Upon purchasing the Apple Vision Pro for $3,500, users may be eager to explore its spatial computing capabilities. However, a peculiar feature known as 'Personas' has garnered mixed reviews. Personas are digital avatars created by the device for FaceTime video calls, aiming to replicate the user's facial expressions.
Unfortunately, these avatars have been criticized for their unsettling appearance, often falling into the uncanny valley and failing to accurately represent users. While an update has slightly improved the visuals, the overall reception remains lukewarm.
One potential benefit users may have anticipated was the ability to discreetly vape while using the headset during video calls. However, a peculiar observation during a FaceTime call revealed a surprising limitation. Instead of capturing the vapor from the vape, the device displayed a fuzzy white blob over the user's mouth whenever it was covered, whether by a hand or a drinking glass.
Despite initial assumptions, the white blob was not an indication of vaping but rather a response to any obstruction of the mouth. This discovery debunked the notion of surreptitiously vaping while engaged in spatial computing activities, as the device promptly detected and displayed the obstruction.
Ultimately, the Apple Vision Pro's Personas feature, while innovative in concept, still faces challenges in execution. Users may need to reconsider their expectations regarding privacy and discretion while using the device for video calls, as even minor actions like covering the mouth can be detected and displayed by the headset.
