The article discusses the Apple Vision Pro, a mixed reality headset that has generated significant interest and hype among tech enthusiasts. The author notes that while the device is an impressive technological achievement, it also comes with several trade-offs and limitations.
Some of the key points discussed in the article include:
- Passthrough engineering: The Vision Pro’s passthrough technology allows for seamless interaction between the digital and physical worlds.
- Hand- and eye-tracking: The headset features advanced hand- and eye-tracking capabilities, which enable users to interact with virtual objects and interfaces in a natural way.
- Camera-based mixed reality passthrough: The Vision Pro uses cameras to capture the real-world environment and blend it with digital content.
- External battery: The device requires an external battery, which can be cumbersome to carry around.
- Limited use cases: While the Vision Pro is an impressive technological achievement, its current limitations make it difficult to imagine everyday use cases for the device.
The author also notes that some of the core ideas behind the Vision Pro may be dead ends, such as camera-based mixed reality passthrough. This technology may not be executed well enough to become mainstream, and other technologies like mouse, keyboard, and touchscreen interfaces may remain dominant.
Ultimately, the article raises questions about whether the Vision Pro is worth using due to its limitations and trade-offs. The author notes that they don’t want to get work done in the device because of its isolating nature, and instead prefer to collaborate with others.
Some possible implications of this review include:
- Apple’s vision for AR glasses: The article suggests that Apple may be working towards true optical AR glasses that can share digital experiences with other people.
- Limitations of current technology: The Vision Pro’s limitations highlight the challenges of developing mixed reality technology, including issues with camera-based passthrough and external batteries.
- Future directions for VR/AR development: The article implies that future developments in VR/AR may focus on more practical use cases and less emphasis on gimmicky features.
Overall, the review highlights both the impressive technological achievements of the Vision Pro and its limitations as a product.
