What Display Daily thinks: Judge for yourself. Nothing new is learned from these reviews other than the fact that the main issues against the Vision Pro – pricing, application, and long-term use implications – remain consistent.
Well, I suppose we are learning a bit more about what to expect in terms of applications and content for the device at launch. At the end of the day, you can either see this as early stage hiccups for a new product or a sign of deeper problems with the device. It seems as if it all depends on which side of the Apple fan-fence you sit.
The Verge and Engadget Jump-Start Vision Pro Review Season
Apple is carefully managing the review process for its Vision Pro, set to launch in the first week of February, and most reviews are not expected until the end of the month, but two publications managed to get a jump on the pack and give their first impressions. There were no explicit restrictions highlighted in the reviews, but it looks like the photography was strictly controlled by Apple.
| Aspect | The Verge Review | Engadget Review |
|---|---|---|
| Reviewer | Victoria Song | Dana Wollman & Cherlynn Low |
| Overall Impression | Impressed with the device’s familiar yet high-quality execution; found it strange in social contexts | Impressed with the technology and quality, but questioned practicality for extended use |
| Comfort & Fit | Comfortable like other VR headsets but noted hairdo issues; highlighted iPhone face scan for setup | Discussed strap options and comfort, with some issues in initial fitting |
| Display & Visuals | High-resolution screens with impressive visuals; likened to Meta Quest but more advanced | Praised the high-quality, immersive visuals, especially in Disney+ app |
| User Interface | Similar to Apple’s existing products, with some new gestures; found navigation intuitive | Found the floating keyboard challenging, but overall navigation intuitive |
| Unique Features | EyeSight feature for external display of wearer’s eyes; spatial video and photo capabilities | Apple Immersive Video, Encounter Dinosaurs experience, Disney+ app environments |
| Applications | Tested applications like Disney Plus, JigSpace, and Safari; experienced virtual environments | Focused on new features like Immersive Video and Disney+ app; meditation and dinosaur experiences |
| Social Interaction | Discussed the oddity of social interaction with the headset; eye tracking and persona features noted | Mentioned the emotional impact of spatial videos and the surreal experience of social interaction |
| Price Consideration | Acknowledged the high price point; questioned where it fits in real life | Highlighted the high price; pondered the device’s practicality for the cost |
| Final Thoughts | Fascinated but still contemplating the practical applications in daily life | Viewed as a fun and engaging device, but with questions about its practical use for the high price |
The content and apps on the Apple Vision Pro, as highlighted in the reviews from The Verge and Engadget, include a variety of experiences and features that showcase the device’s capabilities:
- visionOS App Launcher: Similar to Launchpad on a Mac, this is the primary interface for accessing various apps and features on the device.
- Eye Tracking Setup and Interface: A brief setup process for eye tracking is involved, allowing for intuitive navigation and interaction within the device’s interface.
- Spatial Photos and Video Capabilities: The device allows users to take spatial photos and videos, enhancing the multimedia experience.
- Disney Plus App with Immersive Environments: A beta version of the Disney+ app was demonstrated, featuring immersive environments from popular franchises like Star Wars and Marvel. Users can choose different backgrounds, like a Marvel movie rooftop or the desert of Tatooine, to enhance their viewing experience.
- Apple Immersive Video: A new entertainment format pioneered by Apple, providing an immersive video viewing experience.
- Encounter Dinosaurs Experience: An interactive experience where users can interact with virtual dinosaurs, showcasing the device’s augmented reality capabilities.
- Virtual Keyboard: A floating virtual keyboard for typing, which can be operated through eye tracking or by physically pressing the keys with hands.
- Meditation Application: A soothing meditation experience with visual and auditory elements, exemplifying the device’s potential for wellness applications.
- EyeSight Feature: Displays a visual feed of the user’s eyes on the outside of the visor, allowing others to see the wearer’s eyes and expressions.
- Safari Browser: For web browsing, including a unique typing experience using the virtual keyboard.
- JigSpace Application: An app for exploring and interacting with various objects and models in an augmented reality setting.
