Apple's Vision Pro: Do We Need It?
What do people think of the Vision Pro? Analyzing users' favorite features and biggest concerns.
Keep an eye out for people sporting goggles and gesturing in the air - the Apple Vision Pro made its official debut on February 2, 2024.
Well, that's how I envision the launch unfolding, having watched several videos of the Vision Pro being tested on the subway. While I haven't spotted anyone wearing the Vision Pro in person just yet, I'm curious to see how quickly it catches on. Could the Apple Vision Pro be the next must-have like the MacBook Pro?
If you missed part one last summer where I detailed the workings, price and features of the Vision Pro, be sure to check it out below for more insight.
In the past year, Apple has rolled out changes and updates to the Vision Pro, and it's time to dive into what users are raving about - and what they think needs improvement.
The Vision Pro features new media formats, most notably 3D videos, which can’t be experienced on a flat screen. As noted in Every, this includes “Immersive Videos (which are professionally made 180-degree, 8K video formats) and Spatial Videos (which are consumer-made videos that, remarkably, you can record with an iPhone 15).”
Users are particularly excited about these new video features as as they provide an immersive experience that places them right in the action. Not to mention, the ability to watch anywhere can be beneficial at times, such as on an airplane when you’re restricted to a small screen and perhaps forgot your plug-in headphones.
An intriguing feature is the introduction of the digital Persona. In order to utilize FaceTime on the headset, users must create one. The headset's neural network scans your facial features, generating a hyper-realistic avatar of you to use as your persona. This feature definitely makes sense, as you're not holding a camera to your face while using the headset, but rather viewing others.
However, if you are expecting to sit back and stream your current Netflix favorite, you should think twice about buying the Vision Pro. While video viewing is possible, the selection is limited with under 200 apps available, notably missing popular apps such as Netflix. Major companies are holding off on developing apps tailored toward this new device until they gauge its performance in the market.
This is only one of several concerns to consider with the Vision Pro.
First, let’s dive into some technical cons. One major issue is the hand and eye tracking. When you are essentially touching air, and there are no physical buttons, I can only imagine how frustrating it can be trying to accurately select what features you want.
Additionally, it’s heavy to wear a headset on your face all day. Not to mention, its battery life is limited to two hours unless plugged in. If you plan to use it on-the-go, you'll need to lug around an external battery pack that will connect to your headset through a cable.
Despite technical concerns, people are unsure if the device is worth it. Nilay Patel shared some questions in a recent article for The Verge that I wanted to highlight below.
“Is using the Vision Pro so good that I’m willing to mess up my hair every time I put it on?
Is it so good that I want to lug it around in its giant carrying case instead of my laptop bag?
Is it so good that I want to look at the world around me through screens instead of with my own eyes?”
These questions made me wonder: will the Vision Pro truly revolutionize the tech landscape? While it's still early days since its launch, let's continue to evaluate whether or not people are actually buying and wearing the headset. Is it a groundbreaking technological advancement, or simply a new device that distributes existing content in different formats?
Personally, I lean toward the idea that the Vision Pro is best suited for home use. We already have the now necessary iPhone and MacBook, and the real world offers plenty to explore without the need for this headset. At this point, it seems more like an enhancement of existing features rather than a revolutionary breakthrough. The hesitancy of companies to jump on board and develop apps for the Vision Pro might indicate a similar sentiment. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
Best,
Ariana for the Don’t Count Us Out Yet Team