Unleashing the Potential: Why Everyone Needs the Apple Vision Pro Augmented Reality Headset

It's now confirmed that Apple is venturing into the mixed-reality headset market. After seeing photos, videos, and forming opinions, one question remains unanswered: who is the target audience for this high-end device?

What is Apple Vision Pro?

Apple has unveiled the Vision Pro, a novel type of wearable device that provides an augmented reality (AR) experience. Described as a "spatial computer," this standalone wearable sets itself apart from other headsets in the market as it doesn't require any other devices to function. In contrast to high-end virtual reality (VR) headsets such as the Valve Index, the Apple Vision Pro doesn't need to be tethered to a computer. Furthermore, it differs from existing AR glasses which usually serve as wearable displays or mere extensions of smartphone interfaces. During a demonstration, Apple showcased the Vision Pro with a single wire that connects to an external battery pack designed to be carried in a pocket, reducing the weight on the user's head.

The Apple Vision Pro offers a unique mixed reality experience that sets it apart from other devices like the Meta Quest. While it shares similarities with the all-in-one VR headset, it allows for greater control over the level of immersion thanks to its digital crown. This device seamlessly integrates digital content into your surroundings, allowing you to enjoy apps and movies in your living room or connect with others as if they are physically present. Additionally, the Vision Pro offers prescription lens inserts for those who require glasses for normal vision.

It’s a Headset for Apple Users

The Vision Pro's seamless integration into Apple's ecosystem is a testament to the tech giant's commitment to providing a unified user experience. With iCloud syncing capabilities and compatibility with all existing Apple devices, from iPhones to Macs to Apple Watches, the Vision Pro caters to Apple's loyal user base. While it can function independently, the device is designed to appeal to those already invested in Apple's product offerings and seeking a more comprehensive user experience.

You can easily expand your MacBook display to a 4K floating screen in Vision Pro simply by gazing at it – a testament to its impressive capabilities. Additionally, the headset is compatible with Bluetooth peripherals such as Apple’s Magic Trackpad, offering the precision of a mouse when needed. Upon release, Vision Pro will offer access to "hundreds of thousands" of iPad and iPhone apps, giving users a glimpse of the exciting experiences they can expect. However, the platform will also have its own App Store for visionOS apps, taking the user experience to the next level beyond traditional iPhone or iPad apps.

The Vision Pro boasts an Apple-inspired design featuring aerospace grade alloys and a 3D knitted headband that brings to mind the sleekness of MacBook Pro and Apple Watch. The device's front is a seamless sheet of glass and the headband attaches and detaches with the same ease as an Apple Watch band.

Productivity and Work Are Core to the Experience

Apple's latest introduction, the Vision Pro, is not just another VR headset or AR goggles that are predominantly designed for gamers. Instead, it is a tool that aims to enhance work productivity by transforming your surroundings into a productive space. The Vision Pro allows you to resize and stack windows, view all your Safari tabs simultaneously, switch between apps with ease, and control it all with a simple squeeze of your fingers. Additionally, you can move around the environment while still keeping track of your work, making it a highly efficient tool for professionals.

If everything goes according to plan, Vision Pro has the potential to replace the need for multiple monitors, transform a small workspace into a highly productive hub, eliminate distractions by allowing you to tune out the world around you, and travel with you as the only device you need to complete your work efficiently.

Vision Pro May Appeal to Those Jaded with Existing Headset Experiences

The adoption of mixed reality headsets by the general public has been slow, with virtual reality gaining more traction among a niche group of avid gamers. However, not everyone is convinced that wearing a bulky headset is the way forward, as exemplified by Google's discontinuation of their Google Glass wearable. In contrast, Apple's approach appears to tackle these issues head-on. The company typically enters a market only when it can offer a significant improvement or solution to existing problems. Thus, it's worth paying attention to their foray into the mixed reality space.

Apple has chosen to follow in the footsteps of Meta's Quest by making the Vision Pro a standalone device. The Quest, which is also a standalone VR headset, made gaming in VR much simpler and more accessible, and it has become one of the most successful VR headsets on the market due in part to its affordable price. The Vision Pro takes this concept even further by incorporating a full computer into the headset, featuring the same powerful M2 Apple Silicon chip found in devices like the MacBook Air and iPad, as well as a specially designed R1 chip that ensures real-time processing of spatial inputs with zero lag. Apple clearly aims to provide top-tier VR and AR experiences with the Vision Pro.

The visionOS operating system is specifically designed for the unique experience provided by AR headsets. Taking cues from Apple's operating systems, visionOS offers the best of both worlds - a customized AR experience and seamless compatibility with existing apps, services, and experiences. The attention to detail in the visionOS interface and user experience is apparent through supporting seminars released during WWDC 2023. Apple’s “Design for spatial input” guidelines cover essential elements such as reducing eye-strain, optimizing comfort with practical content placement, and understanding how depth impacts the user's experience.

Apple has taken privacy and security seriously in the AR space, offering iris scanning as a way to lock the Vision Pro. This feature not only allows for secure access to Apple Pay transactions but also to iCloud Keychain passwords. Additionally, Apple emphasizes that apps and websites cannot track your gaze until you actively engage with them by clicking, similar to the privacy practices in macOS and iOS. The processing of data is done on the device itself and not shared externally.

Apple’s Headset is for Watching, Playing, and Relaxing Too

The Vision Pro shares similarities with the iPad as it serves a multitude of purposes. The iPad is popular for both work-related tasks such as note-taking, presentations, and improving focus during meetings, as well as leisure activities like gaming, watching movies, and social media browsing. Similarly, the Vision Pro caters to various needs and interests. Apple has not solely marketed it as a productivity tool, but also as a means to enjoy entertainment. With the ability to customize screen size and adjust lighting, you can watch your favorite movies and TV shows in a cinema-like setting or even immerse yourself in a unique environment such as a forest.

The dual micro-OLED displays offer a truly immersive 4K experience, complete with high dynamic range and a wide color gamut. The headset also allows for viewing of 3D content, including movies, all while enjoying spatial audio for a fully encompassing surround sound experience. Additionally, the headset is compatible with AirPods and other Bluetooth headphones for complete noise isolation. However, some may feel that Apple's focus on gaming was lacking in the Vision Pro introduction, as the company only mentioned support for Apple Arcade titles and a partnership with Unity. There has been little discussion about the potential for high-end VR experiences like Half-Life: Alyx.

For Reliving and Creating Memories (and Escaping Too)

While it remains unclear if external devices such as PlayStation 5 or Xbox consoles will be compatible with the Vision Pro, it is confirmed that the headset will support wireless controllers that are already functional with iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. With this compatibility, users can enjoy playing games that are compatible with the headset.

Apple's presentation heavily emphasized the importance of photos and videos, highlighting how the Vision Pro can enhance the experience of reliving past memories. While it's true that photos and videos can be viewed on any device, the Vision Pro offers an immersive experience that allows you to AirPlay videos to your TV or watch them in HDR on a MacBook Pro. This feature has a VR-like effect that has been seen on other platforms, where experiences feel more impressive and immersive when viewed through a headset. It remains to be seen whether this effect will translate to AR, but the ability to immerse yourself in your panoramas may provide a compelling reason to use the feature more frequently on your iPhone.

The device boasts two front lenses that can capture stunning 3D spatial photos and videos, which are best viewed on the Vision Pro or a similar 3D display. However, to record these memories, you'll need to wear a device that resembles ski goggles. Despite the initial appearance of the Vision Pro, which may seem bulky and intrusive, it has been used to record a 3D video at a child's birthday party and to watch a movie on a busy flight. While it may take time for the public to warm up to a large on-face device, similar shifts in public opinion have occurred with products like AirPods and the original Sony Walkman. Nonetheless, the adoption curve and public perception of this technology will differ from that of less conspicuous predecessors.

It Could Be a Remote Worker’s Dream Device

Whether you're a remote worker or a frequent traveler, the Vision Pro can turn your study area, hotel room, or train ride into a productive workspace. With the Vision Pro being a standalone computer, you can easily bring along any necessary peripherals to ensure maximum productivity.

Imagine traveling with only a headset and a lightweight keyboard, yet still having the productivity of a multiple monitor setup. This is possible with visionOS, as long as your line of work is compatible. At How-To Geek, we are big fans of multiple monitor setups for creating great content, and the idea of having that same expansive workspace while on the road is pretty cool. Additionally, Vision Pro is capable of scanning your face and creating a stand-in likeness that looks just like you for video calls, making it a great option for FaceTime and conferencing apps.

Mainly, It’s For Early Adopters With Deep Pockets

At a steep price point of $3,499 and with a targeted release date of early 2024 in the US, the Apple Vision Pro headset falls into a niche category. As with any first-generation hardware, there is a risk of being a beta tester, which may deter some potential buyers. Those who do decide to invest in the Vision Pro headset will likely find themselves in a minority group of users.

Despite its potential for productivity, entertainment, and immersive experiences, VR has yet to make a significant impact in the gaming industry. However, the Vision Pro stands out as a strong contender in this space. With its ability to provide casual experiences similar to those found on an iPad, the Vision Pro could potentially offer a unique and valuable experience. While the road to mainstream adoption may be long, there is a value proposition for those who see the benefits of VR and are willing to forego the costs of multiple monitors, desktop computers, and surround sound headphones. In fact, the cost of the Vision Pro may even be considered reasonable when compared to the combined cost of these separate components.

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The Vision Pro is undoubtedly the strongest contender in the AR market. However, for many, its price point may be a little out of reach. Despite this, it remains the most promising device for bringing AR technology to the masses. If you're still undecided about whether a VR headset is right for you, take a look at our list of the best VR headsets currently available.