How Apple’s New Headset will change consumer technology forever
Apple made a significant announcement last week, unveiling their latest innovation called the Vision Pro which will have a big impact on the consumer technology space. The new Apple headset is basically a wearable computer, but what truly sets it apart is its method of interaction. The Vision Pro employs dual high-resolution displays situated in front of the user’s eyes to project its output, rather than conventional physical screens. Instead of relying on keyboards, mice, or touch screens, the primary interface for this computer is through gestures and eye tracking. Apple’s approach with the Vision Pro aligns with their previous device introductions. Each device initially serves a specific purpose but evolves beyond its original use through developer innovation. The iPod started as a digital walkman, the iPhone as a connected iPod, the iPad as a larger iPhone, and the Apple Watch as an enhanced smartwatch. Similarly, the Vision Pro represents an unconstrained 3D screen. Apple’s intention is to encourage experimentation and design from third-party developers who will shape the future applications for this computing platform.
Apple Products
Apple has a history of removing physical controllers, such as the stylus with the launch of the iPhone. In a similar fashion, the Vision Pro eliminates the need for a physical controller. It tracks the user’s eye movements to determine what they want to interact with and observes their hand gestures to understand their intentions. Previous attempts at creating wearable devices for viewing, such as Meta’s Quest Pro or Google Glass, and gesture control technology like Nintendo’s Wii Remote, have not yet successfully integrated all these features into a cohesive product. The Vision Pro by Apple is categorized as a spatial computer due to its ability to use the space surrounding the user as a canvas for digital output. There isn’t a requirement for a surface to place the device on, and there aren’t any limitations on the viewing area. This means that even in confined spaces like on a plane seat, one could theoretically watch a film on a movie-sized screen.
Use Cases
Currently, Apple has listed a few use cases for the Vision Pro that may seem ordinary. Users can use it just like a regular computer or an iPad. It just has the added benefit of an unconstrained and more flexible display. This is particularly valuable in situations where space is limited or for those who already utilize several large displays. This strategy enables Apple to utilize the existing applications for its iPad and iPhone, effectively introducing the new platform with a wide range of available software. However, while a more convenient and perhaps superior display for 2D content is notable, it may not fully justify the technological advancements and research and development efforts put into the new Apple headset, the Vision Pro. What the future should really show is if this new headset can lead to augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications that truly justify putting a computer on one’s head. Technically, the Vision Pro has the capabilities for both, but during Apple’s announcement, they barely mentioned VR and AR. They have drawn a line that sets this new Apple headset apart from AR and VR technologies. The Vision Pro isn’t simply a VR or AR device. It’s a spatial computer. If there’s a role for VR and AR, it’s in applications that can run on this new spatial computer. This new Apple headset has the potential for both, but they haven’t yet identified compelling use cases in either domain. This is why they introduced it at their annual developer conference. Apple needs app developers and creative minds to envision and shape future applications for this new platform.
