Vision Pro's Arrival Echoes Mac's Launch 40 Years Ago

Summary

This week marks the 40th anniversary of the original Apple Macintosh computer. With the upcoming release of the expensive yet intriguing Apple Vision Pro headset, there are parallels to that Macintosh launch. Both products represent an expensive new computing paradigm - the Macintosh pioneering the graphical user interface, and the Vision Pro pioneering spatial computing via virtual and augmented reality. Though initial software libraries may be limited for the Vision Pro, its entertainment capabilities and evolution over time could make it a compelling purchase. Meanwhile at CES 2024, high-end VR headsets like Vario XR4 showcase this technology's potential while accessible products aim to help those with visual impairments, indicating an expanding range of use cases.

Takeaways

• 😊 Apple's Vision Pro mixed reality headset goes on sale this week, 40 years after the revolutionary Macintosh computer
• 💰 The Vision Pro costs nearly $4,000 - very expensive like the original Macintosh
• 📈 Analysts estimate Apple sold 160K-180K Vision Pros initially, showing strong demand
• 😕 Limited software support and apps could hamper Vision Pro's usefulness at first
• 🎥 Entertainment and immersive 3D content is a big Vision Pro feature right now
• 🤔 Useful real world applications will take time to develop, like with the Macintosh
• 👀 Other mixed reality headsets at CES showcase specific business uses
• 🧠 AI and machine learning may allow less visual screens as data processing advances
• ⌨️ Clicks iPhone keyboard case indicates desire for tactile feedback remains
• 🤷‍♀️ It's unclear yet if Vision Pro can change how we interface with computers

Q & A

How much did the original Macintosh computer cost in 1984?

The introductory price of the Macintosh in 1984 was $2,495, which when adjusted for inflation is over $7,500 today.

How many Vision Pro headsets did analyst Ming-Chi Kuo estimate were sold in the first weekend?

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo estimates that Apple sold around 160,000 to 180,000 Vision Pro headsets over the first weekend.

What are some key differences between the Vision Pro and other mixed reality headsets shown at CES?

The Vision Pro does not need to be tethered to a PC to run like some other headsets. It also has very high resolution dual 4K displays built-in. However, it is more expensive than some other options.

What are some of the accessibility features that mixed reality headsets could potentially provide?

Mixed reality headsets could potentially help people with vision impairments by using smart cameras and displays to show a magnified view of the world in front of them.

What evidence is there that some people still prefer physical keyboards over touchscreens?

The Clicks iPhone keyboard case got a lot of interest at CES, showing there is still demand for physical keyboards over just using touchscreens.

What are some of the enterprise and business uses for mixed reality headsets?

Mixed reality headsets are being used for military training simulations, visualizing products in front of users, and other business applications that require high-quality imaging and environments.

Why does the author say we may see less screens and notifications in the future?

If technology gets smart enough to process data and recognize activities on its own, the author speculates we may not need as many screens constantly showing us information and interrupting us.

What evidence showed early interest and hype for the original Macintosh computer?

Apple reportedly spent millions on marketing. They also held stunts where people could rent a Macintosh for 24 hours to try it out, showing there was buzz and interest.

What questions are consumers asking now about the Vision Pro that echo questions asked about early computers?

Consumers are asking what exactly the Vision Pro can do and how useful it will be given the high price tag, similar to early questions about computers.

Why is the author waiting before buying a Vision Pro headset?

The author wants to see how the Vision Pro capabilities and available apps evolve over time before making the investment in the expensive new device.