Apple Vision Pro and the Evolution of Mixed Reality

It has been nearly a week since the announcement of Apple #visionpro, and as an avid follower of technological advancements, I eagerly anticipated this moment. The excitement leading up to the unveiling and the subsequent days spent reading reviews and reflecting on the implications have left me with a mix of emotions. Upon witnessing the introduction of Apple Vision Pro, I couldn't help but feel that it didn't quite surpass my lofty expectations. While undoubtedly an impressive device in the realm of extended realities, it didn't deliver the eye-opening experience I had anticipated. Comparatively, as a user of #QuestPro, I was already familiar with the potential of immersive technologies, although Apple's offering boasts superior technical specifications.

I agree with Edgar Martín-Blas Méndez and Carlos Bolívar that one area where Apple undeniably excels is in its marketing strategy. The company has successfully captured the attention of both technology enthusiasts and newcomers to the field. The term "#spatialcomputing" introduced by Apple signifies an evolutionary step rather than a drastic departure into a closed-off virtual world. This approach aligns with my personal belief that the integration of augmented reality should seamlessly blend with our existing reality, rather than isolating us in a separate realm. The digital crown included on the top becomes a symbol of that: the user will be able to chose how far the immersion will be, something I remember was already announced by Meta on their "#InfiniteOffice" concept. The introduction of Apple Vision Pro signifies not only a technological leap forward but also a philosophical shift in how we interact with spatial computing. By blending augmented reality seamlessly with our everyday lives, Apple embraces an open and integrated metaverse, distinguishing itself from the notion of a closed-off virtual realm. This affords users the freedom to choose the type of experience they desire, whether it's complete immersion or a blended reality.

It's important to acknowledge that Meta previously presented a concept resembling spatial computing with their "Infinite Office" announcement three years ago. This indicates that Apple's unveiling of Vision Pro is not entirely novel. However, what distinguishes Apple's offering is their attention to detail, refined execution, and leverage of their ecosystem and hardware integration to deliver a compelling user experience.

For example, one aspect that fascinated me was Apple's innovative approach to interaction. By combining eye tracking and hand movements, Apple Vision Pro offers a near-magical level of interactivity. Seeing ThrillSeeker experiment with similar capabilities using Quest Pro further validates that what Apple showcases is not a radical leap, but rather an evolution of existing technologies. This reminds me to what I was commenting in previous article about how the interaction in this new space is still not totally defined and how we all are kind of contributing to it.

Apple Vision Pro may not have the groundbreaking impact of the original iPhone, that was a complete disruption. Nevertheless, it undeniably represents a significant step forward. It holds the potential to reshape the industry and propel us towards a more integrated future. The seamless integration of Apple's software ecosystem further solidifies its position, setting it apart from competitors like Meta, who are still catching up in terms of hardware and software integration.

It is important to recognize that Meta, a company not initially focused on hardware development, has made significant strides in the industry. Similar to Android's impact on the smartphone market, Meta's positioning as a prominent player in the augmented reality landscape is a testament to their dedication and innovation.

Furthermore, while Meta laid the foundation for spatial computing with their Infinite Office concept, Apple has taken it to new heights with Vision Pro. The refinement, execution, and dedication to advancing the technology set Apple apart. The healthy competition and iterative development between tech giants ultimately benefit users, driving innovation and enhancing products and experiences.

Don't get me wrong, I know it won't be there until next year and I am aware of the high price, but, as an enthusiastic user deeply embedded within Apple's ecosystem, I am determined to acquire Apple Vision Pro when it becomes available. I hope it is the case. It represents a tangible step towards a future where spatial computing seamlessly integrates with our lives, expanding our horizons and transforming the way we interact with digital content.

What about you?

ZN Philip Weiss ⭐ Vincent Parissis ⭐ VIP ⭐ Etienne Verbist Sean Hayes Joaquín Reyes González Nenad Zafirovski #VR #AR #mixedreality