My Experiences Beyond the Apple Vision Pro

The transition from not wearing a headset to suddenly having one on has become a common occurrence in my relationship. It always happens unexpectedly, like when I’m in the middle of getting ready or stepping out of the room for a moment. I remember one particular instance when I had just finished brushing my teeth, and as I walked out into the living room, I found my boyfriend sitting on the edge of the couch, engrossed in his virtual reality world with the Vision Pro firmly strapped to his head. He was deeply engaged in a game of chess, using hand gestures to move imaginary pieces on an invisible board.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I couldn’t resist asking, “Can I try?” Hoping to share in his enthusiasm for the Vision Pro, he always obliged. However, despite his efforts, I couldn’t bring myself to fully embrace the idea of owning my own headset. The exorbitant price tag of $3,500 and the weighty frame were major deterrents for me. Moreover, I knew deep down that I wouldn’t utilize it as much as I do my iPhone, MacBook, or iPad. My current setup satisfies my needs, and I question whether the need for multiple headsets in a household is truly necessary when the cost is so high. In fact, sharing the experience often feels more like a hassle than an enjoyable activity.

But if owning one Vision Pro headset can be complicated in a relationship, having two brings an entirely new set of challenges. Firstly, we have to go through the process of logging in to Guest Mode every time we switch users, which means enduring the 90-second calibration test repeatedly. Additionally, since I wear glasses, Apple recommends purchasing the prescription Zeiss Optical Inserts for optimal visual experience. However, I am reluctant to shell out an additional $150 for something that is beyond my control. It frustrates me to think that if multiple individuals in a household wear glasses, they would each have to invest in these inserts, leading to significant additional costs.

Ironically, I have never faced difficulties using other headsets, such as the Meta Quest 2, with my glasses. Out of sheer defiance, I continue calibrating the Vision Pro while sporting my glasses. Unfortunately, this method is not foolproof, as the internal eye-tracking cameras sometimes struggle to accurately detect where my eyes are focusing. While some activities in the virtual realm, like exploring virtual Mount Hood or watching 3D movies like Spiderman: No Way Home, are relatively easy, more complex actions such as navigating visionOS or gaming present significant challenges.

When my boyfriend and I attempted to share the experience by casting content on the TV using AirPlay, we encountered further roadblocks. Simple tasks like watching a movie together proved to be unsuccessful due to copyright restrictions. For instance, when we tried to stream Mean Girls, both the Vision Pro and the television display showed a blacked-out screen. Additionally, playing games such as Fruit Ninja on the big screen becomes monotonous over time. Each time we wanted to switch players, we had to navigate back and forth between his profile and Guest Mode, which disrupted the flow of the experience. This inconvenience made me reminisce about simpler times when we could effortlessly pass around a headset like the Quest 2, as my family and I did when playing The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners. The seamless interchange between players without the need to juggle profiles or tinker with settings made for a more enjoyable and immersive experience.

As I reflect on these challenges, I can’t help but wonder if Apple’s Vision Pro prioritizes individual experiences at the expense of shared experiences. The hefty price tag combined with the complex user switching and limitations on sharing content can make it a cumbersome device for couples or households. While the Vision Pro undoubtedly offers remarkable technological advancements and captivating virtual experiences, it’s important to weigh the drawbacks of its current form.

In conclusion, the Vision Pro has revolutionized the world of virtual reality and holds incredible potential for individual users. However, its high price, compatibility constraints for glasses wearers, and limited ability to facilitate shared experiences pose barriers for widespread adoption within households. As virtual reality technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how future iterations address these challenges and provide a more seamless and inclusive experience for all users.



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