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Apple Vision Pro: Apple’s first spatial computer

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Re: Apple Vision Pro: Apple’s first spatial computer

#361
post #193

I was sceptical going into today that Apple were going to be able to make an AR product for $3000 that could justify that price point, especially when my XReal glasses only cost $399. I was even more sceptical when I heard they were going to be VR capable and goggles. Well fuck me. This thing looks absolutely insane. It’s come in at $3499 and if it performs as good as those videos make out then, if anything, it’s a b…

Agree the tech is incredible, it just seems like something I would use a handful of times, be like ‘that was cool’ and then never really use again

Re: Apple Vision Pro: Apple’s first spatial computer

#362
Regardless of the future of the device, it’s been a long way for Apple to get here. ARKit was released in 2017 and is on version 6 by now, so far mostly for gimmicks. The same is true for the lidar sensor on every iPhone and iPad Pros: consumers have been bearing cost of R&D and establishing the supply chain for years. Also don’t forget binaural spatial audio: though quite cool on its own in the AirPods, it is clear that AR/VR is the application it shines. Finally, Apple Silicon’s absolute performance and performance per watt gives them an definite edge over competitors.

Although not needing handheld controllers is quite an Apple move, I am personally disappointed that the UX is not more spatial, but rather floating traditional 2D interfaces. As users of the first gen bear more of the initial manufacturing and R&D cost, let’s hope Apple can further iterate on the ideas, and also reduce costs for a proper consumer-range model.

Re: Apple Vision Pro: Apple’s first spatial computer

#363
post #7

I will happily go on the record as saying that this will be as revolutionary as the iPhone, perhaps even more so. --- EDIT: To clarify this statement... - For personal/entertainment use it largely replaces the need for a TV, soundbar, or home cinema. - For business use, the days of multiple displays and screen management seem set to be a relic of the past. I look forward to coding in an IDE which isn't constrained to…

I'm willing to take the opposite "bet", and say that I think this will receive very little traction.

The single reason being that it's uncomfortable to use. That's it. It's an "Emperor's New Clothes" type saying: It doesn't matter how impressive the capabilities are, if it's uncomfortable, people will, after the initial allure fades, just not use it.

IMO The only viable future for VR/AR is when the form factor will come down to normal looking/weighting glasses that I might look around for while having them on.

Re: Apple Vision Pro: Apple’s first spatial computer

#364

Calling it now, the failure of this Apple product is going to be a big turning point for the company. Apple is supposed to be the company that sets trends, but instead they're following Meta down a path that has now shown to be a dead end, and no amount of aesthetics or marketing can prevent it.

It’s possible, but I see a use case for this as a replacement monitor for my Mac, plus a lot more. If this were $2k I’d get one immediately, assuming an in-store demo is not disappointing.

I have never had any interest in Meta products (partly because of their affiliation with FB).

Re: Apple Vision Pro: Apple’s first spatial computer

#366
There’s no question this will be a game changer. Applications will be absolutely endless. Can you imagine putting this on and having guides on fixing homes or cars? I didn’t know it was going to be completely untethered. That you can walk around with this thing freely.

By the 3rd gen and cheaper price, Apple will be selling a lot of these devices. As software ecosystem emerge to create this entirely new experience, I cannot wait to see what people develop to use this device.

I don’t necessarily think this first gen will sell well but it will make people start thinking of all the possibilities. I am excited.

Re: Apple Vision Pro: Apple’s first spatial computer

#367
> A unique dual‑chip design enables the spatial experiences on Vision Pro... The powerful M2 chip simultaneously runs visionOS... the brand-new R1 chip is specifically dedicated to process input from the cameras...

Any information on the new "R1" chip?

Signal processing sounds like FPGA territory, would be interesting to know what is unique for giving this chip new branding, versioning, and calling it out... versus just saying "the headset processes input from the cameras..."

Re: Apple Vision Pro: Apple’s first spatial computer

#369
post #333

If I want to try developing an app for this, should I just wait for the thing to be generally available and try to buy one? Would Apple ever offer some kind of developer preview device?

I think they will probably offer some kind of developer program? Developers apply for early access to a device.

I wonder if it will also be possible to preview Vision apps on Xcode via the simulator... Very interested to see how much access they give to the hardware and sensors via APIs.

Re: Apple Vision Pro: Apple’s first spatial computer

#370

There is not one mention in the Apple Press Release of any of the terms associated with the product's market: virtual augmented reality Etc It's a Spatial Computer don't you know. Very arrogant but clever marketing I guess. Anyway, as somebody who would normally by default scoff at the Apple tax, I'm pleased to see them taking the tech seriously, it definitely needs to advance to fulfill the non-gaming promise pointe…

Why should Apple use existing technology words to describe their new product? They are trying to create a “new” product category and come up with their own vernacular for this segment.

I can just see the patent trolls salivating over this new opportunity. At least now Apple can use each of these lawsuits to promote their product with their own terminology (ads via news articles, Apple Marketing 101).

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