Unveiling the Remarkable Apple Vision Pro
Unraveling the Essence of Spatial Computing in Education and Beyond
By: Rooz Aliabadi, Ph.D.
Apple has an unmatched ability to exhibit its latest gadgets, from the first iPhone (January 2007) to Vision Pro (June 2023). The Vision Pro, revealed by Tim Cook on June 5th, was introduced as something of greater importance. Dubbed the Vision Pro, these sleek glass goggles embody “a completely novel spatial-computing platform,” as stated by Apple’s CEO. Drawing parallels to the groundbreaking launches of the Macintosh and the iPhone, Apple’s intention is apparent: beyond desktop and mobile computing, the future of technology lies in spatial computing, generally referred to as augmented reality. This innovative concept involves overlaying computer graphics onto the user’s surrounding environment is the future of everything, including education.
The unveiling of Vison Pro left the audience in a state of awe yet somewhat unsatisfied. The Vision outshines all other headsets available with its plenty of groundbreaking features. Gone are the clunky joysticks, replaced by intuitive hand gestures and precise eyeball tracking. Instead of lifeless avatars, users are treated to remarkably realistic representations, with the added touch of placing their eyes on the exterior of the glasses to mitigate any sense of social detachment. Apple’s signature touch of user-friendly design enchantment is elegantly sprinkled throughout the product.
However, Apple presented rather underwhelming ideas regarding the possibilities of their extraordinary device. The suggestions could have been better: magnifying your photos, utilizing Microsoft Teams or Zoom on a virtual screen, and making FaceTime video calls with your friend’s window floating in space instead of your handheld device. Apple’s Vision primarily revolved around projecting existing 2D applications onto virtual screens while demanding a hefty price tag of $3,499 for the privilege. Is that the extent of it?
Be patient. Mr. Cook’s assertion that spatial computing is a developing platform holds, but I believe thoroughly exploiting its potential will require time. Let’s consider the launch of the iPhone 16 years ago, in 2007. Much like the Vision, it boasted remarkable technology, yet its initial applications were relatively ordinary, inherited from earlier platforms. Its primary functions were making calls, sending emails, browsing the web, and listening to music. It took several years for developers to discover the transformative use cases that propelled mobile computing to new heights: group chats, ride-hailing services, short videos, casual gaming, mobile payments, and countless other features that now convince people to invest over $1,000 in an iPhone (a device that initially surprised the market with its $499 launch price in 2007).
I think similar courses can be observed on other platforms, where it took significant time to reach their full potential. In the early days, television producers captured people performing on stage. Internet pioneers initially focused on file sharing before expanding to create the wide web and countless other services. Even Apple’s smartwatch had a mediocre reception until consumers embraced its capabilities as a health and fitness device. Today, Apple sells over 50 million watches annually, demonstrating the transformation it experienced.
The killer use-case for spatial computing remains unknown today, if it exists at all, although it seems probable. It could find its ground in commercial applications, with early experimentation seen among surgeons, engineers, and architects. I believe the education sector will benefit from spatial computing, as shown by Apple’s preview of a captivating “planetarium” experience. The entertainment domain also has terrific potential, with Disney offering glimpses of immersive cinema and sports coverage ideas. Artificial intelligence will play a significant role, enabling programmers to create remarkably realistic content across these categories and beyond.
To expedite this advancement, the crucial step is to place the hardware in the hands of developers, and that is precisely the objective of the Vision. Apple hopes to sell only a few units of the costly first-generation devices, which is of no concern to them. Their primary goal is to provide the product to the individuals who will unravel the potential of spatial computing. In this pursuit, Apple holds a distinctive advantage. Meta, its chief competitor in the headset realm, needs to gain Apple’s strong connections with developers, who are drawn to creating software for Apple’s top-of-the-line hardware (and its affluent consumer base).
The Vision, despite its imperfections, serves as a testament to the ongoing triumph in the technological pursuit of making spatial computing a tangible reality. Having come this far, I believe the next challenge lies in cracking its true purpose. Apple has initiated the race by firing the starting gun, propelling us toward discovering the true potential of spatial computing. Buckle up, as the new era of spatial computing will change everything.
This article was written by Rooz Aliabadi, Ph.D. (rooz@readyai.org). Rooz is the CEO (Chief Troublemaker) at ReadyAI.org
