Will Apple Vision Pro push the metaverse to the mainstream?
In October 2021, the metaverse burst onto the global stage, capturing attention as the anticipated future of technology. Neal Stephenson's book, Snow Crash, published in 1992, introduced the idea of the metaverse. But it was Mark Zuckerberg who arguably popularized the concept with the renaming of Facebook to Meta in 2021. Today, Meta reaches over two billion users through its tech platforms Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
However, with recent layoffs, companies like Meta, Disney, and Microsoft have shifted their priorities. Instead of solely concentrating on the metaverse, they're now exploring generative AI technologies that can help construct immersive worlds similar to what the metaverse originally envisioned.
This change in direction raises the question: less than two years since its grand introduction, is the metaverse now slowly fading away? Apple thinks otherwise.
The recent reveal of the Apple Vision Pro could breathe new life into the metaverse. The revolutionary mixed reality headset is designed to be a high-end, consumer-friendly device that could bring the metaverse to the masses.
What is Apple Vision Pro?
The Vision Pro is Apple's long-awaited augmented and virtual reality (VR) headset, which has been in the making for over ten years. The groundbreaking device was unveiled at Apple's 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference and marked the tech giant's first foray into a new product category since the Apple Watch arrived in 2015. Customers will have the opportunity to purchase the Vision Pro in early 2024.
The headset has several features that compliment the metaverse too. For example, it has a high-resolution display that can produce stunning visuals and a powerful processor that can handle complex VR applications.
The device could also introduce more people to key facets of the cryptoverse, like Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). NFTs can confuse some people who find it hard to relate to them. Some individuals may view the idea of digital items having financial value as something that feels artificial or even suspicious. However, a remarkable realization could unfold once they can experience these assets through Apple Vision Pro's augmented or mixed reality. The technology has the power to help more people to grasp the tangible nature of digital assets.
Apple examined its competitors' headsets and identified a common problem: discomfort. In response, they designed the Vision Pro headset to prioritize comfort, especially during extended usage. This feature is crucial for any VR headset used for gaming or other immersive experiences.
Of course, the Vision Pro is not without its drawbacks. It's expensive at $3,500, and it's unclear how many people will pay that much for a VR headset.
Another potential drawback is that the Vision Pro is incompatible with some VR content. For example, it can't play games designed for the Oculus Quest, another popular VR headset.
How Apple Vision Pro could help the Metaverse
Despite its limitations, the Apple Vision Pro could help reshape the metaverse with its augmented and virtual capabilities. Here's how:
- Increased adoption: The Vision Pro's high-end features and comfort make it a more appealing option for consumers than other VR headsets. This could lead to increased adoption of the metaverse as more people have access to a high-quality VR experience, especially with Apple's passionate fanbase.
- Better content: The Vision Pro's powerful processor could enable developers to create more complex and immersive VR experiences. This could lead to a wider variety of content in the metaverse that makes it more appealing to users, especially how they engage with NFTs.
- Lower cost: As the metaverse continues to evolve, competition will likely drive down the cost of VR headsets. This could make the Vision Pro more affordable for consumers, further increasing the adoption of the metaverse.
How Apple Vision Pro could hurt the metaverse
Since the Apple Vision Pro won't be available to purchase until early 2024, it's hard to define how it could hurt the metaverse, but here are some common trends from previous headset releases.
- High price: The Vision Pro's high price could make it out of reach for many consumers. This could limit the number of people accessing the metaverse and slow its adoption.
- Exclusivity: The Vision Pro is only compatible with Apple devices. This could make it difficult for users of other platforms to access the metaverse and limit the number of people participating in it.
- Lack of content: The metaverse has faced some start-and-stop roadblocks, with some projects abandoning it altogether. This could make the Vision Pro less appealing to consumers and further slow down adoption of the metaverse.
Final thoughts
Given Apple's loyal fanbase, the Apple Vision Pro is a promising device with the potential to help push the metaverse into the mainstream.
While the metaverse holds immense potential, it has faced challenges, making its long-term success uncertain. It's worth noting that both the metaverse and NFT technology continue to evolve rapidly. Considering that Apple Vision Pro is slated for release in 2024, there's a question of whether it will keep pace with the advancements in metaverse technology during this period. Ultimately, only time will reveal the answer.
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