Apple Vision ProApple’s mixed reality headset, is finally here — and with the gadget, so are the first impressions, both from experts and from users who purchased the device. And while everyone has different perspectives on what the Apple headset could become, there seems to be a consensus on what it represents right now: a gadget that looks to the future, but with several limitations due to today’s technology.
Apple Vision Pro, first impressions on the Apple viewer
The first expert reviews from the United States (we don’t know at the moment when Apple Vision Pro arrives in Italy), highlighting some exceptional features. But also several limitations of this “first generation” product.
On the one hand, there are those who consider it a revolutionary device for the performance of passthrough: the cameras and sensors recreate the environment you are in faithfully and without latency, so much so that Marques Brownlee on YouTube he said he was able to play ping-pong without removing the device. AND The Verge agrees and repeats: the display is exceptional, furthermore the tracking of eye movement is unparalleled: just look at a precise point of view and bring your thumb and index finger together to select elements in mixed reality. However, experts point out that it must get used to leaving multitasking aside: you need your total concentration. If you turn to look at another open app while typing on the virtual keyboard, Vision Pro will not continue writing.
Even the ease of use seems better than the weight (650 grams) would suggest. All reviewers say the band Solo Knit Bandalthough splendid, does not support the weight well — but the more classic alternative band, included in the package, does its job very well: the aforementioned Marques Brownlee wore it for over an hour and a half on his video podcast.
The limitations of a first generation device
However, there are also obvious limitations. Without a doubt the high price ($3,499), the short duration of the drums (about 2 hours) and the few app dedicate to the viewer. Additionally, some users complain of feeling nauseous after prolonged use.
Furthermore, some of the new features still need to be refined. Some YouTubers seem to appreciate the “Personas“, the digital versions of users appearing in FaceTime and other apps. But The Verge’s Nilay Patel thinks these avatars are still a little too “terrifying” for everyday use. And almost everyone seems disappointed by theanimation of your eyes appearing outside the viewer. Although it is possible to “look into the eyes” of the wearer if you are directly opposite, there will be people in a group who only see one eye. And the low brightness means that the effect is very distant from that seen in Apple’s advertising material.
However, these limitations do not lead to a totally negative opinion. All experts seem to see the possible potential of the viewer: a huge space for computing, to always carry with you. Mark Gurman at Bloomberg think that in the future could replace iPad (and perhaps for this reason the operating system is very reminiscent of that of the Apple tablet). Watching movies, contacting people on FaceTime — and maybe every now and then connect your Mac to have a huge extra screen. Perhaps also connecting mice and keyboards, which however reduces portability.
But experts agree that at the moment it is not worth buying this headset, if not for the sake of trying new technology. But there seem to be many for whom technological curiosity is worth more than $3,499.
Apple Vision Pro: first user impressions
Although, since the announcement, this device seemed aimed more at developers than simply technology enthusiasts, many have pre-ordered the device and picked it up at US Apple Stores. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also wanted to follow the same process, explaining that buying an Apple Vision Pro is not like buying an iPhone or an iPad. The process is much more complex and orchestratedwith different phases:
We start from one facial scan, in store or online, to determine the correct size of the visor to prevent light from passing through (Gurman also confessed that some light was filtering through the bottom of the visor). Following, a 20 minute demo to discover the features of the device and test the fit. Finally, the customizationto adapt Vision Pro to the customer’s head, with the right protection from light and (if necessary) add prescription lenses for those who wear glasses.
After purchasing it, several users did like the YouTuber Casey Neistat, who wore it on the streets of New York. And many share his position: after a short time they got used to the differences in light, to the fact that Vision Pro focuses only on the point you are looking at (a bit like our eyes). Soon, they learned to use it. And many seem certain that it will be the future of digital entertainment: we will be able to sit in a park enjoying nature, absentmindedly watching a YouTube window fixed under a tree. Or watch a film on a 120-inch display on the plane. And a lot of other activities that seem absurd today will soon become normal.
However, it must be said that users’ first impressions of the Apple Vision Pro come from people who have queued (both digitally and physically) to spend thousands of euros on a new technology, at least for Apple. They are “early adopters” and passionate about technology: the type of user from whom we can expect more optimistic than average reviews. This does not take away, however, the fact that Vision Pro is causing a lot of talk about itself in a mostly positive way: and this could make the difference.
A glimpse of the future today?
There are currently limitations of the device, although first impressions show the best passthrough on a headset and an innovative and interesting interaction. At the moment, saying it will be as successful as the iPhone or iPad is a prediction based on very little data, just as it is saying it will be a failure.
The applications will make the difference, and at the moment there are few. On the contrary, several large developers have asked Apple not to automatically adapt their iPad app to Vision Pro. So, while you can use the Apple apps and Disney+, you can’t use Netflix or Spotify. At least for now: Apple, once again, will have to work with developers to provide the best software on its device if it wants to triumph in this new category too.
After collecting these first impressions, we are certainly even more curious to try Apple Vision Pro. What are your thoughts on this device? Let us know in the comments.
