Tech Toys: Apple Vision Pro Review

UB's Apple Vision Pro Experience

Imagine expecting a leap into the future and landing in a high-tech bean bag — exciting, but you're not quite sure how to get comfortable. That's me, strapping on the Apple Vision Pro, ready to command my daily tech stack with blinks and stares, only to find out I might need a chiropractor and a personal assistant just to keep it all straight (ok, that's a bit of an exaggeration). Welcome to my world of unrealistically-high expectations & neurodivergent tech founder quirks (accompanied of course by my tech addiction that probably needs its own 12-step program...)

Here's the quick bullet points, and then I can elaborate on them a little more for those that are curious:

Feedback on Apple Vision Pro (UB's TechReview Score: 8.5/10)

Positive Aspects:

• Amazing quality, intuitive and easy to use.
• Onboarding process is worthy of high praise.
• Haptic feedback is comforting.
• The device provides feedback to find a better fit on the face.
• No need for the 20-minute demo to understand the product.
• Unboxing experience is beautifully executed with attention to Apple’s branding.
• The packaging is designed to handle many pieces in an organized manner.

Not So Positive Aspects:

• The product is expensive, priced at $3800 for the basic level.
• Additional costs for transporting the device and accessories, with a carrying case sold separately for $199.
• The device is heavy, potentially uncomfortable for extended wear.
• Alternative strap provided looks cumbersome and is not aesthetically pleasing.
• Onboarding did not include guidance for audio management or pairing with other devices like AirPods.
• Audio from the device can be heard by people nearby, which may not be obvious to the wearer.
• The display can become blurry and the device may misinterpret adjustments as the device being taken off, triggering the sensor to turn off the screen.
• Concerns about the durability and the potential for breakage, especially when handling the light guard.

Software & Experience:

• The operating system’s drag and drop functionality is highly praised.
• The use of eye tracking as a cursor is innovative.
• The App Store has a surprising mix of applications, with expectations for more to be added.
• The landscapes or ‘environments’ experienced through the device can be stunning but may have blurriness issues.
• The Facetime functionality is not up to par, with the avatar feature being less accurate than expected and the removal of the Vision Pro by AI for facial recreation being unsettling.
• The new feature Optic ID is exciting and seamless.

Forward-Looking Thoughts & Predictions:

• There's an expectation that the product will become more affordable in the future, around 4-5 years.
• Belief that the product will see significant advancements and wider adoption by power users.
• Anticipation for the development of custom apps using the Vision Pro SDK.
• The device is seen as a significant innovation after ChatGPT, with potential foundational impact.

‍

The Hardware:

• Aesthetic Hugs and Weighty Burdens: Slipping on the Vision Pro was like getting a hug from a robot — reassuring yet slightly awkward. The haptic feedback was a nice touch, like a pat on the back saying, "You'll figure this out." However, the weight... let's just say it's like wearing your smarty pants but realizing they're made of lead. Comfortable? Sure, in a "I'm-training-for-a-space-mission" kind of way.
• Accessories Galore (For a Small Fortune): Apple's approach to accessories is like a gourmet restaurant's approach to side dishes — expensive and somehow always extra. The carrying case saga felt like being upsold at a luxury car dealership. "Oh, you wanted to transport it safely? That'll be another 200 bucks, please."

The Software:

• Drag, Drop, and Stare: The UI is a piece of futuristic art. Dragging and dropping with my gaze was like discovering I had superpowers, albeit with a learning curve steep enough to require a belay. It's all fun and games until you realize your eyeballs are the new mouse, and there's no autocorrect for wayward glances.
• App Store Oddities: The App Store felt like walking into a boutique where half the shelves are empty but you're still intrigued by the novelty. Zoom? Predictable. But the random assortment of apps felt like Apple was saying, "We're just as surprised as you are."

Look and Feel Reflections:

• Unboxing Joy and Slight Disdain: Unboxing the Vision Pro was an Instagram-worthy moment. Apple sure knows how to dress up a product, making you feel like you're unwrapping the future, one beautifully branded layer at a time. But then the reality of the price tag kicks in, and it's like buying a luxury car that you're afraid to drive.
• Strap In or Strap On: The standard strap vs. the "Wolverine" rig — a choice between looking like you're about to jog in the park or enter a virtual gladiator arena. Either way, you're committing to a look that says, "I take my tech seriously, and I have the headgear to prove it."

Functionality Flair:

• Facetime Faux Pas and Optic ID Wonders: Facetime on the Vision Pro was like going on a blind date with someone who only knows you from your Memoji — optimistic but ultimately unsettling. The Optic ID, however, was like having a secret handshake with your tech, a nod to the future where blinking is the new black.

‍

Apple Vision Pro: UB's TechReview Scorecard

Design & Comfort:

• Score: 7.5/10
• The Vision Pro gets high marks for its sleek design and innovative haptic feedback. However, it's weighed down (quite literally) by its heft and the fashionably questionable "Wolverine" alternative strap.

User Interface & Experience:

• Score: 9.0/10
• With eye movement as a cursor and intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, the Vision Pro delivers a UI experience that feels like sci-fi made reality. It’s nearly perfect, except for the learning curve that might make you wish for a neural upload option.

Portability & Accessories:

• Score: 6.0/10
• The requirement of shelling out additional cash for a carrying case leaves us a bit miffed. It's like buying a luxury car that doesn't come with the keys unless you pay extra.

App Ecosystem:

• UB's Score: 8.5/10
• The Vision Pro's App Store presents a curious mix of expected and puzzling additions. It scores for potential but loses points for the current 'ghost town' vibe.

Facetime & Avatars:

• UB's Score: 7.0/10
• Facetime's avatar feature has room for growth, and while the beta tag buys some patience, we're left wanting more from the digital doppelgänger department.

Sound & Spatial Audio:

• UB's Score: 9.7/10
• The spatial audio is a standout, creating an immersive audio environment that might make you forget you’re not actually at that concert or on that battlefield.

Innovative Features:

• UB's Score: 9.7/10
• Features like Optic ID showcase Apple's forward-thinking, integrating seamlessly into the user experience and upping the game in device security.

Overall Score: 8.7/10

• Personally, I think theApple Vision Pro is a bold step into the future, mixing a concoction of innovation, quirkiness, and a touch of impracticality. It's not without its flaws, but it's an ambitious vision of what's to come in personal tech — a beacon for the power users and the avant-garde. I can't wait to see what gets developed, and also what we develop!

The Vision Pro is not just a product; it's a statement. A statement that says, "We're here to revolutionize." And with that, it earns a solid score on the UB Tech Review Scale. It's a glimpse of tomorrow, available today — if you can bear the weight, both on your face and your finances...I'm still not sure if I'm 100% keeping it yet. The Apple Store staff were very reminding of the fact that I have 14 days to return it no questions asked....so maybe go and try it yourself since you'll have that option as well!

‍

But, before I even think about keeping it or returning it....

‍

Next week I'll be headed to the IFA (International Franchise Association) conference in Phoenix, AZ and I am very excited to whip this bad boy out on the plane. At the IFA, the strategy is simple: we're taking a leap not just in technology but in presentation. Picture this: the Apple Vision Pro, not as a mere gadget, but as the maestro of our Revscale Sales platform's symphony. Instead of walking around trying to shake everyone's hand, I'll let them see our visibly empty booth...that is, until the people blocking the front of the table walk away and others can see the shiny glow of the Vision Pro headset, sitting there waiting for conference go-ers (and franchise decision makers...) to come over and deliver their Oohs and Ahhs. When they inevitably ask to try it on, it will be like giving each attendee a personal tour of the Sistine Chapel, but instead of painted ceilings, it's our platform they're gawking at — and yes, I am going to replace the strap after all those people try it on. Give us your email/phone number so that we can send you the photo of you wearing the device for you to post! And also, of course, we will follow up with you about signing up for Revscale...

Our strategy is simple: dazzle and engage. We're banking on the allure of the Vision Pro to draw the crowds, but it's the immersive experience of our platform that will steal the show. It’s like serving the appetizer in a king's chalice – the presentation becomes an integral part of the feast. We're betting on this to not just turn heads, but to spin them right around, owl-style. And just when they think it's all smoke and mirrors, enter our franchise clients — the living proof, standing by our side like proud parents at a magic show. They're not just there to applaud; they're there to attest, to share how this isn't just a trick but a transformation in their business narrative. In essence, the Apple Vision Pro is our Trojan horse, except we're not sneaking in soldiers; we're delivering an experience so compelling that it's not just seen but felt. It's a strategy that goes beyond product demos. It's the difference between telling a story and teleporting your audience into the story — a narrative so vivid, they can't help but want to be a part of it.

And then there's all that we can do with it, even after it is used as a gimmick at a trade show. This device is way more than just a cool toy - it's a potential key to unlock a world of opportunities for those who perceive the world through a different lens — individuals with disabilities like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. It's this demographic that holds a dear place in the ethos of our application development endeavors, and the Vision Pro has the potential to be more than a tool — it can be a bridge to a more accessible world.

Imagine a classroom where every child, regardless of their neurological makeup, can engage with the material in a way that speaks directly to their strengths. For the child with ADHD, an application could tailor the learning environment to minimize distractions and break down tasks into manageable, bite-sized pieces, allowing them to focus and excel. The Vision Pro could provide visual or auditory cues when it detects wandering attention, gently guiding them back to the task at hand, like a personalized virtual tutor. For those on the autism spectrum, the device could offer a controlled sensory environment, filtering out the overwhelming noise and chaos of a busy classroom and replacing it with calming landscapes or structured, predictable patterns that soothe rather than stress. It could be used to create social scenarios in a safe, repeatable, and controlled manner, allowing for practice and learning at the individual's own pace — an invaluable tool for teaching social cues and responses. And for the dyslexic learner, the Vision Pro could revolutionize reading and writing experiences. Through augmented reality, text could be dynamically adjusted to optimal sizes, fonts, and colors, reducing the visual stress often associated with dyslexia. Words could be paired with symbols or images in real-time, leveraging the individual's often superior ability to think in pictures and aiding comprehension and retention.

The applications we're dreaming of are not just about bringing everyone to the same starting line; they're about empowering these often overlooked geniuses to sprint forward, using their unique perspectives to tackle some of the world's most complex issues. It's not charity; it's an investment in a future where diversity of thought isn't just accepted but is recognized as the jet fuel for innovation. The Apple Vision Pro offers us a canvas — it's up to us to paint the masterpiece. We're not just aiming to create apps; we're on a mission to craft experiences that amplify talents, level the playing field, and ultimately, celebrate the extraordinary abilities within the neurodiverse community.

It's been less than 24 hours that I've had the thing, but diving into the Apple Vision Pro world was already a rollercoaster of tech euphoria, mild existential crises, and the realization that we're just a software update away from living in a sci-fi novel. It's a glimpse into a future where our gadgets hug us, weigh us down, and require a small fortune to accessorize — but we love them anyway because, well, they're the future. And who doesn't want to be part of that? Even if it means looking like you're auditioning for a role in the next big dystopian blockbuster.

‍

More to come...

UB

‍