In 2007, Apple changed the industry with the launch of the first iPhone, which was a revolutionary product that combined an iPod, a phone, and an internet browser into one device. Fast forward to today, Apple has released its newest first-generation product, the Vision Pro, a virtual reality headset that claims to blend the physical and digital worlds. Unlike the iPhone, which was widely embraced by consumers, the Vision Pro has received mixed reviews since its launch last week.
Although the headset is priced at $3,500, it has been criticized by many for not being able to deliver on its promises. The device is not better for doing work than a computer, and the games available on the headset are not fun. The most disturbing feature, the ability to place video calls with a humanlike digital avatar that resembles the wearer, has even terrified children during a family FaceTime call.
While the headset is excellent at playing video, including high-definition movies and 3-D recordings that immerse you in past memories, it is still cumbersome to wear. Although it has a superior user interface, better picture quality, more apps, and higher computing power than other headsets, it is slightly heavier than Meta’s cheaper Quest headsets, and it plugs into an external battery pack that only lasts two hours.
While the headset’s ski-goggle aesthetic looks better than the bulky plastic headset visors of the past, people still look ridiculous wearing tech goggles, even when they are designed by Apple. The Vision Pro is miles ahead of other headsets in making an immersive 3-D interface simple for users to control with their eyes and hands. It is familiar to anyone who owns an iPhone or a similar smartphone, with a grid of app icons and a quick pinch to click on them.
One of the main drawbacks of the headset is that it cuts off part of your periphery, creating a binoculars-like effect, making it hard to remember to walk your dogs or avoid obstacles. When using the headset for work, you can surround yourself with multiple floating apps, but pinching floating screens doesn’t make working more efficient because you need to keep twisting your head to see them.
Typing with its floating keyboard is also another challenge that requires poking one key at a time. Though it is possible to connect a physical keyboard, it defeats the purpose of the headset, making it more practical to use a laptop. The Vision Pro can also work with Mac computers, where you can mirror the screen into the headset as a virtual window that can be expanded to look like a large display. However, it has a consistent lag that can make it frustrating to use.
In conclusion, the Vision Pro is a first-generation product that needs improvement, and at its current price, it is not worth the investment for most consumers. While it has some features that are innovative, it still falls short in delivering the kind of value that users expect from Apple products.
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