A familiar Vision
Apple's mixed reality headset looks cool but lacks vision
We have all seen this story right? Apple enters a new (for them) product category, and shows everyone else how it should be done. But the virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) industry could be a tough nut to crack even for Apple.
The tech giant showed off its long-awaited Vision Pro mixed reality headset this week at the WWDC conference. While the Vision Pro looks as sleek and premium as its US$3,499 price tag is hefty, many firms have crashed and burned in this industry — Meta has lost billions. So far, Apple’s headset looks similar to the competition rather than groundbreaking.
Instead of focusing on gaming or business applications, Apple is showing how the headset can be used for everyday computing tasks, from FaceTime to web browsing to watching videos. Users control and navigate the headset and its visionOS interface via eye movement, finger and hand gestures, as well as voice commands. It’s all very mundane. The device appears to be in a very polished state, but it’s nothing we haven’t seen before. Nothing truly compelling, either.
Despite the middle-income user scenarios, the Vision Pro is not priced for the mass market, though the Pro moniker implies there will be a cheaper version. In comparison, Meta’s new Quest 3 headset is available later this year at US$500.
While the Vision Pro likely has the best hardware, I bet there’s only so much Apple can do to improve the comfort. Based on my experience with Sony’s PSVR2 headset, these headsets inevitably get warm and sweaty. Unlike other headsets, the Vision Pro’s battery is separate, and connected via a cable, which probably reduces the weight. But the headset is still going to feel heavier the longer you wear it. The Vision Pro also doesn’t work with glasses, so you’ll need custom-made prescription inserts or wear contacts. Neither option sounds appealing.
In addition, the tethered battery pack can only manage up to two hours of usage. I suppose you can swap the battery for a fresh one, or tether the headset to a Mac Pro for unlimited use, but then the cable becomes an issue.
Of course, it’s still too early to judge. There’s time yet — the Vision Pro is available only early next year in the US — for developers to sink their teeth into it, and perhaps come up with a killer app or two.
Meanwhile, we have been having lots of fun with the latest Diablo IV action RPG, while Acer’s new ultraportable is great on the go. Lastly, the Ugreen DigiNest Pro is a do-it-all charger that’s worth checking out.
Diablo IV lives up to the hype. Blizzard has successfully expanded its hack-and-slash action RPG series to an open-world format. So you’ll be fighting world bosses along other players. It’s plenty of fun, more so in a group.
The Acer Swift Go 14 may look like a bland ultra-portable notebook. But besides its solid performance and vibrant OLED screen, it has a surprisingly good 1,440p webcam that’s better than most of the competition.
The Ugreen 100W DigiNest Pro GaN Charger is a do-it-all accessory that can power everything from your desktop rig (including the monitor) to your mobile devices, and more. Not only is it a GaN charger with three USB-C ports and one USB-A port, it also packs two AC sockets. It will declutter your desk for just around S$110.