What Could Appel Vision Pro Mean to VR Enthusiasts and Developers?

During the annual WWDC event, Apple unveiled its latest major product release since the introduction of the iPhone back in 2007. In a classic “one more thing” moment, Tim Cock shocked the world with the announcement of Apple Vision Pro, a powerful mixed-reality headset hailed as "most advanced spatial computer". Boasting the remarkable M2 chip and a cutting-edge R1 chip specifically designed for real-time processing, this headset sets a new standard in immersive technology.

Packed with advanced features such as eye tracking, hand tracking, and much more, we have seen demonstration of several use cases, including transforming your living room into an immersive cinema experience, enhancing productivity, indulging in gaming adventures, and effortlessly viewing and capturing stunning photos and videos. The seamless integration of these cutting-edge capabilities opens up a world of possibilities for both users and developers, bringing a new level of engagement and immersion to their digital experiences.

Controllers

Unlike the Meta Quest were using controllers as the primary means of system navigation and playing video games. The Vision Pro takes a different approach by integrating both eye tracking and hand tracking technologies for seamless system navigation. By completely eliminating the need for controllers, the Vision Pro adopts a controller-free approach, prioritizing the convenience for users. However, this approach presents a big challenge for developers, as most games and experiences heavily rely on controllers for movement and haptic feedback.

It's important to note that Apple has historically not placed gaming as its primary focus, and we believe the same holds true for the Vision Pro headset. While media outlets have acknowledged the existence of Rec Room VR, it remains challenging to envision how the game could be played solely with hand and eye tracking. Although Meta (formerly Facebook) has been experimenting with demos that utilize hand tracking, such as the game Tiny Castle, it is still a far cry from supporting fast-paced VR games.

Until Apple presents a viable solution, the absence of controllers will hinder game developers from adopting a complex, fast-paced gameplay mechanics.

Hardware

What truly sets this headset apart from the competition is its remarkable dual-chip design, combining the mighty M2 chip, which was unveiled in 2022, with the groundbreaking R1 chip. The M2 chip, known for its exceptional performance, has already proven its capabilities in devices like the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro, handling demanding tasks such as playing AAA games and editing high-resolution RAW images with ease.

Adding to the innovation, the brand-new R1 chip is specifically engineered to process inputs from the cameras, sensors, and microphones. Its purpose is to stream images to the displays within an astonishingly low latency of just 12 milliseconds, resulting in a virtually lag-free and real-time view of the world. This means users can experience an immersive environment without any noticeable delays, providing a seamless and fluid experience.

Indeed, optimizing power consumption in a mobile device, especially with a power-hungry chip like the M2, presents a significant challenge. To address this concern, Apple has developed an external battery solution that needs to be connected to the device using a cable. The company stated that the average use time is only 2-hours, of course user can directly plug the headset into a power source for uninterrupted usage. But this goes against the intended purpose of the device, as user mobility will be encumbered by cables.

Price

At a price point of 3500$ surely the Vision Pro is expected to deliver more than just watching movies and multitasking on multiple floating monitors. Apple justifies this premium price point by offering the best hardware specifications and seamless user experience. Recognizing that most users spend around 2 hours per day using their headsets their main goal is to keep users captivated for an extended period of time.

This pricing strategy may hurt the sales of developers as it limit the number of potential customers who are willing to make the purchase, thus reducing the overall market size for developers. As a result, developers may need to consider this factor when planning their strategies and allocating resources. Developers should think twice before releasing games exclusively for the Vision Pro headset.

Additionally, there have been speculations that Apple intends to release another headset at a more affordable price point, catering to the average user, while positioning the Vision Pro as a premium option for professionals and enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Observing the historical pattern, it becomes evident that the adoption of computers was primarily driven by business needs, while the internet played a pivotal role in the widespread adoption of phones. In the past decade, gaming has emerged as the primary driving force behind the adoption of virtual reality (VR) technology. This trend suggests that the gaming industry has significantly influenced the popularity and acceptance of VR among consumers.

For a considerable period of time, this strategic approach has been consistently employed by Meta as they actively acquire studios under the umbrella of Oculus Studios, expanding their gaming portfolio. But Meta's shift in focus towards XR (Extended Reality) does indeed create a rivalry, drawing comparisons similar to the historical competition between Mac and Windows or Android and iPhone. With Meta's Vision Pro and Quest headsets, people have begun to perceive them as direct competitors, despite their fundamental differences in terms of features and target audience.

It is indeed exciting to witness this rivalry, as it has the potential to foster a healthy competition within the VR and AR technology space. Competition often drives innovation and pushes companies to continuously improve their offerings, which ultimately benefits consumers.

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