Published31. January 2024, 7:24 p.m.
Reception: The first tests of the Apple Vision Pro have fallen
Influencers in the United States are as amazed as they concede that it is a first generation object.
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Jean-Charles Canet
AFP
On Friday, the most enthusiastic North American new technology enthusiasts will be able to cover their faces with the Vision Pro, the augmented reality/virtual reality headset that Apple is officially launching on February 2 in the United States and whose release remains to be determined. elsewhere in the world. This “space computer” is described as the most ambitious new product for the Cupertino company since the introduction of the iPhone.
The critical embargo has obviously been lifted and the first tests are being released, notably on YouTube where a certain number of important influencers across the Atlantic have delivered their copies.
Overall, the reviews are positive with some minor and some major reservations. The overall quality of the manufacture is recognized. Wearing the headset is described as pleasant even for more than an hour, but its weight (between 600 and 650 grams) can prove to be a source of discomfort over time.
There is, however, an undeniable “wow!” effect. when the ability of the object to display images is discovered, whether flat, superimposed on a real environment or in stereoscopy, as required by any representation in virtual reality. The sound quality is also highlighted. Interactions without accessories with windows are also particularly appreciated. To enlarge or decrease them, to place them to the right or left, to scroll. All this with gestures simplified as much as possible with hand and finger movements combined with high-quality gaze direction detection.
An external battery
The majority of reviewers note, however, that introducing writing using the virtual keyboard provided is only satisfactory for very brief texts and that it is much preferable to use a physical keyboard and therefore an augmented reality representation. Apple’s choice to power the headset with an external battery that fits in a pocket, for example, is highlighted. Its relatively short lifespan without recharging (between two hours and well less than four hours depending on the use) is noted as is the possibility of connecting the battery to a wall outlet when you do not want to be dependent on its low autonomy.
To return to what the headset displays, it is also underlined that Apple’s ambition to compete with the capabilities of a human eye and, thus to make people forget that we are wearing an accessory, still comes up against some technological deficiencies. The reality captured by the Vision Pro can sometimes appear perfect in 4K representation, sometimes deteriorated in certain recording conditions. It can therefore become grainy in low light. The field of vision (a little less than 110 degrees, estimated by “The Verge”) is also considered to be rather weak while the level of detail is slightly deteriorated when looking towards the edges of the suit. To sum up his impression, the tester of “The Verge” came up with a catchy phrase: “It’s magical until it’s not.”
The “Persona” function does not work
But the biggest criticism to have been clearly expressed by the first users of the headset relates to the “Persona” function. Still in beta version, the latter scans the user’s face once and for all and uses it by animating it during sessions, for example, videoconferencing. The reactions were all “blah-blah” highlighting a journey into the uncanny valley with a realistic “avatardized” representation, but in fact still appearing unreal.
For many daisy cutters, the Vision Pro is undeniably a helmet that impresses and some of whose features are superior to what the competition can offer. It is often at this stage that the very high price of bousin is reported and that at this level, near perfection is required. We are close, but not quite yet, emphasize those who consider that the Vision Pro displays the advantages and disadvantages of a first generation product.