What Does the Apple Vision Pro Mean for Digital Travel?
The dream of exploring iconic landmarks and cultures from your living room is closer than ever. With the rise of virtual travel and Apple’s groundbreaking Vision Pro headset, a new era of digital travel is upon us.
A Glimpse Into the Future of Virtual Environments
Apple's recent US release of their first entry into the world of VR with their Vision Pro has already broken the mould with virtual environments. Tech reviewers and the few early adopters willing to pay $3,500 for the base model are already raving about the possibilities. National Parks like Joshua Tree and Yosemite come alive in their living rooms, setting a new standard for virtual experiences as they are recreated in their living rooms. Disney+ is also expanding the Vision Pro experience, allowing users to watch movies and TV shows in iconic settings. Choose from the Avenger’s Tower in New York, the Factory Floor of Monsters Inc, or the cockpit of a Star Wars spaceship.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. As developers create new apps and environments for Apple's latest piece of tech, users will be able to travel the world and experience new cultures, terrains and landscapes in a way that was previously impossible.
Sky Guide, an app realised alongside Vision Pro, allows users to travel through space, stargaze, and witness wonders like the Aurora Borealis – experiences often beyond the most adventurous travellers.
Try Before You Fly
Apple has also partnered with the gaming and software development platform Unity. The partnership promises to unlock a world of virtual travel experiences. Travel agents, hotels and even museums are creating immersive previews on competing headsets, allowing travellers to ‘try before you fly.’
Living in your Memories
The Vision Pro is not just about experiencing new environments – it’s about reliving old memories. Using high-quality photos and videos, users can transform cherished photos and videos into stunning 3D experiences. With this new technology, you could 'stand' virtually in a place you had previously photographed once again. The Vision Pro also has Apple's first 3D camera, which allows users to capture videos and audio that can be replayed through the headset.
The Future
Apple's entry into the Metaverse and VR has might be the first to truly enter the mainstream. Soon, we could all be wearing strange-looking goggles as part of our daily routine. For now, the hefty price tag will keep it out of reach for many and the technology needs work according to reviewers.
However, we should not forget that Apple made 1,000 songs fit in our pocket with the iPod, revolutionised communication with the iPhone and somehow persuaded us that fancy wireless earbuds were cool with the AirPods. They might just do the same for VR with the Vision Pro.
The impact on digital travel cannot be understated. The industry is booming, estimated to reach a worth of more than $20 billion by 2030 according to research firm McKinsey. Imagine the possibilities if Apple delivers on their promise. In 10 years, who knows where we’ll be able to travel, what wonders we’ll be able to experience, and how life-like it will feel – all from the comfort of our own homes.
While undeniably exciting, the virtual travel revolution through Vision Pro isn't without concerns. Accessibility remains a hurdle with the hefty price tag. Ethical considerations arise, like the potential for addiction and the blurring of real and virtual experiences.
Environmental impact needs evaluation, as production and energy consumption for VR gear could counteract the benefits of reduced physical travel. Lastly, questions of data privacy and security in these immersive environments demand careful consideration.