Just a little something new in the West: The first testers of the Apple Vision Pro award praise and blame

The new Apple Vision pro will soon be launched and there are initial reports from testers. We have compiled the most important facts for you.

The Verge

The article describes the author’s experience of trying out the Apple Vision Pro, a new VR headset that costs 3,499 US dollars. The setup process, including a face scan and eye-tracking calibration, is straightforward and similar to other Apple products. The design of the headset is compared with other VR headsets, although it has a more typical Apple look. The user interface, which is controlled with a digital crown and a side switch for spatial photos and videos, is intuitive for Apple users.

The article highlights the high-quality visual features of the headset, with two 4K screens offering a lifelike experience. The virtual environment is compared to that of Metas Quest, but with a more powerful processor and without delays. The headset enables the viewing of spatial videos and panoramic photos, although it should be noted that certain camera movements can lead to motion sickness.

Apple emphasizes that the Vision Pro is not intended to isolate the user from the outside world. The headset’s front display shows the user’s eyes and indicates their focus in order to maintain a connection to the outside world. However, the author notes the strangeness of not knowing what is shown on this display while wearing the headset.

The article ends with the author reflecting on the immersive experience, but also acknowledging the physical weight of the headset and the onset of mild headaches after prolonged use. Despite these drawbacks, the author remains intrigued by the potential real-world applications and implications of the Apple Vision Pro.

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Engadget

Authors Cherlynn Low and Dana Wollman report on their renewed experience with the Apple Vision Pro headset before its official launch, this time testing new features. The new features include “Apple Immersive Video”, special environments in the Disney+ app and a floating keyboard. Initially, there were comfort problems when wearing the headset, which were solved by adjusting the straps and seals.

They found the immersive experience with Apple Immersive Video particularly impressive, where they felt like they were in scenes like an Alicia Keys living room concert or family home videos. The Disney+ app offered unique backgrounds from well-known films, which made the streaming experience special. The floating keyboard worked, but was not ideal for longer typing sessions.

Another feature, “Encounter Dinosaurs”, allowed the authors to experience virtual dinosaurs and butterflies, which led to some unexpectedly intense reactions. Despite some challenges in operation and the high price, the authors praised the device for its impressive and enjoyable experience. They also emphasized that the Vision Pro is best suited for movie and video applications rather than everyday tasks such as surfing the web or email.

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Wired Magazine

The article describes the author’s experiences with the Apple Vision Pro headset. Despite initial concerns about comfort, the author found the headset with the Solo Knit Band comfortable to wear once he had adjusted it. A small problem was the penetration of light through the nose bridge for certain contents in dark surroundings, but this was quickly forgotten.

One major point of criticism is the battery pack, which is attached to the side of the headset and only lasts for around two hours. It can be plugged into a socket, but this restricts freedom of movement. The Vision Pro is controlled by a combination of eye and finger movements, which is impressive, but also questionable in terms of data protection. The ability to create and navigate virtual environments is emphasized, as is the use of the JigSpace app and other interactive experiences.

The author also mentions the ability to take spatial videos and photos, but criticizes their graininess and the strangeness of wearing the headset during everyday family activities. Another feature is the EyeSight system, which allows outsiders to see the wearer’s eye movements and blinks, which the author also finds unusual.

Although the technology is impressive, the author sees the headset as a combination of hardware and software that is not very practical for use in public or domestic environments. He expresses the hope that the technology will continue to develop and will one day be available in the form of normal-looking glasses.

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