Apple’s Vision Pro: five months later | The Vergecast

Intro in Bora Bora (0s)

• David Pierce is in his basement using the Apple Vision Pro with an immersive environment.
• He likes to turn the Vision Pro to 60% opacity so he can see his surroundings while still being immersed in the virtual environment.
• This allows him to see his dog if it comes charging down the hallway.
• It has been five months since the launch of the Vision Pro.
• There have been new software and hardware updates, and developers have had a chance to work with it.
• The novelty of the Vision Pro has worn off, which allows for a more objective discussion of its features and potential.
• Despite not being a huge hit or changing the world, there is still much to discuss about the Vision Pro.
• The Vision Pro has gone through the hype cycle and is no longer in the forefront of people's minds.
• Those who were interested in buying the Vision Pro have likely already purchased it, while those who were not interested were deterred by its $3,500 price tag.
• There has been some disillusionment and questions about whether the Vision Pro was a success or a failure, but it is neither.
• Despite the lack of mainstream attention, there have been significant developments related to the Vision Pro, including news about Vision OS 2 updates, changes in Apple's hardware team's approach to the Vision Pro, and the success of other wearable devices like the Rayband Meta smart glasses.
• The Vision Pro is still relatively new, but there is a sense that its future trajectory is still being determined.

Personal experiences with the Vision Pro (3m46s)

• Wes Davis and Vong from The Verge are experienced users of the Apple Vision Pro.
• Wes bought the Vision Pro to experience the latest VR technology and was intrigued by the large virtual screen.
• Vong acquired the Vision Pro to compare it to smart glasses and found it to be a VR headset with unique Apple features.
• The Vision Pro is similar in functionality to the Meta Quest 3 but differs in design.
• The host uses the Vision Pro for focused work, watching movies, and as a single-tasking device, appreciating its large screen for drafts and writing.
• Watching content on the Vision Pro can be overwhelming due to limited streaming platform integration and social media interaction.
• The immersive environments can be distracting, and the device can be uncomfortable to wear for extended periods, especially for those with poor eyesight.
• Phone mirroring within macOS could solve input and light multitasking issues.
• Wearing the Vision Pro around others can be uncomfortable due to social stigma and negative reactions, and the eye contact feature is not well-received.
• The Vision Pro is suitable for playing rhythm games in a bright and spacious room.
• The headset's fading feature as people approach is technically impressive but can be alarming, creating a perception that the wearer is not available for interaction.
• The low brightness and fidelity of the display, as well as the uncanny appearance of the eyes, may contribute to this perception.
• There is potential for improvements and solutions to these issues in the future.

Vision OS 2 new features (24m4s)

• The Vision Pro's curved display provides more screen space, eliminating the need for multiple displays.
• New gestures simplify accessing the home screen, checking the time and battery level, and changing settings.
• Despite increased Siri usage, there's room for improvement in understanding natural language.
• Voice commands often don't work, making the device frustrating to use.
• Vision OS 2 allows rearranging home apps but still doesn't permit creating folders on the home screen.
• The app experience is hindered by slow downloads and the absence of an app library, making it difficult to find and organize apps.
• Reading text can be challenging, causing eye strain and dryness.
• Wearing the Vision Pro for extended periods can be uncomfortable, causing pressure on the head and discomfort for certain facial structures.
• Eye fatigue and dryness can occur due to reduced blinking while using the device.
• Eye hygiene practices, such as using eye drops and taking breaks, are crucial to prevent eye strain.
• The speaker discovered an accurate "hand calipers" app in the Vision Pro, allowing them to measure distances between their fingers in virtual reality.

The future of spatial computing (38m2s)

• David admits to feeling self-conscious about wearing the Vision Pro in public.
• The Vision Pro has two great uses: as a large screen and as a measuring tool.
• Rumors suggest that Apple is trying to make future Vision devices cheaper by reducing the pixel density of the screens.

A cheaper Vision Pro? (39m29s)

• The Vision Pro's high-resolution screen is its standout feature, but a cheaper version with a lower resolution display could make the device less appealing.
• To justify its higher price, the Vision Pro 2 (or a cheaper version) would need to offer significant advantages over the Meta Quest 3 in terms of user experience.
• Instead of compromising on screen quality, Apple could focus on reducing weight and using cheaper materials to make the device more affordable and comfortable to wear.
• Removing unnecessary features like the glass front and replacing them with more affordable alternatives could help reduce the cost without sacrificing the device's core strengths.
• Prioritizing wearability is crucial for the success of a wearable device, and making the Vision Pro lighter and more comfortable could encourage more people to use it.
• The success or failure of the Apple Vision Pro depends on the App Store and the availability of compelling apps.

Developing Television for Vision Pro: Sandwich (45m18s)

• The Vision Pro's "Television" app, created by Sandwich, allows users to place a virtual TV in their physical space and watch various types of videos.
• Inspired by spatial computing, Sandwich saw the potential to create unique experiences beyond traditional flat screens.
• The Vergecast team discussed their experiences with the Vision Pro, highlighting its unique approach to spatial computing and the importance of understanding and experimenting with the technology.
• Apple provided early access to the Vision Pro for developers to test their apps in a realistic environment, and the first-time experience in real space offers a true sense of depth and immersion.
• The Vision Pro's powerful processing capabilities and improved lighting system create high-quality and immersive AR experiences.
• Despite impressive technology, the Vision Pro's usability needs improvement, and optimizing performance while maintaining detail is a challenge.
• The Theater app presents even greater challenges due to the need for immersive detail at a massive scale.
• The user experience on the Vision Pro feels new and unknown, with interactions that can feel awkward, and designers must consider how interactions will evolve in the future.
• Apple's control over the SDK limits the new features and capabilities that developers can implement, but recent updates to Reality Kit enhance lighting effects.
• The business model for Vision Pro apps is still evolving, with developers exploring new opportunities beyond traditional app sales.
• The growth and success of the Vision Pro platform depend on developers creating a wide range of compelling and engaging experiences to attract more users and developers.

How can they miniaturize the Vision Pro? (Vergecast Hotline) (1h7m9s)

• Apple's Vision Pro headset is limited in size due to eye protection requirements, making it less wearable and more expensive.
• Reducing the cost of the headset's screens could make it more accessible and potentially lead to lower resolution screens, reducing power consumption and enabling smaller, more wearable devices.
• Apple may view smart glasses as a stepping stone, focusing on specific problems and user comfort while waiting for technology to improve, similar to the iPod before the iPhone.
• Apple is reportedly working on more wearable AR glasses, but they are still a few years away.
• The Meta glasses have limited functionality but can be useful with their camera, speaker, and microphone.