Virtuality Continuum Replaces Metaverse
Mixed reality and spatial computing will set you free … from the isolated VR world
Extended reality finally makes sense with the arrival of Apple Vision Pro, the company’s long-rumored AR (or more accurately, MR) headset. As the idea of blending synthetic reality with the existing physical world emerges as a more practical — literally ‘realistic’ — alternative to the overhyped ‘metaverse’ concept, Vision Pro could have tremendous potential.
At WWDC23, Apple stressed that they are not merely introducing a new product, but rather launching an entirely new platform. Probably this is why the price point of its first offering is way higher than an average consumer’s expectations. At this stage, the initial version of Vision Pro is somewhat experimental and primarily aimed at developers rather than end users.
Before delving deeper, we need to understand the concept of extended reality, which encompasses AR, MR, and VR, as well as ‘virtuality continuum’ — a spectrum that covers all these synthetic realities. While I have already shared the following resources in my previous post, it would be worth revisiting them.
The Difference between AR vs MR vs VR vs XR? | Interaction Design Foundation
What is Virtuality Continuum | Interaction Design Foundation
Versatility with lifestyle approach is the key
Few people want to be isolated in a total VR environment. Instead, engaging in a variety of activities across digital and physical environments allows users to enjoy much richer life experiences. This is one of the reasons why Meta initially faltered, and why Apple is more likely succeed in this category.
At its keynote, Apple demonstrated diverse use cases that seamlessly integrate into our daily lives without disconnecting us from the physical world. (And the company was clever enough to elaborately design Vision Pro’s platform as part of its notoriously near-perfect ‘ecosystem’.) This marks the most significant distinction between Meta’s universe (or the lackluster buzzword ‘metaverse’) and Apple’s fresh ‘vision’ for this new landscape.
Speaking of Meta, Mark Zuckerberg’s comments on Apple Vision Pro during his recent interview with Lex Fridman are quite fascinating. (Check out the video below.) Although Zuckerberg appeared somewhat uncomfortable discussing the subject — given his initial attempts to lead the XR category were not particularly well-received, and a new competitor is now emerging — he managed to provide a thoughtful response in a relatively calm and composed manner, “I do think that this is a certain level of validation for the category …”
As both Fridman and Zuckerberg pointed out, Vision Pro isn’t particularly focused on entertainment and gaming. Instead, Apple uses the term of ‘spatial computing’ and emphasizes the various occastions and life events where it can be used, showcasing the integration not only of synthetic reality and the physical world, but also of work and life through the device and its platform. That versatility with lifestyle approach could be the winning formula for Vision Pro, I think.
Another feature I love about Vision Pro is its ability to control the level of immersiveness; in other words, a user can switch between AR and VR modes depending on the situation. (Even in VR mode, the device shifts to AR when someone approaches. How cool is that!) This is a prime example of the ‘virtuality continuum’ in action — a flexible spectrum between synthetic reality and the physical world that expands rather than confines the possibilities in our lives.
The future ‘spatial computing’ may bring
Personally, I’m an avid user and enthusiast of iPad. I love it so much primarily because the versatile device set me free from numerous things. iPad liberated me from lengthy stays in the office even on heavy workload days, and it has enabled me to embrace minimalism by eliminating the need for items like notepads and diaries. I bring this up to emphasize that the success of a new product (or a category) is determined by its ability to streamline a user's life instead of complicating it while unlocking new possibilities.
In that sense, Apple Vision Pro and the spatial computing category it’s spearheading could bring about significant changes — not only in our individual lives but also on an industry-wide and societal level.
The first transformation that comes to mind involves a major shift in hardware electronics. Large display TVs could soon become obsolete as spatial computing, not limited by displays, transforms our surroundings into a canvas. Eventually, all IT devices might become obsolete at some point.
Changes on the individual and societal levels are also anticipated. For instance, the work-from-anywhere trend could become even more prevalent.
And let's not overlook the entertainment industry, which I expect will undergo dramatic changes. Boosted by generative AI technologies, you'll be able to enjoy highly personalized content in any setting, and even interact with it.
This is just the beginning.