Who would pay $3,500 for a next-generation computer that you wear like a visor over your eyes? Since Apple announced the Vision Pro’s release date, I’ve spoken with many people in the tech world and have been surprised by how many people are planning to pre-order the headset – or are thinking about it at first. less.
For those who are ready to pay this large sum (and on the French market this is not yet possible), I asked them what their motivations are and what they plan to do with the Vision Pro.
I grouped their responses into nine different points, which are as follows.
1. Immersive experiences are the future of computing
Kevin O’Donovan, who runs a tech business consultancy, said: “I truly believe that ‘immersive experiences’ are a key part of our future, whether with a headset or not. I don’t think that “the Vision Pro is the only answer, there is also the Quest 3, the Varjo XR4 or the new headset from Sony. But I believe that each of them has its place in this new market.”
Kevin confirmed that he will be pre-ordering the Vision Pro. “Personally, I believe in trying these technologies yourself, so that you can make an informed decision,” he said.
2. Eye tracking could have a very significant impact
Nelson Karrick, network engineer, said: “The technology Apple is implementing could have a major impact outside of the Apple Vision Pro. I’m excited to see how well the eye tracking performs, because I think it could also apply to traditional computing. The current trackpad or mouse system works well. But in the future it might be more natural to just look at a screen. This is also very important for people with disabilities who may have difficulty using a traditional mouse pointer.”
Nelson confirmed that he plans to order the Vision Pro as soon as it becomes available on the Apple Store.
3. Space Video and Photography
Ben Thomas, IT executive and photography enthusiast, said: “Over the past five years, I have tested or purchased many 360° and 180° 3D video/photo products. So far , I’m disappointed. But I’m convinced that Apple has succeeded and that the quality has improved significantly. What excites me the most is the idea of virtual travel. I’m also enthusiastic about the idea to create 3D memories of my family members before it’s too late.”
Ben recently tried the Meta Quest 3 but returned it. He plans to order the Vision Pro in hopes that it will finally deliver what he’s been waiting for in 3D photography and video.
4. It’s a great time for early adopters
Mark McChesney, IT manager, plans to order the machine. He says: “I’m an early adopter. I bought the first iPhone while I was on a family vacation. I love exploring and being on the cutting edge of technology and I think the technology in the Vision Pro could prove convincing.
Michael Peters, sales executive and advisor to AR/VR companies, said: “I am very interested in the Vision Pro, but I have several concerns. A very limited number will be available [au lancement]. I’ve read that a number of improvements are in the works and I’m a little wary of the early versions. That said, I still want it!”
Apple Vision Pro in an Apple Store. Jason Hiner/ZDNET (using Apple ARKit)
5. Developers want to be able to do more advanced 3D experiences
Todd Heberlein, software developer and cybersecurity expert, said: “I’ve created a few AR/VR apps for iOS. But at WWDC 2022, Apple recommended that AR/VR experiences should only last 1-2 minutes , which prompted me to take a break from AR/VR development.”
“Why? Because most of the ideas I’m interested in don’t fit into 1-2 minute experiences. VisionOS is truly Apple’s first new developer platform since Apple announced support for the App Store in 2008 [pour iPhone]…I think I’ll finally be able to unlock some of the 3D experiences I have in mind.”
Todd said he was going to pre-order a Vision Pro.
6. Tech experts want to have an opinion when their friends ask them questions
Mark McChesney said: “My friends rely on me for advice on technology. I love learning and spend a lot of time keeping up to date with technology, current events, culture and society. I was an early adopter of new technologies. I feel like the Vision Pro could be an inflection point that would bring us new tools and new ways of learning and have fun.”
7. Productivity remains an X factor
Ben Thomas added: “I’m very curious about how this can be used for work and productivity.”
During its first demonstration at WWDC last June, Apple made a lot of emphasis on the fact that professionals would use the Apple Vision Pro in the office and in a hotel room when traveling.
The idea was that it was a new working experience, better than a laptop or desktop. However, these pro features were not included in the demos that followed. So I’m as curious as Ben to see how this is going to work.
Mr. McChesney said he could see himself using Vision Pro like a computer. “I would do creative work (photography, video editing), communication (email, messaging, video conferencing, etc.), and consumption (YouTube, streaming services, etc.),” he said. “The hype makes it seem like this is an experience where I can watch a video and at the same time discover ancillary data about the content, actors, etc. This is an example of something which I would like.”
8. The potential for an “iPad effect” in businesses
Mr O’Donovan said: “What intrigues me most – assuming everything works – is whether we will see an ‘iPad’ moment in businesses after the Vision Pro is released. I want by that, will executives and senior managers go to their company once they’ve tried the Vision Pro and say, “I want to use this in my day-to-day work.” If so If so, this will open up all sorts of possibilities for “spatial computing” or what others call immersive XR, VR, etc.
9. This first Vision Pro could be a future collector’s item
Nelson Karrick said: “As this is a new product from Apple, there is also a bit of ‘nostalgia for the future’. Whether it’s a complete failure or an overnight success , I think in 10 years people will be looking to get these collectibles. That’s probably the least important reason why I’m interested in these products.”
Source: “ZDNet.com”