The Vision Pro arrived with great fanfare.
Bold claims indeed, but Apples track record lends them credibility.
The tech giant has already redefined music players, tablets, laptops, desktops, smartwatches, and headphones.
Analysts are nowproclaimingan iPhone moment for extended reality (XR).
Across the Atlantic, the launch was being watched closely by Europes XR kingpin: Varjo.
The Helsinki-based startup claims to produce the worlds most advanced VR and XR.
But it now faces competition from the biggest companyon the planet.
When Apple revealed the Vision Pros cost, the announcement drewan audible gaspfrom the audience.
At a whopping $3,499 (3,238) the headset is strictly for big spenders.
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Such public positivity was expected from Varjo.
But its been echoed in the thoughts of external experts.
This includes Varjo, which I believe targets a substantially different customer jot down to the Vision Pro.
Were shaving off huge amounts of time and costs.
Varjo has eschewed these consumer applications.
All the companys customers have sky-high requirements sometimes literally.
In aviation, thetechis used to train pilots without the need for lengthy travel and expensive simulators.
Varjo also had to overcome large entry barriers in other sectors, such as the defence and automotive industries.
Again, the savings can be immense but only if the XR accurately reflects reality.
Were obviously shaving off huge amounts of time and costs from that process.
The effects were certainly impressive in our demo of the tech.
After strapping on and calibrating the headset, a photorealistic sports car appeared on the meeting room floor.
Using hand gestures, we unlocked the doors to admire the vehicles interior.
Seconds later, we were transported to the iconic Silverstone motor racing circuit.
The same car was parked in front of our eyes, but now reflecting its virtual surroundings.
Aside from a flicker of sunlight shining onto the display, the experience was remarkably lifelike.
But then again, were yet to have a go on the Vision Pro.
Apples XR gear has impressed both early users and analysts.
But the tech differs significantly from Varjos.
Dale notes that Varjo headsets connect to external gaming PCs via cables to receive computing power.
The Vision Pro, however, does this internally.
That makes it more portable and the power is substantial.
But even Apples high-end silicon is unlikely to match the performance of elite PCs.
I think its primarily a developer gadget.
Another difference is that the Vision Pro is more of a personal system.
People with bad eyesight will require prescription inserts, and further individual customisations may be needed.
In contrast, Varjos headsets can be worn over glasses and shared between multiple users.
The companies have also trod divergent paths to their ecosystems.
Varjos hardware relies on a broader, more open data pipe of partners, including Steam for base stations.
These companies often have complex needs and established systems outside Apples empire.
In time, Apple may shift focus to cheaper devices, mass consumption, and new segments.
There are alreadyreportsthat the company aims to release a more affordable headset by the end of 2025.
Experts expect that the Vision Pro is merely a first step into extended reality.
Thats the prediction of Tom Furness, one of the sectors leading luminaries.
He expects Apple to use the Vision Pro to refine the XR plans.
I think its primarily a developer unit, Furness said atTNW Conference.
Varjo will be keeping a close eye on the progress.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
