What is the Apple Vision Pro, and how will it transform the work-force?
Regardless of whether you’re big on technology or not, you will be hearing a lot more in the next few months about Apple’s latest augmented reality innovation, The Vision Pro.
But how far will Apple’s Vision Pro augment our reality?
The pricy new goggles, albeit not an innovation, are a massive step forward in AR and VR technology. Boasting an impressive operating power and a 4K resolution, this piece of tech kit is a massive game-changer when it comes to entertainment, social connection, and even productivity. By combining Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, Apple has essentially made a tool that could potentially allow the user to do (almost) anything they want from their couch, and with the portability aspect, from wherever they want to be. With all the new, exciting features must also come an appropriate price tag. You would have to forfeit $3500 to get your hands on Apples latest tech, and while that may mean it won’t become a household staple anytime soon, its impact should not be underestimated.
This idea isn’t brand new
Remember Google Glass? That was in 2013. More recently, Microsoft has been integrated into the AR device market with the HoloLens, a device specifically targeted at increasing work output. One of the HoloLens devices even comes with an integrated hard-hat that allows construction workers and civil engineers to access information without having to let go of what they’re doing.. HoloLens has also been used to aid surgeons, train medical staff, and Microsoft has even landed a deal with the US army worth $21.9 billion [1] for the use of AR headsets! However, many soldiers have reported that it left them with nausea, headaches, and the glow from the device would be seen from miles away, giving away the soldier’s position [2].
Why would Apple think they could make a dent in this seemingly doomed market? They have often been known as the refiner of pre-existing innovation. For this, Apple is a well-trusted company when it comes to the reliability of their products and so the Vision Pro should be no exception. Apple releasing an AR device this late into the trend can only mean that it will be the most user-friendly experience of it we have yet. However, its uses will stretch further than just the home-entertainment market.
How does this affect the job world?
AR tools have the potential to transform the world of HR and recruitment for good. For instance, Interviews could be done in a more efficient manner with multiple screens for information and tools that can aid the process. Candidates could also be given 3D Remote tours of the workplace, giving them more information to help them with their final decision. As well, any office worker could amplify their workflow by simply viewing and sharing their designs, all while not interrupting their workspace or having to deal with tangible items such as paper, folders, etc.
With its AR capabilities, the Vision Pro could also benefit recruiters with Diversity and Inclusion tools in order to keep a fair and unbiased interview process. Candidates could be given avatars that display no sign of personal indicators, keeping even the interview process anonymous. Controversially, it could even analyse the body language of the interviewee in order to gain insight into the recruiter’s decision. The fact that the Vision Pro does not require any sort of controller to use can also be of huge benefit to those with physical impairments, further levelling the playing field when it comes to the hiring process. The accessibility features it claims to offer could be the most exciting aspect of the product – Braille support, MFi hearing devices, and guided access to name a few.
Developers’ own biases in apps will likely be kept to a minimum, as Apple tends to thoroughly surveil what goes through their app store. The reason it being an Apple product is so important is because they are very good at maintaining the security of their devices. The current iOS system is known for its security features, and many users see this as a selling point of the iPhone. Any developers that may otherwise (unconsciously) insert their own biases into the software will most likely have their work analysed before it is even considered to go on the potential Vision Pro App Store.
What are the downsides?
It’s important to keep an open mind with evolving technology, especially those that help increase our productivity. Developers are always considering the ethical aspects of the products they make, and they are taken through multiple stages of analysis before they are even marketed to investors. With media like Black Mirror showing us the negative effects of integrating advanced technology with our lives, there will always be caution when purchasing, developing, and using advanced tech. The Vision Pro, depending on the outcome, could be either the death of the AR market, or the renaissance. The fact that it’s shown to be an entertainment hub and a form of working environment could be an indication that this sort of device will eventually be a staple in multiple homes throughout the world. Many people also already own Apple products - the release of the Vision Pro will inevitably mean that it will be integrated into the Apple ecosystem, making the transition for potential customers even smoother.
Overall, the Apple Vision Pro has the potential to set the standard for future AR and VR tech. With Apple’s signature polishing over the product, it could quickly become common use in the modern workplace, even helping HR and recruiters traverse the tricky world of interviewing and biases.
Author: Caleb Mota (Digital Marketing Intern)