I had the opportunity to experience Apple’s much-anticipated Vision Pro, the recently released augmented reality headset, at an Apple store on its launch day.
Here is my review of the immersive demonstration:
The Vision Pro, presented in typical high-end Apple packaging, resembles Meta Quest but carries Apple’s distinctive design aesthetics.
The fabric mask, protecting the goggles, and comfortable fabric straps add to the premium feel.
Before trying the headset, I had to take a quick quiz to ensure my eyes were ready for the device.
Currently, the Vision Pro cannot accommodate eyeglasses, but there are reports of optional prescription lenses at an additional cost.
The next step involved an Apple expert guiding me through a face and eye scan using an iPhone to tailor the device to my personal specifications.
Once the goggles were carefully worn and adjusted for comfort, a calibration process required me to use my eyes and fingers to interact with dots on the screen.
Unlike Meta Quest, the Vision Pro does not include hand controllers; interactions are solely through eye movements and finger gestures.
It took some practice to coordinate, but once mastered, the experience was remarkable.
The main demonstration showcased a virtual “home page” resembling the set-up of a Mac and iPhone.
Familiar yet colossal, the display immersed me in a digital environment while the real-world store remained visible behind it.
Navigating through folders and photos was done effortlessly with finger movements and eye gestures.
The standout moments included viewing 3D photos and videos taken with the Vision Pro during a child’s birthday party.
The realism was astonishing, making the viewer feel present at the celebration.
Panoramic photos and 3D videos, including a daring tightrope walk over a cliff, demonstrated the device’s immersive capabilities.
Movies could be viewed on a screen the size of IMAX, and a web browser for scrolling and other office tasks were seamlessly integrated.
An external battery, though visible in the demo, adds to the overall experience.
While the Vision Pro excels in entertainment and capturing memories, it may be too bulky for extended office use.
However, the device has already garnered attention in professional settings, with Zoom developing an app for the Vision Pro to enhance the virtual meeting experience.
Despite its current price point of $3499, early adopters are likely to be drawn to the Vision Pro’s groundbreaking technology.
Apple, while entering the augmented reality space later than some competitors, has the potential to reshape the landscape with this innovative headset.
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For more insights and tutorials, Apple has released “How To” videos on YouTube, providing users with a comprehensive guide to the Vision Pro’s settings and features.
Apple CEO Tim Cook Defends High Price of Vision Pro in Earnings Call
The recently released Apple Vision Pro, retailing at $3,500, has raised eyebrows due to its substantial price tag. Apple CEO Tim Cook addressed the concerns during a recent earnings call, shedding light on the reasons behind the steep cost.
Cook emphasized that the high price reflects the remarkable technological advancements embedded in the mixed-reality headset. The Vision Pro, built on a foundation of 5,000 patents, showcases Apple’s dedication to cutting-edge technology.
During the earnings call, Cook justified the pricing, stating, “If you look at it from a price point of view, there’s an incredible amount of technology packed into the product.” He highlighted the inclusion of two Apple Silicon chips and the availability of 600 new apps and games specifically designed for the device.
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The Apple Vision Pro introduces spacial computing, allowing users to seamlessly integrate digital content into their physical surroundings. This technology is the result of years of innovation, spanning advancements in silicon, displays, and significant strides in AI and machine learning.
Cook further elaborated on the role of AI, stating, “It’s, of course, built on many innovations that Apple has spent multiple years on, from silicon to displays and significant AI machine learning — all the hand tracking, the room mapping, all this stuff is driven by AI.”
Despite the seemingly high price, Apple reported strong demand, with around 200,000 headsets sold during the preorder phase that commenced on January 19. However, some analysts predict that demand may taper off due to the niche nature of the headset.
Interestingly, major corporations such as Walmart and Nike are already exploring potential applications for the Vision Pro among their customers and employees, according to Apple’s CFO Luca Maestri. This suggests that the capabilities of the headset extend beyond entertainment. The Apple Vision Pro is yet to be launched in India.
Is Apple Vision Pro available in India?
No, it is not available in the Indian markets right now. As per the company, it takes more than 6 months to reach Indian stores