In this day and age, almost every person with a smartphone, laptop, or digital watch is familiar with one technology giant: Apple. And now, they have seemingly blessed the world with a product utilizing up-and-coming technology: The Apple Vision Pro, a headset that not only allows users to instantly become immersed in any destination they want with the help of virtual reality but also enables them to perceive the real world at the same time through the use of augmented reality. And this package of joy comes at the low, low cost of…$3,499. So is this so-called “seamless blender of the digital and real world” actually worth the price tag?
To its credit, Apple Vision possesses an array of unique features that may catch the eye of potential buyers. For one, it takes experiences like tourist hotspots, movies, even 2 dimensional pictures, and creates a realistic environment that is visually identical to the original model. There is no scene–be it imaginary or actual–that the headset can’t replicate into a world indistinguishable from reality.
However, it doesn’t only apply to entertainment or experiences, as shown in Apple’s first presentation of the product. Apple Vision is also able to display your favorite apps and even host video meetings, all in the comfort of your own home. The ultimate multipurpose tool, it would seem.
And yet another argument for its appeal, this headset is the first step in popularizing virtual reality and, more importantly, augmented reality–the interactive experience that merges the virtual with real-life environments rather than constructing an entirely fake world. As with any relatively new innovation, people are eager to test out this never-before-seen concept, especially using the technology pushed out by a reputable manufacturer such as Apple.
But, is Apple Vision really necessary when users across the globe already have access to simpler devices like laptops and phones? Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the product itself is of low quality or unable to work as intended.
Multiple early testers, after all, have given feedback along the lines of, “a really really nice VR headset with impressive displays and video passthrough. And I mean incredibly impressive displays and video passthrough,” as Nilay Patel, editor-in-chief of The Verge, put it.
Even so, critics believe a bulky, even creepy headset simply won’t become popular with the opportunities offered by today’s technology. After all, having over a pound of metal sitting on your face all day is hardly what some would call comfortable.
Not to mention the price! At almost$3,500, the necessity for it is further undermined in potential buyers’ eyes. With its only other real competitor, the Meta Quest 3, sitting at a price 7 times lower ($500), the high cost becomes extremely apparent. Even Sony’s virtual reality creation, the Playstation VR2, is almost 6 times less expensive at $549.99. Many are unwilling to sacrifice such a tremendous cost for minimal improvements from current computers that already carry a great financial burden.
“I thought the price was way too much for something like a VR headset. It is high quality, but there is too much markup for it to be worth it,” said freshman Collin Gee, believing that ultimately, the Apple Vision’s utility is overcome by the outrageous expenses needed for it.
In the end, your decision on whether you choose to purchase the Apple Vision Pro or not depends on your perspective of value. Purchasing it and enjoying all the features this unique piece of technology has to the fullest is just as fine as saving three grand for other purposes. But only time will tell if Apple’s latest creation will come to influence our lives for better or worse.
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