Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-02 15:39:47
US Apple stores have recently started selling the Vision Pro, a new headset from the tech giant with a price tag of $3,499. This marks the first major product release from Apple since the Apple Watch hit the market nine years ago. The Vision Pro is aimed at virtual and augmented reality enthusiasts, who view this technology as the next evolution in online experiences following the rise of the smartphone.
Despite the anticipation surrounding its release, some early reviews have expressed skepticism about whether the Vision Pro will be a game-changing device, at least for the time being. Critics have highlighted the high cost of the headset and have pointed to the lukewarm success of similar and more affordable products from Facebook owner Meta.
Tech website The Verge described the Vision Pro as “astonishing,” but also noted that the product comes with significant trade-offs that are hard to overlook. The New York Times echoed similar sentiments, stating that even after trying the product, there was uncertainty about the target audience for the Vision Pro. The headset has been praised for its state-of-the-art image quality and the interactive experience it offers users, but it has also been criticized for its weight, impact on the user’s hair, and the clunky battery pack it requires.
Apple’s CEO Tim Cook made an appearance at the Apple Fifth Avenue store in New York to mark the release of the Vision Pro. Cook, who had previously been featured on the cover of Vanity Fair wearing the headset, faced some criticism for unveiling the device without actually trying it on during a conference earlier in the year.
Apple has referred to the Vision Pro as its first foray into “spatial computing,” a term the company prefers over “virtual reality.” The company has showcased the headset being used for work, socializing, and app navigation, as well as for streaming movies. Apple has also emphasized the availability of 600 specially designed apps and games, as well as one million compatible apps for the Vision Pro. The company has partnered with Disney to offer 150 3D movies at launch, although other major streaming service providers like Netflix, Spotify, and Google have not yet tailored their apps for the headset.
During an earnings call, Cook mentioned that the Vision Pro would be launched in other countries later in the year. The headset is currently available for testing by appointment in US Apple stores due to the need for precise adjustments and training, as most consumers are unfamiliar with gesture controls.
Despite the initial skepticism, analysts from Wedbush Securities have predicted strong pre-orders for the Vision Pro, estimating that Apple could sell around 600,000 units this year. Some analysts have highlighted the potential for the Vision Pro to integrate with iPhones and other Apple devices in the future, potentially becoming a key component of the company’s ecosystem over the coming years.
