Vision Pro: Awe with Concerns

By June Ramli

Sydney, Sept 7: When I walked into the Apple Store on George Street in Sydney on Wednesday to pick up an Apple Tag, something dawned on me – I had always wanted to try the Apple Vision Pro but never found the time.
After making my purchase, I decided to linger a little longer and take advantage of the complimentary demo.
I’d heard so much about this headset and was eager, though a little skeptical, to see what the fuss was all about.
Once my head measurements were taken and the demo set up, the staff handed me the sleek Vision Pro headset.
As I slipped it on, I immediately felt the weight settle across my head.

It wasn’t unbearable, but definitely noticeable.
I brushed off the discomfort, telling myself I’d get used to it, eager to see what came next.
As the demo began, I was quickly immersed in a surreal world that felt like stepping into the future.
The visuals were incredibly sharp, and the responsiveness was flawless.
It was as though I had entered an entirely different dimension, and for a moment, it all felt magical.
For the next 30 minutes, I explored various apps, virtual landscapes, and intricate 3D interactions.

Every feature seemed more mind-blowing than the last, leaving me with a sense of wonder.
It was easy to see why so many people were captivated by it.
However, as time went on, I became increasingly aware of the weight on my head.
The Vision Pro, while visually stunning, was heavy enough to cause a persistent discomfort.
By the end of the demo, I had developed a mild headache.
I thanked the Apple staff, took off the headset, and stepped out of the store still amazed but conflicted. The technology was undeniably impressive, but there was something unsettling about the product.
I couldn’t help but wonder what prolonged use could do to my eyesight.
Would it lead to strain or even potential damage?
As mind-blowing as the experience was, I realised I wouldn’t be purchasing the Vision Pro anytime soon. Despite its revolutionary features, the weight and potential impact on my eyes left me cautious.
It’s an exciting glimpse into the future, but for now, it’s one I’m not ready to fully embrace.

In other product news..

Sony Debuts MDR-M1 Headphones

Sony has launched the MDR-M1 Reference Closed Monitor Headphones, crafted for music creators and engineers to achieve studio-level sound anywhere.
Featuring a closed acoustic design with advanced sound isolation, a custom driver, and a lightweight build, these headphones are designed to deliver precise, high-resolution audio.
Top engineers, including Mike Piacentini and Akihiro Nishimura, collaborated on the MDR-M1’s development.
Piacentini praised the headphones as a “great entry point for any creator,” while Nishimura hopes they become “the standard monitoring system for any recording sessions.”
The MDR-M1 also integrates with Sony’s 360 Virtual Mixing Environment, enhancing flexibility for creators.
Available in Australia from October 2024, priced at AU$499.95.

Lenovo Unveils AI-Driven Devices at Innovation World

Lenovo introduced its latest advancements in AI PC devices during the Lenovo Innovation World 2024 event.
The company revealed new ThinkPad, ThinkBook, Yoga, and IdeaPad laptops, designed to transform user experiences for both consumers and enterprises.
AI PCs are expected to make up 60 per cent of PCs shipped by 2027, and Lenovo is leading this charge by leveraging personalised large language models and advanced computing architectures.
“At Lenovo, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and bringing AI-powered technology to everyone.
Our latest AI PCs, including the groundbreaking Aura Edition series, represent a significant leap forward in delivering highly personalised, productive, and protected computing experiences,” said Luca Rossi, President of Lenovo Intelligent Devices Group.
Among the devices unveiled were the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition and the ThinkBook 16 Gen 7+, featuring Intel and AMD Ryzen AI processors, offering exceptional multitasking, AI capabilities, and security features.
Lenovo also introduced AI PC Fast Start, designed to help organisations transition to AI-ready devices with ease.
For consumers, Lenovo showcased the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition and Yoga Pro 7, equipped with powerful processors and stunning OLED displays, perfect for creators and professionals.
The IdeaPad Slim 5x and IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 also provide enhanced AI-driven productivity for mainstream users.In addition, Lenovo unveiled its Global Retail Design Language, aimed at transforming the customer experience across physical retail formats, and announced a multi-year extension of its partnership with Formula 1, where Lenovo will continue to supply High-Performance Computing solutions and servers, contributing to F1’s sustainability goals.

Amazfit Unveils T-Rex 3

Zepp Health has launched the Amazfit T-Rex 3, a rugged smartwatch designed for adventurers.
The T-Rex 3 boasts a 1.5” AMOLED display with 2,000 nits of brightness, a stainless-steel bezel, and military-grade durability.
With up to 27 days of battery life and enhanced dual-band GPS, it supports over 170 workout modes, including new ones like Hyrox Racing and Freediving.
Muhammad Haris Hakimi praised its privacy controls and navigation accuracy, while Shawn Pam highlighted the clarity of the screen and seamless health tracking during his workouts.
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 features the upgraded Zepp OS 4.0 with AI integration, offering better connectivity with third-party fitness devices.
A pre-launch sale on 7 and 8 September at DirectD Gadget Mega Store will include a special gift bundle, with the smartwatch priced at RM1,099.00.
Starting Sept 9, it will be available on Shopee with the same pricing and free gift offer.