The podcast discusses the features, limitations, and future developments of the Apple Vision Pro headset. They also touch on topics such as controversy surrounding unlocking phones with closed eyes, small business loans, and the complexity of Apple's app store policies. The speakers engage in a casual conversation and play trivia games.
Apple Vision Pro has the potential to revolutionize app interfaces by displaying information and tasks in a spatial manner.
Developers have the opportunity to create innovative apps for Vision Pro, such as cooking apps, to-do lists, and VR video experiences.
Current limitations of Vision Pro include weight, comfort, eye strain, and the need for improved brightness and resolution.
The new EU taxes imposed on app developers by Apple have sparked concerns and uncertainty, raising tensions between the company and the European Union.
Deep dives
The Potential of Vision Pro
The podcast episode explores the potential of Apple Vision Pro and how it could evolve in the future. One idea discussed is the development of app dashboards, where information and tasks can be displayed in a spatial manner. This could include to-do lists, cooking apps, virtual display of computer windows, and even watching sports races with a complete track layout and leaderboards. The speakers also highlight the need for the technology to advance towards transparent glasses, removing the need for a screen on the front, and allowing for a more seamless integration into everyday life.
Different Apps and Possibilities
The podcast mentions various apps available for Vision Pro, including cooking apps with timers and recipe displays, as well as a to-do app with checklist functionality. Other potential apps that could be developed include VR video watching experiences and dashboard-like interfaces for tracking tasks and information. The podcast emphasizes the creativity of app developers and the potential for groundbreaking applications that we can't yet imagine.
Limitations and Challenges
The podcast acknowledges the current limitations and challenges of the Vision Pro technology. These include the weight and comfort of the headset, eye strain from extended use, and the need to improve brightness, resolution, and viewing angles for better clarity. The speakers also discuss the trade-offs and flaws that come with being a first-generation product, mentioning issues such as battery life, limited app compatibility, and expensive pricing.
Eye Contact and Privacy
The podcast delves into the unique feature of Vision Pro's eye visibility. While the ability to make eye contact and see someone's eyes from within the headset is intriguing, there are discussions about potential social and privacy implications. The speakers debate the usefulness of seeing someone's eyes while in VR, as well as the etiquette and practicality of using this feature in different scenarios. They also touch on the importance of balancing technological advancements with considerations for privacy, distraction, and everyday social norms.
Apple introduces new taxes on EU app developers
Apple is implementing new taxes on app developers in the European Union due to new EU laws. Developers now have three options: continue paying the 30% cut to Apple, leave the Apple App Store and pay 50 euro cents per user per year after one million users, or agree to new terms and pay a reduced 17% commission plus the 50 euro cent fee per user after one million users. These changes come amidst ongoing tension between Apple and the EU over issues like third-party app stores and mobile phone regulations.
Confusion surrounds new EU taxes for app developers
The new EU taxes on app developers have caused confusion due to the complex nature of the rules. Developers have to choose between three options: stay in the Apple App Store and pay the 30% cut, only be in third-party app stores and pay 50 euro cents per user per year after one million users, or agree to new terms and pay a reduced commission plus the 50 euro cent fee after one million users. The evolving situation has raised concerns and uncertainty among developers.
Apple's approach to new EU taxes benefits larger developers
Apple's new approach to taxes in the EU has raised concerns among smaller developers who fear increased costs. Larger developers may find the new system more favorable due to the reduced commission and the ability to offer subscription services within the app, which was not allowed before. The changes bring into focus the contentious relationship between Apple and the EU and the ongoing debate about fair competition and consumer choice in the app marketplace.
Epic Games and other app developers challenge EU tax changes
Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, is preparing to challenge the EU tax changes. The new taxes, which apply to third-party app stores, will impact developers such as Epic Games who operate their own app stores. The changes have caused frustration and concern among developers, with some questioning the logic and impact of the new system. The ongoing relationship between Apple and the European Union remains tense, with potential future legal battles on the horizon.
It's Apple Vision Pro week! Marques sits down with Andrew and David to answer all their questions and even a few that we scraped from the YouTube comments of the videos we put out this week. If you want to know whether or not you can use the Apple Vision Pro with a Windows computer or if you can hot swap the battery, this is the episode for you. Afterwards, we talk about how the new App store rules in the EU before wrapping it all up with trivia.
Links:
MKBHD Apple Vision Pro Unboxing: https://bit.ly/42rqkbm
MKBHD Using Apple Vision Pro: https://bit.ly/3w2BwyX
WSJ Apple Vision Pro video: https://bit.ly/3u7cZIw
Verge Decapitated a Mac story: https://bit.ly/3UkAF6M
