Podcast Summary
Apple Vision Pro limitations: Users find value in the unique features of the Apple Vision Pro, but face limitations such as missed notifications and finger gesture recognition issues.
The Apple Vision Pro, five months after its launch, continues to be a topic of interest despite some initial hype and disillusionment. Users like Wes Davis and V-song, who have spent more time with the device than most, find value in its unique features, such as the ability to blend virtual and real environments. Wes bought the Vision Pro for a peek into the future of technology, intrigued by its advanced visual clarity and sizeable virtual screen. However, he discovered that the large display led to missed notifications. V-song, on the other hand, enjoys the immersive experience and sees everything at once but struggles with finger gesture recognition. Despite the device's limitations, both users continue to use it and are excited about upcoming software and hardware updates. The Vision Pro may not have changed the world, but it's still a significant step forward in spatial computing, and its potential is far from being fully realized.
Vision Pro headset: The Vision Pro headset is a valuable tool for single-tasking and deep focus, justifying its high cost for users who need immersive experience for specific tasks like reading, writing, and watching content.
Both Vee and Wes found the Vision Pro headset to be a useful tool for focusing on specific tasks, despite its high cost and limitations. Vee uses it primarily for reading and writing, particularly in Google Docs, while Wes uses it for watching content and working. The large screen and immersive experience help them concentrate, making it a worthwhile investment for them, despite the challenges and limitations. However, they both agree that the platform for accessing content is a significant drawback, and they would prefer a more seamless integration with streaming services. Overall, the Vision Pro serves as an effective tool for single-tasking and deep focus, justifying its price tag for those who value such functionality.
VR headset challenges: Users report difficulties multitasking and interacting socially while using the Vision Pro VR headset, but good content and specific activities can enhance enjoyment
While the Vision Pro VR headset offers immersive experiences, it presents challenges for multitasking and social interaction. Users have reported difficulties typing or inputting information while wearing the headset, and some find it isolating when wearing it in shared spaces. However, the phone mirroring feature in Mac OS could potentially address these issues. The user also mentioned the importance of good content and social experiences within the Vision Pro environment to enhance enjoyment. Additionally, some users have found success in using the headset for specific activities, like gaming, where the immersion outweighs the inconvenience. Overall, the Vision Pro offers unique experiences but requires careful consideration of its limitations for multitasking and social interaction.
VisionOS 2 update: The VisionOS 2 update for the Meta Quest Pro VR headset aims to improve the user interface, add new features like copy and paste and rearranging home screen apps, and address the uncanny valley effect of avatars. Users are also excited about the addition of a big curved display and a new gesture for accessing the home screen.
While the Meta Quest Pro VR headset offers innovative features like hand gestures and a big curved display, users have expressed frustration with its UI and the uncanny valley effect of the avatars. The upcoming VisionOS 2 update aims to address these issues by improving the user interface and adding new features like copy and paste and rearranging home screen apps. Another point of excitement is the addition of a big curved display, which addresses the user's desire for more screen space. The user also appreciates the new gesture for accessing the home screen, which feels like a magic trick. However, they still find Siri on the Vision Pro less reliable compared to other Apple devices and have trouble remembering the names of VR apps. Overall, the Quest Pro's innovative features and the upcoming improvements in VisionOS 2 make it an exciting development in the VR space, but there is still room for improvement in terms of user experience.
User experience of Vision Pro: The user experience of Vision Pro is innovative but falls short in areas like app download ease, comfort, and eye strain, leaving room for improvement.
The user experience of the Vision Pro, while offering innovative features like hand calipers in virtual reality, falls short in areas like app download and usage ease, comfort, and eye strain. The user finds the process of downloading apps frustrating and forgets about new apps once they're installed. The Vision Pro is not comfortable for extended use due to pressure on the head and face, and the user experiences eye fatigue from prolonged use. Despite these challenges, the user appreciates the potential of spatial computing and the convenience of certain apps like hand calipers. However, the overall experience leaves room for improvement, particularly in terms of comfort and ease of use.
App Store quality and availability: The success of Apple's Vision Pro headset relies on the quality and availability of apps in its App Store. The impressive hardware may not be enough to entice users if the software doesn't significantly surpass cheaper alternatives.
The success of Apple's Vision Pro headset depends heavily on the quality and availability of apps in its App Store. While the hardware is impressive, particularly the high-resolution screen, the lack of compelling software could deter users from adopting the device. There are rumors of Apple making the next Vision Pro model cheaper by reducing the screen resolution, but this compromise might not be worth it if the experience inside the headset doesn't significantly surpass cheaper alternatives. The developers behind the Television app for the Vision Pro shared their perspective, emphasizing the importance of continued investment in software to ensure the headset's long-term success.
Spatial computing and TV: Spatial computing enables a unique TV viewing experience by bringing old-school TVs into the physical space and allowing users to watch any content on them, adding charm and fun to traditional TV viewing.
The Vision Pro, a new device by Sandwich, allows users to bring old-school TVs into their physical space and watch any content on them. This unique experience, only possible with spatial computing, adds a charming and fun element to traditional TV viewing. The idea for the television app came to Adam Lissigor, the founder of Sandwich, during a brainstorming session with his team. Inspired by the device's capabilities, they set out to create an app that brings the magic of TV into the user's space. Dan Sturm, the visual effects supervisor, was captivated by the technology and joined the project to explore the possibilities of storytelling in this new medium. Together, they dreamed up the Television app, which has since brought a new dimension to the way we consume media.
New tech development process: The importance of actual testing in the user's environment cannot be overstated in the development process of new technology, as the true experience may differ significantly from simulations.
The development process for creating experiences in new technology, such as Apple's Vision Pro, involves a lot of experimentation and optimization. The team started by using a simulator to get a rough idea of how a retro TV model might look and function in a virtual space. They then worked on figuring out user interaction, such as button placement and functionality. However, the true experience of using the technology was significantly different from the simulation, highlighting the importance of actual testing in the user's environment. The team faced challenges in balancing detail and performance, especially in creating immersive spaces like a theater app. The experience was new and unknown, and decisions about user interface and interaction were still being made. Apple's developer labs provided a valuable opportunity for developers to test their apps in the real headset and gain valuable feedback. Overall, the development process for new technology is full of discovery and requires a delicate balance between detail and performance.
Apple Vision Pro user experience design: Apple's Vision Pro headset presents opportunities for natural and intuitive interactions in an augmented reality world, with challenges in mimicking real-world effects and the need for continued innovation and developer engagement.
The discussion revolves around the potential of Apple's Vision Pro headset and its user experience design. Adam, a designer, shares his perspective on creating natural and intuitive interactions for accessing information in an augmented reality world. The challenges of mimicking real-world interactions, such as reflections of light, are addressed, with Apple's recent updates to their OS and developer tools enabling more realistic effects. The business opportunities for content delivery and the potential for the Vision Pro to become a significant new platform are also explored. Despite initial financial losses for developers, the excitement lies in building a new infrastructure for creating software and running a business on this emerging platform. The future success of the Vision Pro depends on continued innovation and developer engagement.
Apple's Vision Pro wearability challenges: Apple's Vision Pro faces challenges in becoming more wearable and socially acceptable due to its size. Apple could consider making it cheaper or focus on smart glasses for a more wearable and affordable alternative.
Apple's Vision Pro, despite its advanced technology, faces challenges in becoming more wearable and socially acceptable due to its size, which is primarily determined by human physiology rather than the tech itself. To make it more accessible, Apple could consider making it cheaper by reducing the screen resolution and other features. However, the expert suggests that Apple might be better off focusing on smart glasses, which offer similar functionalities but are less intrusive and more wearable. The expert compares Apple's approach to Meta's, noting that the latter's smart glasses prioritize microphones, speakers, and cameras, which can offer significant power and functionality. The expert believes that Apple's Vision Pro is more akin to an all-encompassing headset, which is still a few years away from being truly wearable and socially acceptable. The expert suggests that Apple could take inspiration from Meta's smart glasses and focus on making a device that does less but is more wearable and affordable, much like how Apple introduced the iPod before the iPhone.
Vision Pro user experiences: Listeners share their experiences using the Vision Pro, whether they're still using it, found new ways to use it, or returned it. The hosts are eager to hear more and look forward to the next versions of the Vision Pro and the upcoming phone season.
The Vision Pro, a high-end VR headset, has been out for several months now, and the hosts of The Vergecast are curious to know if users are still finding value in it. They encourage listeners who have used the Vision Pro to share their experiences, whether they're still using it, found new ways to use it, or returned it. The hosts also mention that they've received a lot of feedback since the initial review, but now that things have settled, they're eager to hear more. They're also looking forward to the next versions of the Vision Pro and the upcoming phone season, promising that there will be lots of tech news to cover. The show is produced by Andrew Moreno, Liam James, and Will Poor, and is part of the Vox Media Podcast Network. Listeners can reach out with their thoughts, questions, or Vision Pro apps at vergecast@theverge.com or 866-Verge11. The hosts remind everyone to enjoy the holiday weekend and will be back next week. Additionally, they mention MetaAI, an advanced AI that can help with various tasks, and is available on Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Messenger.