What You Are Missing About Vision Pro
Why this weird-looking mask is the start of something big.
The Vision Pro headset is scheduled for an early 2024 release, with Apple branding it as spatial computing. However, let’s be clear — it’s essentially an AR/VR headset. So, why should you buy into the hype now? While numerous AR and VR headsets have been in the market for years, this could be the turning point. To understand why, take a look in the rearview mirror.
Apple didn’t invent smartphones, but they transformed them into a cultural phenomenon with the iPhone. Before that, successful products like PalmPilots and Blackberries targeted the business class. Similarly, today’s AR and VR headsets cater to specific markets, like the gaming market. With Vision Pro, Apple follows its pattern of entering late but delivering innovation.
The current version of Vision Pro, just before launch, is only the beginning. Some criticize it for being too big and heavy, with an unusual appearance. Yet, comparing it to the original iPhone, which had a small screen and an unconventional form factor, highlights a parallel. It introduces a novel way of interacting with technology, just as Vision Pro does in the mixed reality setting.
The key to Vision Pro’s future success lies in making spatial computing tools accessible to everyday people. For instance, with spatial computing, you can have your browser, music, or videos playing while multitasking — akin to listening to podcasts during chores or an audiobook while on a treadmill. This brings a new visual element to daily activities, and the same applies to additional monitors. Adjusting the size and number of screens for efficient work on the go can become a norm, much like multiple monitors are essential in high-tech work environments.
Similar to the evolution of iPhones, the Vision Pro headset will likely become slimmer and more discreet. It could evolve into glasses, resembling normal reading glasses, or even contact lenses. This evolution will enable users to overlay maps, information, sports scores, and more onto their real-world interactions seamlessly. While the current version risks isolating users, future iterations may eliminate the bulky headset, making it less obtrusive.
In summary, as Apple did with the iPhone, they aim to mainstream the AR/VR experience by simplifying it, engaging a broader market, and developing a diverse ecosystem of tools and applications.
And don’t forget, how cool will it be to have a theater-size screen for movies all the time?
