This week the trend is Apple Vision Pro
Thoughts on Vision Pro, Fujifilm x100VI, Argylle, Novo Amor, and more.
Anticipation has been building and now with pre-orders happening, it's been all Vision Pro this week. (There’s a good chance Apple Vision Pro will also be what’s on my mind next week too. How could it not be?)
For a technology enthusiast, this new type of computer with eye-tracking, two crisp 4K screens, and new interaction methods is the wildest dream come true.
As I get ready to try the Vision Pro and write a review for it, I’ve been trying to grasp its place in history. In the long term, how will I look back at it in five years? More immediately, how will it have an impact on other devices I use and rely on in 2024?
Even more than that, though, it’s the juxtaposition between a cutting-edge spatial computer and the 40th anniversary of the Macintosh computer—Wednesday, January 24th— that I’ve found hard to shake.
This week I was reminded of all the ways the original Macintosh computer was pivotal in making the technology personal. There are clear and visible lines from that first Mac to the iMac that run through the iPhone and iPad, and still, to the Vision Pro. Can the Vision Pro make technology even more personal? Does it need to as a means for success?
Even having experienced the unveiling and launch of the iPhone in 2007, the release of the Vision Pro still feels slightly more profound than it. My best guess for why is because the iPhone was only a better mobile computer than anything before it. It was instantly revolutionary, but it still felt of its time in most ways.
The Vision Pro feels more mysterious at this early stage. A truly, you have to try it, moment. For one thing, spatial and 3D content can't be shared with 2D devices which makes it hard to convey how it will feel. Or how it will make you feel.
I get the sense that the scope of the Vision Pro is up for grabs. If the hardware is good enough to be overlooked then spatial computing could have legs. Apple will soon have three "desktop" class computing platforms in the Mac, iPad, and Vision Pro. Does it matter which one wins out? Does one have to win?
First, though, I'm just ready to know whether Vision Pro will be like the Meta Quest 3 which I use for about an hour a week, or whether it will be much more compelling than that. I guess I’ll have a better idea next week.
Other things I’m thinking about this week
Fujifilm is on the verge of releasing new cameras, including a successor to the ultra-popular x100V. The new model, which is rumored to be named x100VI, should be officially announced on February 20th. It looks like it will get a new 40MP sensor and in-body image stabilization (IBIS), among other updates.
I’m thinking about this digital camera because I’ve been contemplating getting one for some time. A camera I can use for product and travel photography. I’m content to use an iPhone for product reviews, but if I could take even better photos and use it for great pictures of people around me too, that would be a win-win. The current x100V has been sold out with limited stock for the last 12 months, at least.
I hope there's some stock of this new one available.
Music
Novo Amor has two new songs. His ‘Cannot Be, Whatsoever’ album from 2020 was a melodic breakout hit and I’m excited about hopefully getting another full-length soon.
"Stay Cool" by James Vincent McMorrow
Books
I’m reading Argylle by Elly Conway right now. It’s the book that the upcoming movie is based on so I stated it last week in hopes of finishing it before seeing the movie. Unfortunately, I'm not far enough along in the book to give an opinion one way or another. If you have Spotify Premium you can listen to the audiobook for free there.