Apple calls it one spatial computer, the market sees it as a kind of VR and AR headset. Whatever it is, the Apple Vision Pro is the first of its kind, a real breakthrough. Compared to this device, the Oculus Rift is still child’s play.
We’ve been waiting a long time for a usable VR/AR device. And it doesn’t come from Meta, Sony or Microsoft’s bag of tricks. It’s Apple yet again Apple. Virtual and augmented reality, we are here, really. Finally. Let’s take a quick look at how this technology can embed itself in different industries (and not just entertainment!).
Entertainment
Of course, the first thing most people think of when it comes to VR/AR headsets is entertainment. And that is not a wrong thought, because the Apple Vision Pro probably does this best at the release of the product. Here are just a few examples:
Computer games. Gamers have been excited about VR/AR since the concept of these technologies entered our lexicon. We can finally see this technology in action, at least in a truly useful way.
Gaming on this device is a completely unique experience, completely immersive. Be careful not to play for too long, as you may find yourself disappearing from the ‘real world’.
Casino games. Thinking of VR/AR in terms of traditional video games is limiting. The technology will also enable the development of immersive experiences in sectors such as the casino industry, where casino games can replicate what can be offered at ‘real’ casinos.
Although most players are usually looking for the best no deposit bonus deals out there, want you probably know which casinos can offer you a 180-degree view of a poker table, or a live dealer standing right in front of you, and slots that look just like the latest PlayStation game (and maybe even better!).
Personal cinema. No more arguing about the remote control for the large TV in the living room. With Apple Vision Pro you can turn every room in your house into your own cinema. It feels over 100 feet wide, with a spacious audio system to match the quality of the screen.
You can watch ‘normal’ TV shows and movies, of course you can, but the Apple Vision Pro also works with movies like Avatar, a truly immersive 3D experience. And not only that: with Apple Immersive Video you get opportunities that can take you to a completely different world.
Tourism
Even if you travel to a new place every year, you can’t see the whole world. With Apple Vision Pro this is no longer necessary. You can explore new places from the comfort of your own home, perhaps to get a taste of where you want to go, or for a virtual alternative if traveling isn’t possible.
The AR component can also improve experiences. Imagine how this would work in a theme park like Disney or Efteling. You could play with princesses and other Disney characters, improve the rides and add a whole new layer to the already incredible theme park experiences.
We also know that nostalgia is good for the soul. With Apple Vision Pro you can relive that great holiday long after you return home. Perfect for the many rainy days we get here in the Netherlands and Belgium!
The Scientific Community
You already know that the Apple Vision Pro has pushed the boundaries of AR/VR technology, and its potential integration into the medical community is staggering too. For example, Ken Pfeuffer, at Aarhus University in Denmark, sees enormous potential in a range of medical tasks. And he knows what he is talking about, as he has already published academic papers on similar technology.
Here’s an example: instead of having to point, you can just to look. People with disabilities, for example those who no longer have the use of their arms, can now imitate certain functions simply by using their eyes.
The device can also be used for patient monitoring. The precise motion sensors can work to diagnose conditions such as dizziness or dementia. It may even be able to warn patients about a stroke before it happens.
Apple Vision Pro is good, but not yet great
And that’s okay. The Apple Vision Pro is a beautiful product, and we challenge you to find someone who isn’t impressed with its performance. The images are fantastic, the operation is intuitive and the technical possibilities are truly revolutionary.
Yet it still feels like we’re still in the land of potential, something for the nerds and pioneers, but perhaps not quite ready to go completely mainstream. The price is obviously a barrier, but it’s more than that. The Apple Vision Pro still feels like a kind of sandbox, a first introduction to what is yet to come.
But it feels well like we finally in being the world of VR and AR, rather than just outside of it. It’s no longer just a matter of ‘imagine that’; the Apple Vision Pro does it in real life. The road is still long, but we have finally started. But let’s hope they get one solve some of the problems people complain about.