On WWDC 2023 presentation was conducted by Apple, and we saw many new products. But my attention was attracted to VR-helmet Apple Vision Pro. So, what is so unusual in this device for developers? The best way to describe this thing is the five stages of grief.
Of course, my first reaction was a negative one. In my opinion, it's normal for a new Apple product. First of all, it's the design. Just look at the reactions on the Internet. Everyone compares it to a diving set that has spawned a huge number of memes. Secondly, there is the price. Once again, Apple showed that its devices are premium and were not ashamed to put the price tag at $3499. Let's be honest; the cost is overpriced, as always.
Apple has a fairly good chance of launching a new mainstream for virtual reality, although there are people who still doubt the potential of the technology itself. It is already clear that many companies use it in the fields of education, military, and marketing. For example, you can right now choose hairstyles in the field of beauty or visit the salon for a new car in additional reality, as well as the gaming industry causes a special stir. It is worth remembering at least Pokemon Go, where millions of players still go crazy looking for Pokemon around the city. I also want to mention IKEA, which actively helps to create the design of our dreams. Progress toward AR is obvious, and Apple's interest in this area will cause a new surge of emotions.
The rumors turned out to be true, and Apple decided to participate in the VR technology race. Maybe it's not as bad as it seems. Let's look at it from the point of view of their use in development.
The glasses use the M2 processor, which can not but rejoice. Macbook with these processors showed that you can change the world for yourself. No one believed that software developers would support the company and release patches for their software. However, the power of the ARM processor didn't stand up to the competition, and everyone supported the company.
So I have no doubts that most of the new software will support these glasses.
About the cost. At first glance, the price may be inflated. Every developer ideally has a workspace, and there you need a Macbook (~$2000), one or two monitors (~$250-500), and an adapter (~$15). Still expensive. However, imagine the unique level of mobility the glasses provide. Your entire workplace is in these glasses. Unlimited monitors, keyboards, and eye control. Is this the future?
One week ago cheap version of the device was announced by Apple.
According to rumors from verified sources, the cost of the budget device will be around $3000. Is it worth it if you can get a better machine with a better resolution by paying 500$? I believe that image quality plays a significant role in AR/VR.
In any case, it's worth looking at competitors in the form of Meta.
Apple is taking a wrong turn somewhere. I mean, Meta has chosen the path of entertainment content, and from the presentation of Apple, it is impossible to conclude who the target audience is. On the one hand, the convenience for work was shown. On the other hand - they did not forget about entertainment content (Hello, Apple Arcade, and TV).
Let’s compare these two different products:
|
APPLE PRO VISION |
META QUEST 2 |
---|---|---|
Price |
$3499 |
$1,499 |
Available in China |
Yes |
No |
Close environment |
Yes |
No |
Sphere of activity |
Social |
Social (Metaverse) |
Usability |
Tracking eye |
Remote controller |
I want to believe that the Apple Vision Pro will position itself primarily as a device for developers. The potential for revolutionary discoveries is there. We'll see what it can do when it goes on sale.