In June of 2023, Apple held their annual Worldwide Developers Conference, where CEO Tim Cook announced their latest and greatest product: the Apple Vision Pro. With the mixed reality headset, users interact with apps and graphics that are overlaid onto the real world. The headset can be used for entertainment, such as playing video games and watching movies, or work purposes, like attending video conferences and sending emails.
The official introduction of Apple into the virtual reality (VR) space could propel this dwindling industry into mainstream attention. VR technology has been around for decades, but has repeatedly failed to reach mass adoption. In the current market, Meta is the dominant brand in VR, offering high-performing headsets at the most affordable price point. However, with weak demand and accumulating costs, the company expects to lose billions in revenue over the next few years. Apple’s emergence as a fresh competitor has the potential to spark renewed interest among consumers, ushering in a fresh wave of attention to the VR market. Expectations remain high for the Vision Pro’s release in early 2024.
VR technology has historically been geared toward the sphere of gaming; for players, the thrill of engaging in an immersive, 3D environment is undeniable. However, the applications extend far beyond the traditionally targeted audience, to fields like medical training and tourism.
In the healthcare field, VR simulations allow doctors to practice performing surgeries before operating on patients. Doctors can input a patient’s information, such as physical features and medical history, into patient-specific virtual reality simulations (PSVR). This technology allows doctors to carry out procedures in a virtual environment, while the PSVR imitates likely patient responses based on the customizations given. Similarly, medical students, who often lack hands-on training, can practice their skills in a controlled environment. By responding to various realistic scenarios, VR provides an interactive and informative experience that exceeds merely reading a textbook.
Another significantly marketable application of VR is the travel experience. Through immersive virtual tours, users can visit iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or explore national parks like Yellowstone. For those who are limited by the considerable expenses or time required for travel, the accessibility of VR allows users to experience the thrill of visiting landmarks, natural wonders, and museums without stepping foot out of their homes. The ability of VR to provide an enriching, cultural experience with such ease holds widespread public interest, opening up a huge new market.
With Apple’s exciting announcement this year and rapid advancements in technology, the potential for VR to revolutionize various fields is increasingly evident. As VR is brought into the limelight again, a new wave of opportunities lies on the horizon.
Sources:
Goode, Lauren. “Apple’s Mixed-Reality Headset, Vision Pro, Is Here.” Wired, Conde Nast, 5 June 2023, www.wired.com/story/apple-vision-pro-specs-price-release-date/.
Hamad, Ayah, and Bochen Jia. “How Virtual Reality Technology Has Changed Our Lives: An Overview of the Current and Potential Applications and Limitations.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8 Sept. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9517547/.
Feiner, Lauren. “Apple Just Announced Its First Major Product since 2014: The Vision pro for $3,499.” CNBC, CNBC, 5 June 2023, www.cnbc.com/2023/06/05/apple-vision-pro-announced-its-first-major-product-since-2014.html.
Law, Marcus. “The 1960s to the VR Revolution: The History of VR Headsets.” AI Magazine, BizClik Media Ltd., 7 Dec. 2022, aimagazine.com/articles/the-1960s-to-the-vr-revolution-the-history-of-vr-headsets.
Image Credits:
https://thegamemarketer.com/insight-posts/into-the-metaverse-how-ar-and-vr-are-revolutionising-gaming
https://www.apple.com/apple-vision-pro/
cool!
I didn’t know that VR was losing steam in the market.
Also, paying $3500 for these won’t help with mass adoption.
I will say that it’s common for expensive new technology to become cheaper and more widespread over time.
Although for that to occur, they must also seem ‘cool’ and ‘cutting-edge.’ So far, VR has failed in doing that – it hasn’t really shown what you’re going to do with it, why you need it.
This is so cool! I’d like to see my screen with the background of my room. How much will it cost?
$3500
They had this eye feature, where essentially they show a fake model of your eyes blinking and such it’s really weird, my dad and I heard about this and watched many videos a few months ago. And uh, it’s really expensive.
This is the kind of thing I would pay 20 dollars to use at say, an arcade, but not to buy. I feel it would be too addictive and drawing too much from socializing.
WOW this is sooo cool i do believe that VR the new generation of computing platform👍