Apple launches Vision Pro mixed reality glasses in the US – 02/02/2024 – Tech

Apple stores in the United States began selling, this Friday (2), the Vision Pro, mixed reality glasses that cost US$3,499 (R$17,380), in their first major launch since the Apple Watch, nine years ago. years.

The arrival of Vision Pro is a milestone for lovers of virtual reality and augmented reality, who see these technologies as the next chapter of life on the internet after smartphones.

But given its high cost, as well as the poor success of similar, cheaper launches from Facebook owner Meta, early reviews have raised doubts about whether the Vision Pro will change the rules of the game, at least for now.

It is a “surprising” product, wrote the technology outlet The Verge, although it “also represents a series of great tradeoffs” that are “impossible to ignore.”

“(It’s) an impressive product, one that has been developed for many years and with billions of dollars”, but “even after testing it, I still have no idea what or who it is for”, he wrote, in turn , the American newspaper The New York Times.

Critics undoubtedly recognize a “wow” factor, pointing out its cutting-edge image quality and the pleasure of opening and closing apps floating in space with your eyes and fingers.

However, the device is heavy, messes up the user’s hair and requires a bulky battery, they add.

Apple considers the Vision Pro its first foray into “spatial computing”, refusing to use the term “virtual reality” typically associated with technology fans and gamers.

According to the company, 600 applications and games specifically developed for the Vision Pro are available, as well as one million compatible applications.

In partnership with Apple, Disney will provide 150 3D films at launch, the two companies announced. Netflix, Spotify and Google, for now, have refused to modify their apps to fit the glasses.

The Vision Pro will be available in other countries later this year, said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.

According to analysts at Wedbush Securities, Apple can expect to sell around 600,000 units in 2024.