Discovering the Future with Apple Vision Pro: 30-Minute In-Store Demonstration

Earlier today, I was lucky enough to have a 30-minute demonstration of the new Apple Vision Pro with George, the Apple Genius, at the Apple store in Cambridge.

This demonstration provides a hands-on experience with Apple's latest technological marvel, showcasing its capabilities and immersive features.

Setup and Comfort

The demo begins by selecting the correct size setup for you. This is done via your iPhone, which scans your head to determine its size. This setup is similar to setting up FaceID on your phone.

There are two types of straps to choose from: the Solo Knit strap and the Dual Loop strap. The latter provides better weight distribution and a more balanced fit, which is crucial for extended use. It ensures that the headset remains comfortable even during long sessions. While I was waiting for the correct-sized headset, George, my Apple Genius, explained the different gestures to use with the Vision Pro. These include pinching to select, pinching and swiping to move to the next window or photo, and zooming in and out using both hands.

The headset arrived, and I put it on. It was comfortable, and it reminded me of my snowboarding goggles. I next had to calibrate it with my eyes by looking at different coloured dots around the screen and pinching my finger and thumb together when they were highlighted. The eye tracking was unbelievable; I just had to look at an icon, and it highlighted instantly. It was quick and super responsive. The Vision Pro can also use voice commands, but I didn't try this feature.

Using the Apple Vision Pro

First, I looked at standard photos; the quality was fantastic, and everything was in 8K and crystal clear. Next, I looked at immersive images and videos; these are three-dimensional, and it is like being in the video. The first video was of a child's birthday, and it felt like I was sitting opposite her at the table as she blew out her candles.

I next tried it out to see what it was like when watching a TV program or a film. It was like being in your own private cinema with a 300-inch screen. I completely forgot I was sitting in the middle of a busy shop. The sound was also very impressive. I asked George if other people could hear it, and he said they could, but it was very quiet. You can use the headset with headphones to avoid disturbing those around you. The Vision Pro would be excellent on a plane; you would quickly forget where you were, and you might get a few funny looks until they become more popular.

Despite its potential for the entertainment and sports industries, Vision Pro is currently aimed at business users. You can have lots of different desktops and screens. You can even place them around the house. For example, you could have a screen in the corner of your kitchen, and then whenever you return to your kitchen, it will still be there. You can completely block out the outside world, or you can have the screens set up within the room you are physically in.

The Vision Pro works with Apple's Magic Keyboard, mouse, and trackpad or the virtual keyboard that floats in front of you or wherever you choose to drag it.

The final part of the demonstration involved more immersive videos. First, I was on a tightrope in the mountains, watching a lady cross it. I then swam with sharks and saw Alicia Keys singing as though she was stood in front of me by her piano.

What impressed me most was the ability to view sports as though I was there. There were clips of football matches, and it was like I was sitting behind the goal. There were also court-side seats at a basketball game. It was breathtaking, just how good it was. The potential for this is unbelievable. You could have ringside seats at the boxing, sit beside the manager in the dugout at a football match or have front-row seats for your favourite band. It may not be 100% as good as being there, but from what I experienced, it can get very close.

At ￡3,499 it's expensive, very expensive. It is also the first generation of the Vision Pro, so there is currently a lack of apps and content. With 256MB of storage, I'm not sure it will replace your laptop, although you can upgrade to 1TB for another ￡400. The accessories are also a bit pricey, with a case costing ￡199 and a new battery costing ￡199. You can get optical inserts for those who wear glasses or contact lenses, but these start at ￡99.

I'm not going to buy one yet, but as a football fan, I see this as the future of watching matches at home. Many cameras could be placed around a stadium, and viewers could select their seats or pitch-side view.

You can book a 30 minute demonstration at the Apple Store via their website here https://www.apple.com/uk/retail/instore-shopping-session/session-selection/?topic=visionpro

I highly recommend trying it out.