristic ski goggles. Its battery life lasts around two hours, but it can be connected to a wall outlet via USB-C for indefinite use. Engadget and Wired both describe the Vision Pro as very comfortable to wear, although it still exerts pressure on the face once it is properly fastened.
The eye-tracking and hand gesture technology impressed journalists from all three outlets. Engadget likened the experience to gaining a superpower because one can simply look at app icons or other elements and use finger pinching gestures to activate them. Furthermore, hand gestures can be performed from one’s own lap, which is not possible with Meta Quest. In addition, the dual 4K screens, one for each eye, impressed reporters, with The Verge noting it was easily the highest-resolution VR display they had ever used. The 3D elements also worked well, with reporters getting a quick demo via Avatar: The Way of Water.
What’s the Point of Vision Pro?
While the technology behind Vision Pro is impressive, early reports suggest that there isn’t much about its functionality that cannot be replicated or replaced by other means. For instance, one can use Vision Pro to blow up a virtual movie screen to create a fake home theater, but this is a solitary experience since no one else in the room can see it without their own headset. Similarly, reading websites, looking at photos, or having FaceTime calls on the Vision Pro can be done on other devices that we already own. In fact, the headset creates a CG replication of the user’s face in lieu of a real video feed, which is not very life-like, according to Engadget.
Thus, while the technology works and is impressive, Apple needs to prove why Vision Pro is necessary and worth spending so much money on, which has yet to be done.
