Apple’s highly anticipated spatial computer, Vision Pro, is set to be available for pre-order starting this Friday. To give tech enthusiasts a taste of what to expect, Apple invited Chance Miller from 9to5Mac to spend some time with the device in New York City. Although Miller emphasizes that his experience was not long enough to provide a comprehensive review, he shares his initial thoughts and impressions in this article.
Comfort and Fit
One of the most important aspects of Vision Pro is its comfort. To ensure a personalized fit, users will go through a scanning process similar to setting up Face ID on an iPhone. During Miller’s demo, he had the option to choose between two bands: the Solo Knit Band and the Dual Loop Band. While the Solo Knit Band is more aesthetically pleasing, Miller found that the Dual Loop Band distributed the weight of Vision Pro more effectively. Despite its initial heaviness, Miller noted that he gradually got used to the weight over the course of the demo.
VisionOS: Gestures, Apps, and Productivity
Miller was impressed by the intuitiveness of Vision Pro’s operating system, visionOS. He found that the hand gestures were easy to remember and responsive, even when his hands were resting on his lap. One feature he was particularly excited about was the visionOS keyboard, which offers two methods of interaction: typing on a virtual keyboard or using eye-tracking technology to select keys. While Miller couldn’t write an entire article using the visionOS keyboard, he believes it would be useful for quick tasks like sending messages or taking notes.
Spatial Photos and Videos
Spatial videos were a standout feature for Miller during his demo. He was amazed by how immersive and realistic they felt, especially when shot using Vision Pro’s 3D camera. However, he was pleasantly surprised to learn that spatial videos can also be captured using the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This revelation made spatial videos a more compelling feature, as users won’t necessarily have to wear Vision Pro to enjoy this experience.
Content
Apple showcased a variety of immersive videos during the demo, including an exclusive clip of Alicia Keys in a music studio. Miller found these videos incredibly impressive, but he wonders how many will be available when Vision Pro launches. He was particularly excited about the Disney+ app, which will offer custom environments for watching content. Miller had the opportunity to watch a Star Wars trailer while sitting in Luke Skywalker’s landspeeder, which he described as an incredible experience.
EyeSight
EyeSight is a unique feature of Vision Pro that uses the outward-facing display to show people around the user what they are focusing on. Miller saw this feature in action when an Apple employee wearing Vision Pro demonstrated it. EyeSight displays a rendering of the person’s eyes on the external display, blinks when they blink, and shows a blue gradient when they are actively focused on an app. While Miller acknowledges that EyeSight is a peculiar feature, he commends Apple for its innovation.
Final Thoughts
Miller concludes his article by expressing his excitement for Vision Pro and acknowledging that it is a first-generation product with a learning curve. He praises the delightful interface, attention to detail, and impressive hardware of Vision Pro. Miller believes that Vision Pro sets the stage for an exciting future and is confident that it will be a fun and innovative device.
Overall, Miller’s hands-on experience with Vision Pro left him eager to spend more time with the device and explore its capabilities further. While a full review is yet to come, his initial impressions indicate that Apple has created something truly remarkable with Vision Pro.