Advertised as a game changer, Apple Vision Pro has been keeping tech enthusiasts guessing since it was first announced in June last year. Google searches for mixed reality skyrocketed upon the reveal of this state-of-the-art headset. And Apple’s first-ever spatial computer has finally hit the shelves in the US this month. Indian techies must wait a while longer, as the company is yet to announce retail availability for the device outside of the North American market. Within days after its launch, however, Vision Pro is proving as groundbreaking as it is divisive.
Apple’s brand-new mixed-reality headset is the hottest topic of the day among tech circles. From tech-savvy columnists to influencers pulling off very public – and risky – stunts, including truckers sporting the headset on the driveway, everyone has something to show or say about this jewel of technology. That is, provided one can afford it. Priced at a substantial $3,499 for the base 256GB storage model, Vision Pro is inordinately expensive. This outrageous pricing policy had many online commentators up in arms. With the addition of extra accessories and upsells, from a travel case to a spare battery pack, the true cost of the headset is much closer to $4,600.
Quite self-evidently, the conception of these revolutionary virtual reality goggles bears a steep cost. A gaming machine, a movie player, and a computer all at once, Vision Pro might ultimately supplant the smartphone. Still, these phantom costs add up to an amount that most customers worldwide cannot even dream of spending. Moreover, the device is designed for one user only, contrary to high-priced TVs and PCs that friends or household members can use in common. Sharing one’s Vision Pro with fellow users is easier said than done.
Contrary to rival headsets like the Meta Quest, Vision Pro is limited to a single iCloud account. A Guest Mode allows the primary user to lend the device to another person, but said person can access personal data from the owner’s account and even delete things in the worst-case scenario. A more aggravating point of contention, perhaps, glasses-wearing users cannot try the device without the proper lenses. Glasses wearers might bypass this limitation by buying their own Zeiss optical inserts for $99, but this additional cost for a one-shot trial might deter many an infrequent user.
While Vision Pro was never made to sell nor enter the mainstream any time soon, Apple is still working on a more accessible model. This cheaper product won’t drop before 2025 at best, though. Many companies have acknowledged this state of affairs, refusing to develop native vision apps for a product deemed too niche to be worth the effort and financial resources. This mixed-reality headset might have been marketed as the ultimate entertainment device, but the selection of movies that its owners can watch is modest. Disney Plus jumped aboard the Vision Pro ship on day one. Yet, streaming giants like YouTube and Netflix have not followed suit.
Gamers are just as divided on this burning issue. Yet, many opine that Apple’s oh-so-buzzworthy product doesn’t compare favourably to the recent Meta Quest 3. Compatible with blockbuster titles like Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR and Vampire: The Masquerade-Justice, the latest mixed-reality headset developed by a division of Meta has arguably ushered in a new era of VR gaming. Unlike Vision Pro, it is also available worldwide, all for a fairer price tag. Indian gamers can purchase a 128GB variant for Rs 41,552.
The days of highly realistic zombie hunts and ever-so-immersive intergalactic journeys are close at hand, thus. Soon enough, gamers might even sit at a virtual poker table as if they were visiting a real casino, as the iGaming industry invests massively in virtual reality. Until then, players can still enjoy a classic game of Rummy or Blackjack without wearing goggles. Catering to both seasoned gamblers and newcomers, the best online casinos in India are a click away. Casino experts have scoured the web to find top platforms, ranging from crypto-exclusive hidden gems to well-established brands. All websites endorsed by reviewers comply with licensing and security regulations, meaning players can trust in their safety. Better yet, they may grab handsome sign-up offers and bonuses to kickstart their bankroll.
From gamers to cinephiles, only a handful of customers are affected by the launch of Vision Pro yet. Even so, amidst raging controversies, there is no denying the impact of this viral mixed-reality headset, which could someday reshape the future of computing entirely.
