After spending a week with the Apple Vision Pro, here are my first impressions of the device. While some aspects may seem familiar to those accustomed to VR headsets, the combination of exceptional image clarity and superior sound quality elevates the overall experience to a new level of immersiveness.
Exclusive preview We used and wore Vision Pro, the Apple viewer for virtual and augmented reality by our correspondent Bruno Ruffilli 07 June 2023
User experience
After the initial test in June, several aspects of my experience with Apple Vision Pro were confirmed, while others were a surprise. Remarkably, there is virtually no learning curve, which adds to the fun and immersion. Essential gestures, like selecting an object or icon and pinching to perform an action, quickly become natural, and despite some minor inconsistencies in the UI the overall ease of use is impressive. As a family, it was fascinating to see Maze, who is a teenager, use Vision Pro with minimal guidance, navigating the various functions without difficulty. More difficult was explaining how to moderate her gestures, a habit born with the use of other VR viewers and not necessary with Vision Pro, thanks to the ability to register the pinch even when the hand is at rest on the lap.
The user interface (UI) is simple, but a couple of details may require a short adjustment period. An example is accessing the Control Center, which remains ingeniously hidden until you physically look up, not just looking up, but as if you were peering over the top edge of the Vision Pro screen. This gesture brings up the Control Center, allowing you to use it within any app, although its functions may vary slightly from one to another.
The Apple Vision Pro has arrived, and we’ve got a game changer on our hands—and face. ??
From state-of-the-art immersive experiences to new ways to engage with your favorite fictional worlds and landscapes, to the creation of a Persona that levels up the age of avatars and… pic.twitter.com/npXX4Qgpv1
— Carolina Milanesi (She/Her) (@caro_milanesi) January 30, 2024
The Apple Vision Pro has arrived, and we’ve got a game changer on our hands—and face. ??
From state-of-the-art immersive experiences to new ways to engage with your favorite fictional worlds and landscapes, to the creation of a Persona that levels up the age of avatars and… pic.twitter.com/npXX4Qgpv1
— Carolina Milanesi (She/Her) (@caro_milanesi) January 30, 2024
Col Mac
Using the Apple Vision Pro with a Mac presents what I consider to be the most challenging aspect, not because of setup complexity – in fact, the process is quite simple – but because it requires you to rethink your workflow to make the most of it that every single device has to offer. For example, the Keynote app for Vision Pro offers a feature that lets you rehearse a presentation on stage at the Steve Jobs Theater. The Mac app also allows you to rehearse, but in a more traditional way that, while useful, may not help a nervous presenter feel calmer, because it lacks the emotions that being on a virtual stage can evoke.
Possible futures The change activated by Apple’s Vision Pro by Massimo Canducci 09 June 2023
From one world to another
I shot a couple of videos demonstrating the seamless transition from complete immersion in a virtual environment to interacting with the physical world, showcasing an intriguing feature of Vision Pro called EyeSight. Already during my first test in June, I highlighted how the automatic detection of someone entering the user’s space improves user comfort by promoting a sense of security, especially in environments frequented by others. Additionally, the design that allows strangers to see a user’s eyes while wearing Vision Pro not only maintains a connection to reality, but also eliminates the need to frequently remove the headset during conversations.
One of the most notable aspects of Vision Pro’s immersive experiences is its effortless setup process. Unlike other VR systems where you need to define a play area, with the Vision Pro you just put it on and start exploring. The cameras dynamically map your surroundings, allowing nearby objects or people to seamlessly transition into your virtual environment. This feature not only improves safety by preventing accidents, but also adds a smooth and natural feel to movement in virtual reality space. I tried to show this in a video that explains how objects in the real world can become part of the experience in a safe and intuitive way, unlike the constant boundary adjustments needed with devices like the Oculus Quest.
There’s been a lot of talk about Netflix’s doubts about the market’s interest in Vision Pro, but my experience, particularly with Disney’s 3D films and branded environments like Avengers Tower, leads to starkly different conclusions. The potential to monetize unique, immersive experiences, especially those paired with Netflix-exclusive content, is vast. They could leverage them for direct purchase or include them in a premium subscription tier, coinciding with new releases or series, thus offering a model to follow not only for Netflix, but also for other developers.
The transition from traditional applications to those that fully embrace the immersive qualities of Vision Pro shows the opportunity for developers to create highly engaging content and offers the option to earn more. While it’s nice to use familiar apps and games with a standard controller or hand gestures, the immersion when you’re fully immersed in a virtual environment is incomparable. This is true whether you are navigating through game missions or moving between interactive virtual objects.
Importantly, iPad app compatibility with Vision Pro is a much better experience than in the early days of iPad, when iPhone apps were simply enlarged for a larger screen.
World Disability Day From the iPhone to the Vision Pro: accessible technology according to Apple by our correspondent Bruno Ruffilli 01 December 2023
Persona
I’m curious to see how people will react to this particular feature. For me, it’s the most realistic representation of myself I’ve ever used as an avatar. The images have a somewhat ghostly appearance, probably due to the color palette and some translucency in the rendering, yet they are a convincing representation of a human being. The real question is about practical applications – when will people choose to use it?
In FaceTime calls the caller appeared not just as a regular video, but as a larger floating screen in my space. This added a more personal touch than traditional computer or phone screens, although I’m not sure I’d use it every time I need to make a FaceTime call. The same goes for Zoom or WebEx meetings; it is an excellent alternative to keeping the camera turned off when you are not in an environment or physical state suitable for the professional environment. This seems to align with Microsoft’s perspective on mesh avatars: using them as an alternative to not using the camera. In professional contexts, this feature can make interactions more refined and improve connection. However, it’s important to remember that this technology is still in its beta phase, and while the capture of facial expressions – including smiles and grimaces – is impressively accurate and responsive, there is potential for Apple to further refine and enrich this experience.
Siri
Using Siri with the Vision Pro was fascinating, with the Siri icon floating around me, which added a lively touch to the interaction. It created a unique sense of connection with Apple’s voice assistant: just ask Siri for help, and – once the requests are complete – tell her to disappear, so the icon will disappear too.
Guest mode
As mentioned, the acclimatization process for Vision Pro is really quick. Guest mode is designed to share the device with others without compromising the customization set by the primary user. On occasions when I neglected to use it, I found myself having to recalibrate the device for my eyes after another person used it. However, when I used guest mode, switching between users was seamless, eliminating the need for reconfiguration.
Guest mode isn’t just a simple feature; it is essential to preserve privacy and ensure security, especially considering the personalized nature of the device, very similar to a personal computer but more intimate. When sharing Vision Pro, you need to be aware of the apps and information accessible to the guest. Guest mode allows the device owner to control app accessibility, ensuring that personal messages or sensitive data remain private. Apple also offers the option to purchase additional accessories for a better fit, enhancing the customization and comfort of the Vision Pro experience.
Preview Everything you need to know about the Apple Vision Pro viewer from our correspondent Bruno Ruffilli 05 June 2023
Vision Pro and the future of computing
After Apple’s keynote in June, I shared my view is that Apple aims to dominate the future of computing. My test of Vision Pro has strengthened my belief: in Cupertino they know that their current pricing strategy will limit widespread adoption, yet I am increasingly convinced that Vision Pro represents a more significant opportunity for Apple than it has ever been ‘iPad. While adopting Vision Pro requires users to explore and adapt to new workflows, this transition appears easier than it did with the iPad. Potential drawbacks in trying to replicate Mac workflows on the iPad, which often led to frustration, seem less likely with Vision Pro, suggesting a smoother integration and adoption process for users.
Scattered notes
Apple needs a way to make Face ID work with Vision Pro to unlock the iPhone so you don’t have to remove the headset. Vision Pro has two bands available, both comfortable to wear. I found the Dual Loop Band to be more stable than the Solo Knit Band, and therefore more suitable for extended use.
Battery life was not an issue. When I used the Vision Pro for a long time, I simply connected a long USB-C cable to charge the device. For activities that don’t involve movement like watching a movie, this setup is perfectly adequate. However, when I had to move, I conveniently placed the battery in my back pocket.
Virtual reality Apple Vision Pro, Zuckerberg’s opinion: “Nothing that we haven’t already done before” by Bruno Ruffilli 09 June 2023