Apple Vision Pro: Geoff's Hands-On Impressions

Summary

Jeff provides first impressions of the new Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset after a 30-minute demo. He discusses the impressive visuals and integration of digital elements into the physical environment through hand tracking and eye tracking. He got to try some mixed reality gaming, highlighting Super Fruit Ninja, and discusses the potential for MR to complement existing gaming. While expensive at $3499, he sees it as an early prototype of the future that will inspire developers. He's excited to explore it more when he receives his preorder in a couple weeks.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jeff got hands-on time with the Apple Vision Pro AR/VR headset for 30 minutes.
• 🤯 The visuals are extremely realistic with no lag or screen door effect due to the displays and high refresh rate.
• 👌 Navigation works through eye tracking and pinch gestures - no controllers needed.
• 🎮 Jeff got to play Super Fruit Ninja in mixed reality with 3D effects.
• 💰 The starting price is high at $3499 - aimed at early adopters and developers for now.
• 😕 The weight distribution seems front-heavy based on Jeff's initial experience.
• ⏱ Battery life estimates are 2-2.5 hours with the separate battery pack.
• 🤔 Jeff sees potential for mixed reality gaming to augment existing experiences.
• 🔮 Jeff views Apple Vision Pro as a prototype of future spatial computing interactions.
• 🙂 More impressions coming as Jeff spends more time with the headset after launch.

Q & A

What are Jeff's initial impressions of the visual quality of Apple Vision Pro?

Jeff was very impressed by the visual quality. He said it captures the physical world very accurately and makes it feel like you're really seeing the environment rather than just a video feed. He highlighted the high resolution micro OLED displays, HDR, and high refresh rate as contributing to the realism.

How does navigation and input work on Apple Vision Pro?

There are no controllers. Input is handled through hand tracking and gestures, mainly pinching to select objects. Navigation is achieved by looking at icons and menus then pinching to select. The headset tracks your eyes and hands to enable this.

What examples of mixing real and virtual content does Jeff describe?

Jeff gave examples like bringing up a photos menu and resizing/moving it around, having a video game screen placed in your environment, overlaying 3D effects into real video in the Super Mario Bros movie, and people fading into virtual environments when they start talking to you.

How capable is Apple Vision Pro at rendering interactive 3D environments?

Jeff didn't get to fully test extended 3D environments and gameplay. But even the demos showed promise through encounters with animated 3D dinosaurs and manipulating a 3D F1 race car model. More complex VR experiences may have to wait for future iterations.

What game did Jeff get to try on Apple Vision Pro?

He played a modified mixed reality version of the mobile game Super Fruit Ninja. Instead of blades, you slice fruit with your hands shooting out of bamboo shoots in the real environment.

What are Jeff's thoughts on the headset's weight and comfort?

Since he only wore it briefly, Jeff couldn't fully evaluate comfort and weight. He did notice more weight towards the front rather than balanced. He expects comfort to vary by user like with other VR headsets.

What is the battery life of Apple Vision Pro?

Jeff didn't get to test battery life in depth. Apple claims 2-2.5 hours per charge with the separate battery pack. Jeff hopes to evaluate real-world battery performance when he receives his preorder.

What is the starting price of Apple Vision Pro?

The starting price is $3499 USD for the 256GB model. Jeff acknowledges this means it is targeted more for early adopters and developers rather than mass consumers for now.

What does Jeff think about the prospects for mixed reality gaming?

Jeff seems enthusiastic about innovative mixed reality gaming opportunities going forward. He gave examples like augmented interfaces around conventional games and thinks Apple Vision Pro may inspire new directions.

What is Jeff's overall first impression of Apple Vision Pro?

Very positive overall. While price and some capabilities need further testing, he was amazed by the visual realism and seamless blending of physical and digital. He views it as showcasing the future even if not ready as a mass consumer device yet.