No doubt your social feeds have recently been swarmed with memes, demos and commentary on Apple's first iteration of a spatial computing product, the Apple Vision Pro.
It's been fascinating to witness the overwhelmingly positive sentiment surrounding this release. While some have suggested it might be due to a sunk-cost fallacy, I beg to differ. Apple has once again demonstrated their commitment to user-centric design, crafting an AR/XR experience that feels not only seamless but also deeply intuitive.
What's truly remarkable is how Apple has brought to life a vision that has been in the making for decades. The groundwork for an Apple "headset" was laid as far back as 2007 (the year the original iPhone was released), with the acquisition of a patent for a face-worn content viewing device. Fast forward to today, and we're witnessing the fruition of that long-held vision, pun most definitely intended.
So, what sets the Apple Vision Pro apart from its competitors?
I've laid out three of the features I believe have set the bar for the industry.
1. Pass-through: The ability to engage with the real world while wearing the headset sets a new standard for immersive AR experiences.
2. AR lock: The feature that allows virtual windows/apps to be locked in place ensures a seamless and uninterrupted user experience, enhancing immersion and eliminating spatial incongruence.
3. Virtual monitor: Transforming your MacBook display into a massive 4K window in virtual space opens up exciting possibilities, particularly for productivity and multitasking.
Now, let's talk about the name.
"Pro" isn't just a suffix; it's a statement of intent. Does this hint at the possibility of a more accessible "Apple Vision" product in the future, with a reduced feature set and a lower price point? Only time will tell...
The Apple Vision Pro represents a significant leap forward in the world of augmented reality. As we eagerly await what the future holds, one thing is certain: the possibilities are limitless and the journey is just beginning.