Apple has released its latest virtual reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, which offers a high-end experience for users in the XR industry. Priced at $3,500, the headset is designed to be the pinnacle of Apple's spatial computing platform. The pre-order process for the headset was limited to a 5 a.m. PST window and required users to scan their faces with the front-facing FaceID camera on their iPhones for a custom fit. The headset can be purchased at Apple Stores, where customers are given a demo of its capabilities before taking it home.
The Apple Vision Pro does not have any functional USB ports for data or accessories, which means that hardware authentication tokens cannot be used with the device. The only USB port is for charging the battery, which is located outside the headset to prevent overheating. The headset features Sony's micro-OLED displays, delivering a resolution of 23 megapixels to each eye. It also includes eye tracking technology for foveated rendering, which improves GPU performance and battery life.
The Vision Pro is equipped with an external lenticular display called EyeSight, which allows others to see a digital representation of the user's eyes when they are looking at the real world. The headset is powered by the custom R1 processor, designed by Apple to achieve low latency. However, the headset's design has received criticism for being heavy and clunky compared to other available options, such as the Quest 3.
Setting up the Vision Pro is relatively easy, although some users have faced difficulties logging into various applications and services. The lack of USB ports with data or NFC capabilities has also caused inconvenience for users trying to sync their contacts. The eye tracking feature combined with the pinch gesture provides an intuitive interface, and the ability to anchor windows or apps in virtual space is highly praised.
Overall, the Apple Vision Pro offers a high-quality VR experience with its advanced technology and impressive display resolution. However, its weight and design choices have raised concerns among users. Apple may need to address these issues in future iterations of the headset to provide a more comfortable and user-friendly experience.
