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Apple plans a slow, appointment-only rollout of Vision Pro

bloomberg.com

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Re: Apple plans a slow, appointment-only rollout of Vision Pro

#11

Post by danpalmer »

kcplate wrote: post #5
shipscode wrote: post #4

Having messed with VR/AR tech since the DK2, the Apple Store presence could be the killer app that VR/AR needs. The manual learning process of ordering special fit lenses, adjusting the headsets, etc would be a great fit with Apple’s store model.

So the killer app for a $3.5k product is an app that helps you buy other expensive products from the same company? Maybe I misunderstood, but if not count me skeptical.

I’m squarely in the target market for the Meta Quest, but the fact I have no way of trying one before I buy, even just for a few minutes, is my main blocker for getting one.

This is particularly important for a) new product categories where customers aren’t yet sure they want/need it, b) products that “fit”, or don’t, and c) expensive entertainment products. These headsets are all three, so it’s really important.

Apple’s retail presence could solve this.

Re: Apple plans a slow, appointment-only rollout of Vision Pro

#12

Post by catchnear4321 »

goosedragons wrote: post #9
shipscode wrote: post #4

Having messed with VR/AR tech since the DK2, the Apple Store presence could be the killer app that VR/AR needs. The manual learning process of ordering special fit lenses, adjusting the headsets, etc would be a great fit with Apple’s store model.

Conversely the fact that you need special fit lenses and a store appointment means its going to be hard to test out and hard to buy. You're probably not going to be able to wander past the Apple store in the mall and take a quick peek in and play with the Vision Pro like you can with their other products like the iPad. Nor will testing your friend's necessarily be a good experience. Plus even in the U.S Apple Store's…

the price tag already made this a “not for everyone.”

for the enthusiastic, apple is going to make it as low-friction as possible.

this is a slow game.

Re: Apple plans a slow, appointment-only rollout of Vision Pro

#14

Post by catchnear4321 »

smiley1437 wrote: post #6
shipscode wrote: post #4

Having messed with VR/AR tech since the DK2, the Apple Store presence could be the killer app that VR/AR needs. The manual learning process of ordering special fit lenses, adjusting the headsets, etc would be a great fit with Apple’s store model.

Sure sounds like it's adding a lot of friction to the purchase phase

which removes even more from the usage phase. you’ve been taught how to use the device fitted for you.

they’re front-loading friction in an effort to minimize it.

Re: Apple plans a slow, appointment-only rollout of Vision Pro

#15

Post by danpalmer »

smiley1437 wrote: post #6
shipscode wrote: post #4

Having messed with VR/AR tech since the DK2, the Apple Store presence could be the killer app that VR/AR needs. The manual learning process of ordering special fit lenses, adjusting the headsets, etc would be a great fit with Apple’s store model.

Sure sounds like it's adding a lot of friction to the purchase phase

I think the friction can come across to some customers as good service, and help launch a category.

The Apple Watch was initially sold at fitting appointments in store, and I think that was important in establishing it as a normal thing to wear and even a fashionable thing to wear in some cases, and helped cement the product in the mainstream.

Tailored suits is another case where there’s a premium price, premium service, but a lot of friction. It’s not always bad.

They’re also probably supply constrained enough that the friction doesn’t matter for the first version or two.

Re: Apple plans a slow, appointment-only rollout of Vision Pro

#16

Post by amelius »

goosedragons wrote: post #9
shipscode wrote: post #4

Having messed with VR/AR tech since the DK2, the Apple Store presence could be the killer app that VR/AR needs. The manual learning process of ordering special fit lenses, adjusting the headsets, etc would be a great fit with Apple’s store model.

Conversely the fact that you need special fit lenses and a store appointment means its going to be hard to test out and hard to buy. You're probably not going to be able to wander past the Apple store in the mall and take a quick peek in and play with the Vision Pro like you can with their other products like the iPad. Nor will testing your friend's necessarily be a good experience. Plus even in the U.S Apple Store's…

> the fact that you need special fit lenses and a store appointment

Sounds like a serious shortcoming if you can't share the device with friends and family.

Re: Apple plans a slow, appointment-only rollout of Vision Pro

#18

Post by dharmab »

danpalmer wrote: post #11
kcplate wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

So the killer app for a $3.5k product is an app that helps you buy other expensive products from the same company? Maybe I misunderstood, but if not count me skeptical.

I’m squarely in the target market for the Meta Quest, but the fact I have no way of trying one before I buy, even just for a few minutes, is my main blocker for getting one. This is particularly important for a) new product categories where customers aren’t yet sure they want/need it, b) products that “fit”, or don’t, and c) expensive entertainment products. These headsets are all three, so it’s really important. App…

Meta has a free 30 day return policy

Re: Apple plans a slow, appointment-only rollout of Vision Pro

#19

Post by catchnear4321 »

geraldwhen wrote: post #10
robg wrote: post #2

Wow, imagine if Apple starts integrating their stores with their products into connected life experiences. The stores become showcases for personalized experiences for life, work, and play. Companies are already integrating Watch and VisionPro with biofeedback. Might be something consumers need to deeply experience to believe, from the spatial desktop to music, games, and movies, desk to couch to bed.

Ah yes, the joys of traveling through high crime mall areas to arrive at a crowded Apple Store. At least one has a permanent police presence at the door.

that’s the killer app for the headset.

access to a virtual apple store with no crowding, no wait, and no pilgrimage required. payment charged to apple card using an eyeball scan.

hey, siri, let’s go to the mall.

Re: Apple plans a slow, appointment-only rollout of Vision Pro

#20

Post by Kerbonut »

amelius wrote: post #16
goosedragons wrote: post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Conversely the fact that you need special fit lenses and a store appointment means its going to be hard to test out and hard to buy. You're probably not going to be able to wander past the Apple store in the mall and take a quick peek in and play with the Vision Pro like you can with their other products like the iPad. Nor will testing your friend's necessarily be a good experience. Plus even in the U.S Apple Store's…

> the fact that you need special fit lenses and a store appointment Sounds like a serious shortcoming if you can't share the device with friends and family.

Do you share your iPhone, iPad, MacBook Pro, AirPods or Apple Watch with friends and family? It’s touted as a work machine first and foremost right? Do you share your work laptop with others? Apple exec logic I’m sure.

I get what you’re saying and it’s hard to describe (and never really does it justice) the experience of this technology. It’s something you have to experience yourself to understand.

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