The Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) arena just got a massive upgrade with the introduction of two incredible ultra-high 4K devices: the $3500 Apple Vision Pro and the $950 Immersed Visor ($400 with Visor Plus). In this article, we delve into the intricacies of these cutting-edge devices, dissecting their features and weighing the advantages and drawbacks of each of them.
More specifically, we will be focused on ranking these devices on their day-to-day usefulness in the following use cases: entertainment, work and productivity, portability, audio, performance, and last but not least… price.
Whether you're interested in the Vision Pro or Immersed's Visor, our comprehensive breakdown aims to guide you in deciding which device is best for you.
Entertainment:
Both the Vision Pro and Visor boast ultra-high 4K resolution per eye (23M pixels and 27M pixels, respectively), promising unparalleled clarity with vivid colors and deep blacks. Apple's powerhouse reputation ensures that they will have a robust entertainment experience, from Apple TV+ to a diverse app store filled with engaging games. Apple has even gone the extra mile to ensure that people can enjoy their favorite content in fully immersive experiences. For example, you can watch the Mandalorian in the infamous Land Speeder!
In contrast, Visor takes a more pragmatic approach, focusing on everyday entertainment with access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Max, and many others. Notably, it allows users the ability to watch movies together, a unique feature absent in the Vision Pro.
Concerning entertainment, both the Apple Vision Pro and Immersed’s Visor deliver exceptional experiences, each with its unique strengths. The Vision Pro's immersive experiences undoubtedly offer users the opportunity to delve into entertainment like never before. The allure of sitting in a land speeder while enjoying The Mandalorian is undoubtedly enticing.
However, Visor is no slouch when it comes to entertainment. Allowing you to watch any of your favorite streaming services in AR or VR.
Work & Productivity:
On the topic of work and productivity, both the Apple Vision Pro and Immersed's Visor promise a paradigm shift with “spatial computing.” Simply put, spatial computing is the technology that enables computers to blend in with the physical world in a natural way.
Picture this, 4K monitors floating above your workspace (wherever that may be). You can seamlessly toggle between reality and virtual reality depending on how focused you need to be to tackle the task at hand. At Immersed, we call it being truly immersed in your work, free from distractions. This immersive work experience is complemented by ultra-high 4K resolution per eye, eliminating the nuisances of glare and reflections commonly found on traditional monitors.
Now, let's delve into the distinctive features that set these headsets apart. Starting with screens, the Apple Vision Pro offers the ability to mirror one MacBook screen. That screen is fully customizable, meaning you can resize and reposition it in any way you see fit. The Vision Pro also comes with Apple’s productivity apps like Pages, Notes, and Numbers.
Immersed's Visor takes a different approach entirely. With Visor, you're not limited to a single mirrored screen; instead, you enjoy the flexibility of 5+ 4K screens. Those screens can come from your computer, phone, and tablet. Visor is virtually OS agnostic, seamlessly connecting with Mac, Windows, or Linux devices. It also gives you the power to open any apps that run on your current devices, coupled with the ability to resize and reposition screens, allowing you to craft your ideal work setup anywhere.
Now, let's talk collaboration. The Vision Pro introduces its version of collaboration through 2D FaceTime video tiles, that can be resized and repositioned. However, this feels like a small step forward from conventional video call platforms like Zoom.
On the other hand, Visor redefines collaboration by enabling remote work that replicates the experience of being physically present. You can do things like whiteboard and share your screen as if you are in the same room as your co-workers. Visor goes above and beyond by introducing Virtual Cafes, and other virtual co-working spaces akin to WeWork, fostering global networking opportunities—all from the comfort of your living room.
As we consider the work-centric features of these devices, it's evident that Immersed's Visor was built for the working professional while the Vision Pro is a more general-purpose headset. The work-centric features of Visor not only enhance productivity but also redefine the way we connect and collaborate in the professional world. Visor is the practical choice for those seeking a more productive and flexible workspace.
Portability & Form Factor:
Now, let's delve into portability and form factor, where both the Visor and Apple Vision Pro showcase their commitment to aesthetics and user-friendly design.
Unlike many predecessors in the AR VR industry, both the Visor and Apple Vision Pro have prioritized aesthetics in their design. Drawing inspiration from sunglasses for the Visor and fashionable ski goggles for the Vision Pro, these headsets aim to seamlessly blend style with functionality. The Vision Pro battery life lasts 2 hours, while the Visor’s battery lasts 3 hours. Additionally, for those who wear glasses, both devices offer the convenience of custom prescription lens add-ons.
We've all heard the sentiment, "I don't want a 2-pound brick on my face," and Visor addresses this by embodying a sleek form factor resembling a pair of sunglasses. Weighing less than a smartphone, it's not only small enough to fit in the palm of your hand but also compact enough to toss into your backpack and travel with you wherever you go. Its aesthetic low-profile design allows you to use it in public spaces without feeling conspicuous—it's designed for practicality without sacrificing style.
The Vision Pro is a beautiful device that resembles a thicker set of fashionable ski goggles. Apple's design choice to stick to their iconic glass and aluminum, while undoubtedly stylish, comes at a cost—both in terms of user comfort during prolonged use and the financial burden of $3500. The Vision Pro is the weight of a small personal watermelon (650g). While a 650g device may suffice for a brief 15-minute demo, it falls short when it comes to the comfort required for a 2-hour movie or even worse… an 8-hour workday.
Audio:
Sound can elevate or diminish the immersive experience. Both the Apple Vision Pro and Immersed's Visor bring their unique approaches when it comes to audio.
Apple has spared no expense in crafting a built-in audio masterpiece. The Vision Pro boasts onboard dual-driver audio pods strategically positioned next to each ear. This configuration is meticulously designed to deliver personalized sound, ensuring a tailored auditory experience. What's even more intriguing is the incorporation of Spatial Audio, a technology that artfully mimics sounds emanating from your surroundings. As if that's not impressive enough, the Vision Pro takes it a step further with audio ray tracing. This advanced feature analyzes the acoustic properties of your room, adapting and matching the sound to your unique space.
Now, shifting our focus to the Visor, it becomes apparent that simplicity is the key. Visor doesn't delve into the intricacies of spatial audio or audio ray tracing. Instead, it takes a straightforward approach, offering users the ability to connect their favorite Bluetooth headphones. The rationale behind this decision is clear – rather than rebuilding headphones that most users already have, Visor provides a practical solution. By leveraging the headphones you own and love, Visor aims to pass on the savings directly to the end user.
Apple has curated an unbelievable and comprehensive set of audio features. However, the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of Visor's approach, ensuring compatibility with your preferred headphones, cannot be overlooked.
Performance:
Both the Apple Vision Pro and the Visor elevate the experience by integrating hand and eye tracking. This advanced feature renders traditional controllers obsolete, allowing users to navigate the virtual landscape with the precision of a superpower. Sensors adept at tracking eye movements enhance the interaction, making the digital world respond seamlessly to your gaze and gestures. As tech enthusiast MKBHD aptly describes it, engaging with these headsets feels like “wielding the power of mind control.”
Venturing into the intricate world of chipsets, the Visor unveils its Snapdragon XR2+ Gen2. Boasting a 4K per eye capability at 90hz. The Snapdragon XR2+ Gen2 offers unparalleled performance in the current augmented and virtual reality landscape.
The Apple Vision Pro steps into the spotlight with a proprietary dual-chip set. The M2 chip runs VisionOS, executing advanced computer vision algorithms, and delivering stunning graphics with remarkable efficiency. Complementing this, the brand-new R1 chip is dedicated to processing inputs from cameras, sensors, and microphones, streaming images to the displays within a mere 12 milliseconds.
Price: Balancing Features and Budget
Visor, with a retail price of $949.99 and a membership option dropping it to $399.99, positions itself as the most cost-effective 4K per eye headset on the market. While the Vision Pro charges a premium of $3,499.99 for the Vision Pro.
Visor is the practical choice for everyday professionals, striking a great balance between features and budget. While the Apple Vision Pro is a great option for early adopters and developers who don’t mind the extravagant $3,500 price tag.
