On February 2nd 2024 Apple released the well anticipated new VR headset – the Apple VisionPro. Technology enthusiasts were excited when in June 2023 Apple revealed they were working on a new headset product offering ‘eye-tracking technology.’
Apple claims the VisionPro will feature ‘a brand-new three-dimensional user interface and input system controlled entirely by a user’s eyes, hands, and voice, navigation feels magical. Intuitive gestures allow users to interact with apps by simply looking at them, tapping their fingers to select, flicking their wrist to scroll, or using a virtual keyboard or dictation to type.’
Users have shared videos on various platforms showing exactly how the product is used and sharing reviews on this new innovation. An X(formally ‘Twitter’) user said,” It is just about the most technologically impressive consumer VR headset out there. It does a few things better than any VR device I have ever used and it feels powerful.”
The product itself costs $3499 – which is £2776 pounds GBP.
Considering the high price point, many have questioned the need for such a device and what that means for the people that use it. An article in The Guardian by Arwa Mahdawi reported that,” It’s not just the fact that our perception of reality might be altered that’s scary: it’s the fact that a small number of companies will have so much control over how we see the world.”
“Think about how much influence big tech already has when it comes to content we see, and then multiply that a million times over. You think deepfakes are scary? Wait until they seem even more realistic.”
Many also have concerns over how it will personally affect the people using it. Its possible that this could lead to individuals isolating themselves from the real world and essentially living their lives through this technology.
So is this new form of VR a step towards people disconnecting from their communities and living in a ‘simulation’ as philosophers have warned?
As innovations like the VisionPro get more advanced it begs the question of what will the future look like – will people live through these systems and only connect with reality when needed, and what will this mean for human connection?
Written by Eve Whitcombe
