394: ‘An Impossible Balcony’, With Matthew Panzarino
Feb 1, 2024
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Matthew Panzarino, proprietor of The Obsessor, talks about the Vision Pro. They discuss WordPress scheduling, review embargoes, Ad Block Pro, Safari vs Chrome, YouTube on the iPhone, Face ID frustrations, privacy concerns and Apple's approach, 3D display mode on iPhones, VisionOS, childhood movie-watching memories, 3D movies, the cost and value of a device for entertainment, and simplifying the buying and selling process.
The lack of native support from streaming services like Netflix and YouTube raises questions about the appeal of Vision Pro.
Navigating and managing egos is crucial for successful partnerships.
The inclusion of the Safari browser on Vision Pro ensures universal access to content and services.
The absence of Face ID when wearing Vision Pro hinders quick access to the iPhone.
Vision Pro offers an immersive 3D movie-watching experience with impressive resolution and foveated rendering.
Deep dives
Vision Pro needs better support from streaming services
One of the challenges that Vision Pro faces is the lack of native support from streaming services like Netflix and YouTube. While both services can be accessed through the Safari browser on Vision Pro, the absence of dedicated apps raises questions about the platform's appeal. Apple's assumption that everyone would want to be on Vision Pro may have led to a certain level of arrogance. This highlights the need for Apple to actively engage with partners and convince them of the value of being on Vision Pro.
The power of individual egos in business decisions
Many high-stakes business decisions are driven by individual egos and personal preferences rather than logical reasoning. Personal biases, disputes, and even simple annoyances can influence strategic choices. The ability to navigate and manage these egos is crucial for successful partnerships. This may have been an area where Steve Jobs excelled, using his charm and persuasive abilities to convince partners to align with Apple's goals. This approach may have been effective in securing support for Vision Pro from Netflix and YouTube.
Understanding the power of the web and the World Wide Web
The World Wide Web has become a ubiquitous computing platform that connects people to services and information across the globe. The web has the ability to level the playing field and provide universal access to content and services. Apple's inclusion of the Safari browser on Vision Pro ensures that users can access websites even if certain native apps are unavailable. The web serves as the connective tissue in the digital ecosystem, enabling cross-platform functionality and providing access to a wide range of services.
Challenges with Face ID on Vision Pro
While Vision Pro offers a seamless user experience, it does pose some challenges when it comes to unlocking the iPhone. Face ID does not work when the user is wearing the Vision Pro device, leading to frustration and inconvenience. This highlights the reliance on Face ID as an effortless and automatic authentication method. The absence of this feature impacts the overall user experience, particularly in situations where quick access to the phone is needed.
Vision Pro hardware and the platform for spatial computing
The Vision Pro offers a 1.0 hardware that is great for spatial computing. It provides a platform where you can do your work, similar to using iPadOS. The ability to have multiple windows, notes, mail, messages, and Safari makes it a productive tool. The spaciousness of the platform allows for better organization and multitasking.
The immersive movie watching experience
The Vision Pro offers a remarkable movie-watching experience. The size of the movie screen and the immersive 3D capabilities are unparalleled. It provides an immersive and cinematic experience that surpasses watching movies on traditional screens. The visual quality and scale of the movies make them feel life-like and captivating. It is truly a game-changer for movie enthusiasts.
Limitations of social interaction
While the Vision Pro offers an incredible experience for individual use, it lacks the same level of sociability as watching movies with others in a shared space. The isolation of wearing the headset prevents the same level of engagement and interaction that comes with traditional movie-watching with family or friends. However, it does have potential for remote shared viewing experiences with loved ones who are physically apart.
Impressive 3D movie experience
The Vision Pro delivers a compelling 3D movie-watching experience. Native 3D movies, such as Avatar, are incredibly immersive and enjoyable on the device. The device eliminates common issues associated with traditional 3D movies, such as discomfort and dimness. It provides a bright and crisp 3D view that enhances the cinematic experience.
The Immersive Experience of Apple's New Device
Apple's new device offers an immersive experience through its 3D emergence technology, allowing users to move their heads and have a 180-degree view. It creates a giant spherical screen projection that makes users feel like they are in a massive environment. The resolution is impressive, and although not every pixel is rendered at high resolution, the foveated rendering creates the illusion of high resolution. The device is particularly praised for its entertainment purposes, such as watching movies and experiencing 3D content.
The Vision Pro's Potential for Productivity
While the device is celebrated for its entertainment features, there is also potential for productivity. The eye-tracking technology enables reading and browsing websites, which is often problematic on other headsets. Reviewers note that reading on the Vision Pro is comfortable, and the eye-tracking is accurate in most cases. However, there is room for improvement in terms of precision, especially with small targets and close proximity interactions. Despite these limitations, the Vision Pro seems to have surpassed the baseline for productive interactions and is considered a promising device for work-related tasks.
Matthew Panzarino -- proprietor of the excellent new website/newsletter The Obsessor -- returns to the show to talk about -- what else? -- the Vision Pro.
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