Apple recently unveiled its highly anticipated augmented reality (AR) headset called Vision Pro. This marks Apple’s entry into the AR glasses market after years of development. The Vision Pro is equipped with a separate battery pack and offers control through eye, hand, and voice gestures. It is set to launch early next year, starting in the US and expanding to other countries later. However, the response from other tech giants has been mixed.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed his lack of enthusiasm for the Vision Pro during a meeting with Meta employees. He stated that Apple’s device did not introduce any significant technological breakthroughs that Meta hadn’t already explored. Additionally, Zuckerberg highlighted the price difference, with Meta’s upcoming Quest 3 headset expected to be much more affordable at $499 compared to the Vision Pro’s $3,499 price tag. He emphasized that Meta’s vision for AR revolves around people interacting in new ways and feeling connected, whereas Apple’s demos focused on individuals using the headset alone on a couch.
On the other hand, Google CEO Sundar Pichai expressed his excitement about the potential of Apple’s Vision Pro. Although he admitted to not having personally experienced or seen the headset, Pichai believes that computing will evolve beyond traditional screens and offer more immersive experiences. He sees the technology as a step towards that future.
The varying reactions from industry leaders highlight different perspectives on the potential of Apple’s AR headset. While some view it as lacking innovation and not aligned with their vision, others see it as a significant development that could shape the future of computing. As the launch of Vision Pro approaches, it will be interesting to see how it performs in the market and how it shapes the trajectory of AR technology.
