What you should know
- Apple‘s first XR headset, the Vision Pro, is a significant new product category for the company, raising questions about its performance and availability for in-person trials.
- There are sanitary concerns with VR headsets, as cleaning a single unit to meet regulatory standards can take a significant amount of time.
- Apple has reportedly stated in a marketing email that customers will be able to try the Vision Pro in Apple Stores, possibly using protective masks and UV light cleaning to maintain sanitation.
- The process of fitting the headset and equipping it with any necessary prescription lenses could make for a lengthy in-store experience, challenging Apple’s usual quick and simple approach.
Full Story
Okay, let’s level-set here. You’re at least a bit curious about Apple’s first-ever XR headset, the Vision Pro, aren’t you? I mean, Apple doesn’t exactly venture into new product categories every other day. And then there’s the big question: could the Vision Pro become one of the top VR headsets on the market?
Like anything worth pondering in life, there are two sides to this. One side: we’ll all know soon enough. You won’t have to wait too long before you can read all about the headset online. But then there’s the flip side: what if you want to try the Vision Pro in person?
Here’s the thing. There are already hygiene concerns around VR headset sharing at parties or public events. Cleaning a single unit to meet regulatory standards can take a good chunk of time. That’s why I’ve been thinking Apple won’t offer demos in Apple Stores for the Vision Pro. But hey, I’ve been wrong before, so let’s move on to the how.
Here’s the scoop: Apple sent out a marketing email. It said customers could try the Vision Pro themselves in Apple Stores. The email read: “Starting at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, February 2, we invite you to sign up for a demo of Apple Vision Pro at your local Apple Store.” Demo times are first-come, first-served from Friday through the weekend.
But there’s a catch. These demos might be limited to the weekend following the headset’s release. Why? Well, as we’ve already established, cleaning headsets isn’t a walk in the park. So, what can you expect? Apple might have you wear these cool ninja masks that cover the area around your eyes. This way, the headset doesn’t touch your skin directly.
Given that thorough cleaning can take a while, Apple might turn to UV light for cleaning, which is quicker and sometimes more effective. Face masks might also be in the mix, but that could limit the headset’s capabilities. Not exactly ideal for a product demo, right?
Ever seen one of these before? Well, you might get to if you decide to try out the Vision Pro.
But remember, that’s just the cleaning part. Store employees also have to help you fit the headset properly. They have to ensure it’s equipped with any pre-manufactured prescription lenses you might need, since you can’t wear your own glasses with it. Sounds like a lengthy and involved process, doesn’t it?
Here’s the kicker: there isn’t a clear-cut method for doing this the “Apple way” – quick and simple. But if the Cupertino company figures something out and offers demos in the future, that would be another innovation related to the Vision Pro.
