In the living room, on the plane, or in Times Square… the stunning and dramatic use of Apple’s headset

Is this the future? Launched in the United States on Friday, Vision Pro aims to revolutionize “spatial computing”. Real and virtual merge before the amazed eyes of the first buyers – about 200,000 according to estimates. While we wait for Apple’s “mixed reality” headset, which sells for $3,499 in the United States, to arrive in France, probably in the coming months, here’s a selection of the best – and the worst.
Use for work, play or escape.

Working with screens around you

Are you happy with your workstation with three screens and 12 virtual desktops? Vision Pro promises a workflow on steroids in which you can pin a window to your surroundings, as shown by YouTuber Himels Tech.

Email in front of you, loose talk to the left, giant TV screens in the living room, virtual Post-Its on the fridge, Gordon Ramsay’s cooking recipes floating above the stove… Apple has achieved a convergence that’s nothing to envy, what a science fiction fantasy. Minority Report Or iron man.

Because transparent screen optics are still far from perfect, Vision Pro uses a magic trick: video passthrough. Technically, we don’t see our environment directly but a guaranteed real-time video copy with which we can interact. Eye tracking allows the machine to see where you are looking. Then, you have the choice between using your keyboard and mouse for gesture control or productivity.

NBA in Multiplex

NBA League Pass takes full advantage of Vision Pro. Want to watch four matches at once? It is possible. To see statistics in real time? They are displayed in a secondary screen.

Metro, car, plane… dire warning

Technically, the Vision Pro can be used as a nomad connected to an external “battery pack” that offers between two and four hours of autonomy depending on usage. But after the “glassholes” of ten years ago, who wore Google Glass everywhere, today we have vision “bros”. Apple may stipulate that you “never use Vision Pro” while driving or bicycling (or on stairs, balconies, and any hazardous area), which puts some people into the scene while skateboarding and others while driving. does not stop

We’re not going to lie, no more than wearing the equivalent of a snowboard mask over your face in Times Square or waving your arms while crossing the street. Simpson or a bad episode Black Mirror What an exciting future. One day, we’ll have augmented reality glasses like that Kingsman: The Secret Service To catch Pokemon. Meanwhile, the Vision Pro is primarily intended for indoor use. Of course, it’s possible to marvel at a 3D Disney movie on the subway… if you’re willing to snag a device worth two minimum wages.

By plane, tourists are attracted by the immersion of “portable home cinema”. However, they advise to “wait for another version” as some local apps are available.

Attention for dummies

According to Tim Cook, the focus on Vision Pro “takes it to another level”. That can take a beginner to the middle of the desert or to the top of a volcano in Hawaii at sunrise.

Not everyone is convinced. “It doesn’t make any sense. You don’t need a $3,500 virtual reality headset to meditate,” says technophile Loic Le Meure. That’s also the beauty of meditation: “Nothing is needed. »