AppleVisionPro:FirstInsights&Impressions
It's been about a month since the Apple Vision Pro arrived at our office, and we've been very busy exploring this highly anticipated new technology from Apple. After reading and watching numerous reviews from respected tech journalists like The Verge and Marques Brownlee, we thought we were well-prepared. However, when it finally arrived, we were proven otherwise.
The Apple Vision Pro is fundamentally different from any other consumer tech devices we've experienced so far. It offers many exciting advantages but also some unexpected drawbacks. In this article, we want to share our experiences and discuss how this device could impact products and services for businesses and agencies.
Eye Tracking
The first thing that truly impressed us about the Apple Vision Pro was the eye and hand tracking, which sets new standards in precision and personalization. VisionOS is based on a very precise, albeit somewhat interruptive, calibration that makes usage incredibly intuitive. This advantage makes the device a fantastic personal tool, but it comes at the expense of the plug-and-play functionality typical of other headsets.
It is reminiscent of adjusting a car seat, mirrors, steering wheel, and other details before you can start driving. However, once you find the right settings, the Vision Pro works like a precise high-performance sports car. Nevertheless, the lengthy and cumbersome onboarding process makes the device less suitable for events or group applications compared to already existing VR headsets.
AR Integration
We were particularly excited to try out the Quick Look feature for 3D models with ARkit in the Vision Pro. It was a seamless and intuitive process to pull models from the browser and place them in the room. The high-quality LIDAR cameras of the Vision Pro provide a precise representation of the objects, making 3D models convincing in terms of quality and size. Even in our initial tests with simple 3D models, the experience was impressive, such as with our WWF Wildlife AR experience or the web product visualizer.
Productivity
Apple often talks about "Spatial Computing" when it comes to the Vision Pro – and this description as a computer is apt. It has proven to be an excellent tool for productive work. The native apps are as powerful as on a desktop but work excellently with multiple virtual screens. Particularly, the immersive experience of the extended displays significantly increased our focus.
If you enjoy listening to music while working, the spatial audio further enhances this immersive experience, which we found very pleasant.
Gaming Experience
The currently available apps in the App Store for the Vision Pro are limited and reminiscent of the early days of the iPhone. The selection of games is also modest, except for some titles in the Apple Arcade subscription labeled as "Spatial Computing."
Although the spatial tracking and the quality of the experience are impressive, the gaming experience overall feels rather disappointing. Compared to the Meta Quest 3 with its hand controllers, one misses the haptic feedback and precision of a controller. This may change over time, but currently, the Vision Pro is definitely not a gaming device.
Comfort
As with all VR headsets, there are comfort issues with the Vision Pro. It sits somewhat high, which can lead to problems with eye tracking, and the front-heavy weight is noticeable when wearing it. The device is best used while sitting, such as on a sofa or chair, as the hand tracking works well even with a resting hand on the lap.
Global Accessibility
Our tests also revealed challenges regarding global accessibility. Outside the USA, the Vision Pro requires a US-based Apple ID and payment method, which currently limits international users.
Conclusion
After about a month of intensive use in our office, we remain enthusiastic about the Apple Vision Pro. It's not uncommon to see someone working productively with it – something we can't say about other VR devices.
The Apple Vision Pro feels like a MacBook Pro you wear on your face. It offers an amazing experience for everyday work and includes some entertaining games. Compared to the Oculus Quest 3, the debate feels similar to that between Mac and PC. However, the underlying technology of the Vision Pro is undeniably impressive, and it's clear how it pushes the boundaries of digital interactions.
The Vision Pro marks a significant step forward for mixed-reality headsets, and we look forward to not only continuing to work with it but also observing its impact on the industry. Until then, we return to the lab to test how it can best serve our clients and users.
