[Feb 10] Thoughts after using the Vision Pro

Just got a vision pro and here are some thoughts

First impressions

  • Resolution is really really good, feels like looking through glass
  • A bit heavy, but feels premium
  • Eye tracking and hand gestures are better than expected. It’s a major step up from needing controllers like with the Quest. I’ve had some minor issues with eye tracking when there’s multiple targets next to each other like in a web browser but for the most part it works really well
  • Easy to mistake light seal as actual VR headset, thus accidentally detaching the seal from the headset when holding it

After a bit of usage

  • Iris auth is really cool. But temporary guest mode is annoying. This is basically single user device
  • FOV feels the same as quest 2 but it doesn’t immediately feel odd because of the mixed reality view. Feels weirder in VR
  • Sharing what you’re seeing over airplay to your tv or laptop is a great v1 feature
  • There’s many cases where you need to use your phone while in the vision pro (like set up, doing 2FA). It would be great if you could get into your account without the need for faceID since it requires taking it off
  • Can see myself using browser and tv show a lot
  • Mixed reality is awesome. Great blend of surroundings and immersion - can hear people but immerse in content. I understand now why apple was really trying to avoid the term “virtual reality”
  • It’s really strange seeing your password being typed in plaintext in MR. We’re so used to having a phone or laptop that others can see and thus UI that hides the passwords.
  • There’s lots to do without third party apps. I spent a lot time browsing the internet and looking at photos
  • Even though quest has pass through with hand tracking, it’s still designed from the ground up with controllers in mind. Whereas the vision pro is designed for a more easier input. Similar to how apple designed the iphone with touchscreen only in mind, no stylus
  • Taking off the quest fees weird because real life feels lower resolution
  • Quickly found myself wanting to use my hand gestures on lapotps for some things like closing windows

Future thoughts

  • Multi tasking will probably be the killer “app”. Productivity and TV watching will be killer app over gaming
  • Phones are good for quick, fleeting interactions. Laptop more commitment, Vr the ultimate focus and commitment
  • It allows you to use a computer in the most comfortable way in the most
  • I think the Quest will specialize in gaming and social experiences for the masses at an accessible price point. The Vision line will be useful for productivity and content consumption scenarios for few (but hopefully everyone long term).