Apple dropped their ‘one more thing’ at WWDC2023 with the reveal of the Vision Pro, a combined VR and AR headset poised to shake up the industry. It’s been over a decade since Apple made such a groundbreaking announcement, with their last standalone product being the iPad in 2010 (others being accessories dependent on the iPhone or Mac).
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So, is the Vision Pro a revolutionary step into the future or just another ambitious Apple project destined to be shelved (wireless charging pad!)? Let’s dive into the hype and the doubts surrounding this highly anticipated gadget.
AR: A History of Ups and Downs
Remember Pokémon Go? It was an AR craze that swept the world, then promptly faded. Google Glass? Touted as the next big thing, then abandoned. Despite valiant efforts from Sony, Valve, Microsoft, and Meta, AR and VR haven’t quite made it to mainstream land and continues to be the device for geeks.
Even Google Cardboard, a simple phone-powered VR device, couldn’t sustain the spark despite being inexpensive.
Apple’s Vision Pro: Flawless, Intuitive, Expensive
With Apple’s design prowess and intuitive interface, the Vision Pro certainly boasts strong points. Early testers including MKBHD rave about its comfort and natural hand, eye, and voice controls. One can only hope this may soon become an alternative to input devices like a keyboard or mouse?
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The battery life, a measly two hours, falls short of even its competitors. And let’s not forget the hefty $3500 price tag.
While Apple quality is undoubtedly top-notch, it comes at a premium.
Unanswered Questions: The Hype Behind the Curtain
App support remains a mystery. Mac and iOS app compatibility sounds fantastic, but seamless adaptation isn’t always a given. Remember iOS apps on Mac? Not exactly smooth sailing yet and neither are Android apps on Chrome or Windows.
Then there’s the question of visibility. How will virtual screens interact with real-world backgrounds? such as, a grey colored website against a grey wall — will it blend or blur? Apple, we need answers!
Who’s the real audience? Businesses or gamers? Early reports suggest the Vision Pro might not be ready for prime time, leaving us wondering if it’s meant for industrial muscle or living room lounging. Could it have been an accessory for iPhone/Mac instead of a standalone computer, reducing cost and weight?
And finally, the unusual delay. Apple generally launches products shortly after WWDC, not a year later. This delay fuels speculation about the device’s readiness.
The Verdict: Hype on Hold
Finally we will get to see the Vision Pro in Feb 2024, and even if this device is flawless, it is tough to believe this may give us the next iPhone moment mainly due to its price, battery backup, app readiness and ease of use.
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The Vision Pro is undeniably exciting, packed with Apple’s innovation and quality. But the hype needs to be tempered with unanswered questions and potential pitfalls. Whether it becomes a game-changer or a footnote in tech history remains to be seen. Only time, and actual hands-on experience, will tell if the Vision Pro lives up to its immense potential.
So, what do you think? Will the Vision Pro conquer the AR/VR realm or join the ranks of abandoned Apple products?
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