Tech reporters Joanna Stern, Nilay Patel, and Mark Gurman join Kara Swisher to discuss Apple's new Vision Pro, including its features, the $3500 price tag, and speculation about Steve Jobs' opinion on the device. They also explore challenges in app compatibility, privacy concerns, and Apple's flaws.
The success of the Apple Vision Pro as a gaming device may be hindered by the lack of two hand controllers, potentially limiting its appeal to a wider audience.
The reluctance of major streaming services to launch apps on the Vision Pro highlights the challenges Apple faces with its App Store policies, limiting available content and hindering its appeal in the entertainment sector.
Privacy concerns remain for users of the Vision Pro due to the presence of multiple cameras and sensors, and Apple needs to effectively communicate about data security and prioritize user privacy.
Deep dives
The Vision Pro and its Potential as a Gaming Device
Despite its immersiveness and impressive features, the Vision Pro could face challenges as a gaming device due to the lack of two hand controllers. In order to compete with established gaming platforms, Apple would need to release its own first-party gaming hand controllers or developers for games may be hesitant to come on board. The success of the device could be heavily influenced by its gaming capabilities, as gaming is a core part of virtual reality and augmented reality experiences. Without resolving the gaming situation, the Vision Pro may struggle to attract a wider audience.
The Impact of App Store Policies on the Vision Pro
The reluctance of major streaming services like Spotify, Netflix, and YouTube to launch apps on the Vision Pro highlights the challenges Apple faces with its App Store policies. These developers have bypassed running their iPad versions on the Vision Pro and actively choose not to have their apps distributed outside of the App Store. This reluctance limits available content for the device, particularly in the entertainment sector, and could hinder its appeal. It is crucial for Apple to address developer concerns and ensure a robust app ecosystem to attract a broader range of users to the Vision Pro.
Privacy Concerns and Data Collection
While Apple has stated that all data is stored on the device and no data collection is taking place, privacy concerns remain for users of the Vision Pro. The presence of multiple cameras and sensors raises questions about the security and potential misuse of collected data, particularly as users interact with the device in various environments. Apple will need to communicate effectively about the safety of data collected by the Vision Pro, address any privacy risks, and assure users that their privacy is a top priority.
The Vision Pro: Over-engineered and delayed
The Vision Pro, Apple's new VR headset, has been criticized for being over-engineered and taking too long to develop. It is seen as a product that may not have shipped under Steve Jobs' watch due to its unfocused nature and various bugs. Some reviewers feel that it offers too many features and lacks the simplicity and attention to detail that Jobs valued in Apple products.
The Succession Question and the Future of Apple
The succession of Tim Cook is a topic of speculation among experts. While Craig Federighi, Greg Jozwiak, and Jeff Williams have all been mentioned as potential successors, there is uncertainty surrounding who will eventually take over as CEO. Additionally, Apple's biggest risks are seen as missing out on the next big category and losing trust from users and developers. The company's financial model, which relies heavily on collecting a tax from user interactions, is also seen as a potential risk if regulatory changes or a shift in developer behavior occur.
Kara got a sneak peek of the Apple Vision Pro, and sat down before the official launch with tech reporters Joanna Stern, Nilay Patel and Mark Gurman to discuss why it took so long for Apple to get into the world of "spatial computing" headsets, who will buy it at a steep $3500 price tag, and what Steve Jobs might make of this new device. Note: This episode was taped on Wednesday, January 31st.