I’ve been a sceptic of AR / VR products introduced throughout the last decade. From Google Glass, to Vive and Rift, Playstation VR, and Microsoft HoloLens – I’ve only used VR a couple of times so I’m no expert, and I definitely haven’t bought one yet. But when Apple launches a new product… I have to take note. The way they present their product through a stunning mix of applications and technology jargon just nails it. They get consumers and consumers know that when Apple does it, it might be time to get onboard.
So do I buy it?
Reasons I Need It
- Power – Gone are the days for bulky computers on your head. Apple Silicon is top notch and has proven to be up to the task when it comes to providing Pro-level computing power in a small, lightweight form factor. Apple Vision Pro gets a huge bump from this.
- Resolution – With a 23 million pixels on two postage stamp displays, and a 3-layer lensing system, Apple says you will have an immersive, better-than 4K experience that has NEVER been seen in AR / VR. Add in next-level light blocking and we really may have a winner.
- Build Quality – Without holding it in my hands, it’s hard to count this, but then again it is Apple. In the launch videos, no detail was spared and I dare say it looks… comfy.
- Software Features – From the theater to the desktop, Apple has signed you up to live a full life without ever needing to remove your headset. AR provides the ability to enhance your world, or jump into a completely new one.
- Integrations – No one is better at signing on the top partners at launch than Apple. In this case Bob Iger came on stage to announce what a revolution this will be for Disney content consumption. But with an unparalleled list of partners and developers, Vision Pro will have no shortage of apps.
Reasons I’ll probably pass
- Price – Ouch. Just. Ouch. $3499 is a walloping price though not the most expensive hardware product we’ve seen from Apple. Then again, the demand will still likely be very high, and even if you don’t like it, resale will probably also be a viable option.
- Look – I just can’t bare the look of any VR / AR headsets and while Vision Pro does a decent job, it still is bulky and looks like a scuba mask. Also, curious to see how peoples eyes will really look on the front display…
- Bulk – I know I said it looks comfy, and it does… but it’s not like it’s a pair of lightweight sunglasses. It’s possibly the best of any AR / VR Goggles yet, but it’s not at the point where everyone will want to wear this thing around.
- Detaching from Reality – I love technology, but I already look at too many screens. Now you’re asking me to wear a headset from sun up to sun down… I don’t think I’m ready to do that. I like being able to look away from my laptop and out the window on a nice sunny spring day like today (though I’m sure their VR Nat Geo experiences are fun too)
So do I get it? I’ll be honest, I want it. It’s a technology category that’s on the verge of breaking through. It’s Apple, so it’ll probably succeed with wild popularity and an unbelievable user experience. And it’s probably the biggest product launch from Apple since the iPhone.
What do you think? Are you getting it?