Trends in Japan after the launch of VisionPro
Hello everyone!
I’m taka(@takataka530) from Tokyo, Japan , develops spatial computing applications.
This article summarizes what I have seen in the first week since VisionPro’s launch in Japan from a variety of angles! 😎
The Dawn of the Spatial Computing Era
On June 28th, the VisionPro was launched in several Asian countries, including Japan, mainland China, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
By the evening of the release day, many major media outlets covered the event. It was heartening to see that the coverage was not just about the VisionPro itself, but also about the concept of “spatial computing” that Apple advocates. As a developer, this was particularly moving.
The appearance of VisionPro and spatial computing as top news on major Japanese broadcasters.
What is Spatial Computing?
Spatial computing is positioned as the next era after mobile computing. It frees people from the constraints of traditional displays, allowing them to integrate digital information into the real world in which they live.
Japan’s “Vision Bros” Gather at Starbucks
Now, what everyone is curious about is the movements of the “Vision Bros” 😎
What is a “Vision Bro”?
In the streets, people wearing Vision Pro while skateboarding, working out at the gym, or shopping are called “Vision Bros” overseas. The Japanese version of this term is “ビジョンニキ” (Vision Niki).
When it was released in the U.S., there were many unique use cases shared on social media. (By the way, driving a car with it on is illegal, and there were even arrests, which became a hot topic…)
In Japan, I thought we might see people walking around with Vision Pro near Shibuya, but that wasn’t really the case. Compared to overseas, the more reserved Japanese Vision Bros gathered at Starbucks.
However, what caught my attention along with these posts was the “privacy issue.” In Japan, where privacy considerations are stringent, there were posts in response to the above stating that people should refrain from recording in public places without permission.
The video see-through feature allows the real world to be seen very clearly, to the point where you can read text on a smartphone. It also has a recording function. Since privacy concerns are likely to influence future use cases, Iwill continue to monitor this issue closely.
Reviews by Celebrities and Expectations for Expanding Awareness
After its release in Japan, reviews by celebrities have gradually started to appear. As a developer eager to promote spatial computing, I have high hopes for their powerful PR abilities…! 🙏
What made me happiest was that everyone’s reactions were “positive.” I hope their strong PR power will accelerate the penetration of spatial computing among the highly informed innovator segment, and that their enthusiasm will spread to the early adopter segment.
As a developer, the key moment is when the “early adopter segment” starts to integrate it into their daily lives. My goal is to quickly establish use cases for them. Innovator segment use cases are often unique and exceptional, so I aim to focus on more universal, forward-looking use cases.
Interesting Posts
Now, let me introduce some use cases that I personally found interesting while watching posts on X.
▽Simulated experience of eating Japanese “bento” on the mountain
▽He cried when he saw the cartoon, but he couldn’t wipe his tears.
▽Even after taking off the VisionPro after wearing it for an extended period, he finds himself making pinching gestures in the real world.
The action of “pinching and directing a gaze even in reality” mentioned in the last post has been experienced by several members of my company, including myself, and it became a topic of conversation within the company. You, the reader of this article, might experience it yourself someday soon. (Just a bit of position talk… haha😂)
From here, I will introduce some popular use cases and emerging issues. I noticed that the trends in opinions were similar to those in the United States.
Popular Use Cases Unique to VisionPro
Watching posts on X since the release, I’ve noticed some trends in use cases. Here are three that particularly stood out:
Spectacular Live Entertainment Viewing
There were many positive posts about the movie-watching experience and watching sports recorded in spatial video.
With VisionPro, you can display a screen in your real-world environment. Additionally, by rotating the Digital Crown, you can immerse yourself in a 360° different world, watching a movie on a large screen by a beautiful lakeside or over a desert.
Besides these, there were many positive posts:
“The immersive video experience is almost revolutionary. If I could experience that at a music live, I would pay double the price of a real ticket.”@kaylien
“Instead of investing in an expensive home theater set, I think it’s reasonable to use VisionPro.” @peugeot106s16
“As someone who used to go to the cinema to change my mindset, it might be a cheap purchase considering movie ticket prices.” @takeshidanno
From posts on X, it seems likely that soon, some prime seats for soccer matches and music concerts will be sold specifically for VisionPro users. Enjoying experiences from a perspective unconstrained by the real world is a unique feature of VisionPro. We have high hopes for the future!
Efficient Use of Travel Time
There were also some posts about using VisionPro during travel. In Apple’s official demo movie, there’s a scene where someone is on a plane, wearing VisionPro, and watching a movie while immersed in a different world. This seems like a use case that will become popular among VisionPro users in the future.
Immersing in Memorable “Spaces” with Spatial Video
One of VisionPro’s killer contents is “spatial video.” When you play videos shot in the dedicated mode of the iPhone 15 Pro on VisionPro, a three-dimensional space unfolds right in front of you.
There were many voices expressing the desire to capture and preserve family memories.
“I experienced Apple Vision Pro at Apple Kawasaki yesterday. The most touching part was the demo video of a child’s birthday party (shot with VisionPro). Watching it later in vivid 3D and high resolution for a re-experiencing feel gave me goosebumps.” @Shun_taniyan
“It’s great to shoot memories with your child using spatial video and then buy Vision Pro when you can afford it! Watching memory videos with Vision Pro would feel like time has returned to the present, and it would be incredibly moving 🥺” @atsuinf
For those who own an iPhone 15 Pro, we strongly recommend capturing a lot of spatial videos of memories with your children, pets, family, and friends while you can!
By the way, for those who already own a VisionPro, we recommend the app “Spatial Station.” This platform allows you to post spatial videos shot around the world and enjoy them with a zapping-like experience.
Emerging Issues with VisionPro
Overall, I was pleased to see more positive posts than I had imagined. However, there were also some issues unique to the still-developing VisionPro.
High Price
The most commonly mentioned issue in posts was the high price. Many people expressed that they would consider buying it if it were about half the current price.
“I wanted to get Vision Pro after experiencing it, but I can’t spend 600,000 yen. I can see a future where I stop using it soon, but if it were around 300,000 yen, maybe…”
“Vision Pro is out of reach at the current price.”
Limited Usage Time
Many posts mentioned eye fatigue from continuous screen viewing and the weight of the headset, suggesting that the usage limit is about 1–2 hours. After using it for several months, I have roughly the same impression.
“I’ve been working with Vision Pro for the past few days, but my eyes get really dry. 2 hours is the limit.”
Lack of VisionPro-Specific Apps
The lack of apps has been an issue since the initial release in the U.S. Currently, most apps are developed by overseas developers, and many are not available in Japanese, which may further amplify the impression of a lack of apps.
“There are hardly any apps for Vision Pro… It would at least be helpful if I could add shortcuts to the home screen from Safari.”
“Also, when watching YouTube in Safari, the hover effects triggered by my gaze are annoying. I wish there was a way to fix that. But, perhaps, the fact that such complaints arise is also part of the charm of the first-generation device (?!).”
Several major Japanese companies have released apps for VisionPro, but they often have a strong VR feel or are modified iPad apps. This gives the impression that they prioritized the launch date of VisionPro over creating unique experiences specific to spatial computing.
“They are somewhat compatible with Apple Vision Pro, but they are not fully optimized for visionOS. Instead, they fall into the category of “compatible apps,” where iPad apps can run on visionOS.”
Future Expectations for VisionPro
Use Cases for the Elderly
One area I have high hopes for is use cases for the elderly.
A few months ago, I introduced my 88-year-old grandmother to VisionPro, and I was amazed at its potential.
Despite never having used VR or AR devices, or even an iPhone, my grandmother was able to adapt and perform basic operations within about 30 minutes after experiencing a few apps.
The “natural” and “intuitive” operation experience of VisionPro transcends not only language but also age barriers, which made me realize its strong potential once again.
I am also keeping an eye on overseas trends, and some examples have already been posted on China’s social media platform “RED.”
Providing the initial experience is a major challenge, but I am hopeful for future developments!
Thank you for reading! Lastly, I am currently developing an app themed around Zen. My goal is for people all over the world, not just in Japan, to use it! Please look forward to it!
I will continue to share more information, so if you like, please follow me!
