Apple Vision Pro has been in the market for a month, and it's time to take a deep dive into the user experience it offers. This revolutionary device has stirred up the tech world, and its potential implications for the future of computing are immense.
Table of Contents
An Introduction to Apple Vision Pro
The Hardware: A Glimpse into the Future
The Software: A New Computing Paradigm
Apple Vision Pro: A Gaming Review
Entertainment on Apple Vision Pro: The New Norm
Apple Vision Pro: A Review of the Office Experience
The Specifications and Design of Apple Vision Pro
The Pros of Apple Vision Pro: One Month In
The Cons of Apple Vision Pro: One Month In
The Future of Computing with Apple Vision Pro
How to Purchase the Apple Vision Pro
Final Thoughts on One Month with Apple Vision Pro
An Introduction to Apple Vision Pro
One could describe the Apple Vision Pro as an advanced iPad that you wear. It's a headset with a glass cover that serves as a lens for a range of cameras and sensors that capture real-world data. These data are processed by an R1 chip to create a 3D model of your environment, capturing eye and hand movements with a latency of just 12 milliseconds.
Apple Vision Pro specs:
- 8-core CPU
- 10-core GPU
- 16GB RAM
- 16-core Neural Engine
- Weight: 21.2 - 22.9 ounces (depending on accessories)
- Battery capacity: 3166 mAh
- Display resolution: 3,660 x 3,200 pixels per eye
- Refresh rate: 90Hz, 96Hz, 100Hz (variable rates for video)
The Hardware: A Glimpse into the Future
The Apple Vision Pro is a significant investment in hardware, featuring a 10-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine, among other advanced components. However, it's not just the internal hardware that sets it apart. The device's external design also plays a significant role in the user experience.
The weight of the device varies depending on the accessories used, but it generally falls between 21.2 and 22.9 ounces, making it a hefty piece of tech to wear. Despite this, users report that it's comfortable and safe to use for extended periods, and you can even forget it's there after a while.
The device's front glass cover not only serves as a lens for the camera and sensor array but also features a lenticular display that shows colorful lights when the user is fully immersed in an experience. When the user is in passthrough mode, where they can see their surroundings, the display shows the user's Persona's eyes.
The Software: A New Computing Paradigm
The Apple Vision Pro runs on visionOS, a new platform that will likely feature on future AR glasses from Apple. The operating system is a departure from traditional computing systems, offering a new way of interacting with digital content.
One of the standout features of visionOS is the "Look and Pinch" gesture, which allows users to select and interact with digital objects in their environment. This feature is complemented by a range of apps designed for the system, including GlanceBar, which provides time, weather, upcoming reminders, and calendar information at a glance.
Despite its potential, visionOS is still in its early days, and users report running into bugs and edge cases that have yet to be resolved. For example, the Control Center, a system tool found in the top-right corner of the display, can be difficult to summon and persistently appears whenever the user looks up, which some find distracting.
Apple Vision Pro: A Gaming Review
Gaming on the Apple Vision Pro can be an incredible experience, with the device's high-resolution display and spatial audio capabilities creating a highly immersive environment. However, the platform's gaming offerings are currently somewhat limited.
The visionOS App Store features a range of games, with titles available in both compatibility mode and as native spatial games. However, Apple seems to have focused more on getting Arcade titles out, with only a handful of full 3D VR immersive experiences currently available.
For the platform to truly take off as a gaming device, Apple will need to attract more game developers to visionOS. This will likely involve not only evangelizing the benefits of the platform but also potentially financially incentivizing developers to create games for it.
Entertainment on Apple Vision Pro: The New Norm
One of the areas where the Apple Vision Pro really shines is entertainment. The device's high-resolution display and spatial audio capabilities can create a highly immersive environment for watching movies and other video content.
The device can play retro games originally released for the Gameboy, Nintendo 64, and more, thanks to the Delta app. This can be a fun way to experience these classic games in a new way.
However, when it comes to new immersive experiences, the offerings are currently somewhat limited. Although Apple has promised more content in the future, it has yet to release any new episodes or shows in its immersive format.
Apple Vision Pro: A Review of the Office Experience
The Apple Vision Pro offers a unique opportunity for office workers to rethink their workspace. By replacing physical screens with virtual ones, the device allows users to create a customized, immersive work environment.
Users can set up virtual windows around their environment, placing apps and objects exactly where they want them. This can be a fun and engaging way to interact with digital content, and some users find that it actually improves their productivity.
However, there are still some limitations to using the device in an office setting. For example, not all apps are available in native visionOS format, meaning you might have to rely on compatibility mode for some tasks.
The Specifications and Design of Apple Vision Pro
The Apple Vision Pro is a technical powerhouse, featuring an 8-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. The device's high-resolution display offers a resolution of 3,660 x 3,200 pixels per eye, and it can refresh at rates of 90Hz, 96Hz, and 100Hz.
Despite its powerful specifications, the device is designed to be comfortable to wear for extended periods. The weight of the device varies depending on the accessories used, but it generally falls between 21.2 and 22.9 ounces.
The device's front glass cover not only serves as a lens for the camera and sensor array but also features a lenticular display that shows colorful lights when the user is fully immersed in an experience.
The Pros of Apple Vision Pro: One Month In
After a month of use, the pros of the Apple Vision Pro are clear:
Comfortable and safe to use for hours at a time
No notable adverse physical reactions after extended use
The "Look and Pinch" gesture still feels magical
Adding a trackpad and keyboard makes it a viable work machine
The Cons of Apple Vision Pro: One Month In
However, there are also some cons to consider:
Limited native app selection
Almost total lack of a gaming narrative
Zero new immersive experiences one month in
Control Center needs to be rethought
Early adoption also means finding bugs and edge cases that won't be fixed anytime soon
The Future of Computing with Apple Vision Pro
The Apple Vision Pro represents a significant step forward in the future of computing. As more developers create apps for the platform and Apple continues to refine the system, the device's potential will only grow.
However, the success of the platform will ultimately depend on Apple's initiative. The company will need to work closely with developers and content creators to ensure a steady stream of high-quality content for the platform.
How to Purchase the Apple Vision Pro
The Apple Vision Pro is available for purchase directly from Apple store, starting at a price of $3,499 for the 256GB model. Optical inserts, which are necessary for users who wear glasses, are available for an additional cost.
Final Thoughts on One Month with Apple Vision Pro
After a month with the Apple Vision Pro, it's clear that this device represents a significant step forward in the future of computing. Despite some initial bugs and a somewhat limited app selection, the potential of the platform is immense. As more developers create apps for the platform and Apple continues to refine the system, the future of the Apple Vision Pro looks bright.
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