Apple Vision Pro to Feature 'Travel Mode' for Better In-Flight Experience

[GlassFingers]

And the airline stewardess will be interrupting you to remove the Vision Pro because the plane will be landing in 30 minutes. 🙄

 

[Ctrlos]

Sure it’ll look goofy, but what’s the difference between someone sitting quietly enjoying the device vs someone with a sleep mask on a flight?

Maybe let’s just not be jerks?

It’s not being a jerk I think but human nature. We don’t like things over our eyes that upset our peripheral vision.

I’ve been eying up xreal airs exactly for this purpose. Unfortunately a leaky roof has set my spending plans back indefinitely. Better than holding a phone/iPad or resting it on the tray table, and not limited to the content the airline chooses to offer.

For me Nintendo solved the problem of what to do on a flight in 2017.

 

[Ctrlos]

So you think someone would rather look at the all the other passengers, the backs of people's heads, and that small seat-back screen, instead of no other passengers and a huge screen while watching a movie?

I think people would rather do something socially acceptable. In the next decade the age of the long haul flight will be over anyway.

 

[eifelbube]

Apple has an intriguing hidden feature for its Apple Vision Pro spatial computer in the first developer beta of visionOS. The feature, termed "Travel Mode," is specifically aimed at enhancing the user experience while on board an airplane.

Given that the cabin of an airplane with its enclosed space and unique environmental factors can be challenging for VR devices, Travel Mode seems to be Apple's solution for ensuring a smoother experience.

Travel Mode: The Breakdown

Within the first developer beta for visionOS, we've discovered several text strings which shed light on the functionality of this new feature. The key prompts include:

• Are you on an airplane?
• If you're on an airplane, you'll need to keep Travel Mode on to continue using your Apple Vision Pro.
• Remain stationary in Travel Mode.
• Remain stationary while this mode turns off.
• Some awareness features will be off.
• The current fit may reduce gaze accuracy.
• Turn on Travel Mode when you're on an airplane to continue using your Apple Vision Pro.
• Your representation is unavailable while Travel Mode is on.

From these text strings, it is apparent that Travel Mode is designed to adapt the functionality of Apple Vision Pro for the specific constraints of an airplane cabin.

Disabled Awareness Features

One of the text strings indicates that "some awareness features will be off." This suggests that certain sensors and features which depend on spatial awareness might be turned off or scaled down. In an airplane, the proximity to other passengers and limited space could potentially cause these features to behave erratically or inaccurately. By disabling or limiting them, Travel Mode may help ensure that the user does not have an unpleasant or disrupted VR experience.

Digital Personas Unavailable

The phrase "Your representation is unavailable while Travel Mode is on" implies that Digital Personas might not be available in this mode. The exact reason is not clear, but it might be connected to the constrained space and the disabled awareness features, which might affect the accuracy and representation of avatars.

Gaze Accuracy Reduction

The text also mentions that "The current fit may reduce gaze accuracy." This could mean that due to the position you might take when seated in an airplane, the headset might not sit as precisely as usual, affecting gaze tracking. However, Travel Mode seems to acknowledge this and potentially makes adjustments to compensate for it.

Staying Stationary

Another interesting prompt is "Remain stationary in Travel Mode." This might be a safety measure to ensure that users do not inadvertently move around or make large gestures while on a plane, which could be dangerous or disturbing to fellow passengers.

Wrap-Up

Apple's Travel Mode for the Apple Vision Pro is an example of thoughtful innovation, adapting the device to work efficiently in different environments. This feature demonstrates Apple's attention to detail and commitment to ensuring a seamless experience for its users regardless of the circumstances.

As Travel Mode is still in beta, we expect further refinements and potentially more features before it's rolled out to the general public. Stay tuned for more updates as we keep an eye on the evolution of Apple Vision Pro's Travel Mode.

Article Link: Apple Vision Pro to Feature 'Travel Mode' for Better In-Flight Experience

Would Travel Mode include the simulation of more leg room in economy class? 😊

 

[missingar]

When Google came out with their AR glasses, people called them Glass holes. Plus those Glass wearing users were banned from wearing them at a number of locations around San Francisco, and other cities. Including hospitals, medical facilities, courts, government facilities, theatres, and even some bars and restaurants banned the use of those glasses as well. Those bans are still in place today, so that means Apple's headset should see the same bans in society as well. Afterall it is a camera that you wear on your head, and there is nothing stopping those users from making any 3D recording anytime they want.

Apple Vision Pro isn’t remotely similar to google glass, doesn’t have the kind of battery life to be just casually wandering around wearing it out in public, and isn’t being marketed as a device intended for casual all-day use. Nobody is going to be doing this with Apple Vision Pro.

 

[SFjohn]

When Google came out with their AR glasses, people called them Glass holes. Plus those Glass wearing users were banned from wearing them at a number of locations around San Francisco, and other cities. Including hospitals, medical facilities, courts, government facilities, theatres, and even some bars and restaurants banned the use of those glasses as well. Those bans are still in place today, so that means Apple's headset should see the same bans in society as well. Afterall it is a camera that you wear on your head, and there is nothing stopping those users from making any 3D recording anytime they want.

What does it matter if it’s on a plane? It’s a space where anyone can do photos or video if they want, but people don’t want to because they prefer to be isolated from the noise and general discomfort that goes with flying. Did all airlines ban google glasses on planes? The only thing you can see is the seat back in front of you.

 

[TechnoMonk]

Absolutely dreading the day I end up sitting next to some walloping ******** wearing one of these headsets next to me on a plane waving their arms about and invading my personal space.

There is personal space in a plane? Unless you are flying business class, it’s every one cramped like sheep.

 

[Surf Monkey]

There is personal space in a plane? Unless you are flying business class, it’s every one cramped like sheep.

Basically any new factor in that toxic mix is going to make things worse.

 

[Surf Monkey]

What does it matter if it’s on a plane? It’s a space where anyone can do photos or video if they want, but people don’t want to because they prefer to be isolated from the noise and general discomfort that goes with flying. Did all airlines ban google glasses on planes? The only thing you can see is the seat back in front of you.

Because 1) you’re captive on a plane. You can’t opt not to be photographed by walking away. 2) Unless it’s BLATANTLY apparent that you’re shooting video or taking pictures it represents a potential violation of privacy.

 

[TechnoMonk]

Basically any new factor in that toxic mix is going to make things worse.

I don’t know there is anything worse than a 300 Lb guy sitting next and reading a book. I just drive, if it’s under 5 hrs of drive time, flying isn’t worth, new or old factors won’t make a difference. I miss flying in the 90s.

 

[Surf Monkey]

Apple Vision Pro isn’t remotely similar to google glass, doesn’t have the kind of battery life to be just casually wandering around wearing it out in public, and isn’t being marketed as a device intended for casual all-day use. Nobody is going to be doing this with Apple Vision Pro.

Apple showed people wearing it on an airplane. They want you to wear it in places like that.

 

[TechnoMonk]

Because 1) you’re captive on a plane. You can’t opt not to be photographed by walking away. 2) Unless it’s BLATANTLY apparent that you’re shooting video or taking pictures it represents a potential violation of privacy.

There is no privacy in plane. All privacy goes out of the door after getting occasionally frisked by TSA.

 

[Surf Monkey]

There is no privacy in plane.

Sure there is. Suppose you’re a celebrity. You going to be okay with some creep drifting around the cabin maybe or maybe not taking pictures and video of you from behind their creepy goggles? Just one example. It’s an aircraft, not fight club.

 

[SFjohn]

Because 1) you’re captive on a plane. You can’t opt not to be photographed by walking away. 2) Unless it’s BLATANTLY apparent that you’re shooting video or taking pictures it represents a potential violation of privacy.

We don’t have privacy on planes, except for in the bathrooms. We are all sharing that space. No one walks up and down the isles naked, get over it.

 

[Surf Monkey]

We don’t have privacy on planes, except for in the bathrooms. We are all sharing that space. No one walks up and down the isles naked, get over it.

“Get over it”?

Come on now.

The fact that you’re sharing a space doesn’t give you the tight to start photographing and filming people around you covertly.

 

[X38]

Would be cool if the airlines installed external 360° cameras that could be viewed through your VisionPro connected to the on board Wi-Fi. Even better if stereoscopic.

 

[svish]

Interesting to read more about the 'travel' mode.

 

[Rainshadow]

People are already virtually incapable of staying in their personal spaces while cramped into airplanes. Eye tracking or no, do you really want someone who’s effectively blind and wearing a bulky object on their faces sitting so close to you on a flight? Sounds… sub-optimal.

Yes. Yes I would. In fact, I would give someone a loaner just so they would not bother me or awkwardly watch what I’m doing or even start some conversation with me.

I sincerely don’t see how on earth this could be worse than someone setting up a laptop and dropping the seat tray down while eating snacks and a free drink. Give it to a kid to stop them from bouncing around. I mean, shoot, this should be mandatory for in-flight entertainment. Apple or otherwise.

People on here are just about to claim these “goggles” infringe on their rights!!! Somehow!!! Amazing.

 

[zombitronic]

So, I have to look down at iPhone to enable a keyboard for a headset I am wearing?

I have to use another device to use this device?

I get the AppleTV Remote, but I have to have another screen to use a screen?

You don't have to do anything. I'm not even sure that this is a feature. You'll definitely be able to use a real keyboard, if you prefer haptics and blind typing. Or you could try the virtual keyboard. Or you could just look at a text field and speak. But I wouldn't be disappointed to learn about an additional option.

 

[User 6502]

When was the last time your plane seat didn't have access to an outlet?

It happens quite often, at least in this part of the world (Europe).

 

[missingar]

Apple showed people wearing it on an airplane. They want you to wear it in places like that.

Please re-read the post I was replying to.

 

[robbietop]

You don't have to do anything. I'm not even sure that this is a feature. You'll definitely be able to use a real keyboard, if you prefer haptics and blind typing. Or you could try the virtual keyboard. Or you could just look at a text field and speak. But I wouldn't be disappointed to learn about an additional option.

Yawn. I think my 32" dual monitors with mouse and keyboard is far more productive and far more convenient and far cheaper

 

[robbietop]

I’m pretty sure it will come with some sort of AC plug for home use, and a modified version for sale for traveling.

Yes, for $5499, you can get the 2.5 hr battery pack. If you want the 3 hr battery pack, that's $6499. And the 4 hr battery pack Vision Pro Ultra Pro Max is $7499.

 

[robbietop]

Yet… 😉

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAh.......no.

I'm not that desperate for social recognition that I would spend $3499 on a pair of goggles I do not need for any reason

 

[missingar]

“Get over it”?

Come on now.

The fact that you’re sharing a space doesn’t give you the tight to start photographing and filming people around you covertly.

Do enlighten us about the “covertness” of wearing these bigass goggles that will inevitably have some kind of recording indicator, as opposed to something smaller like an iPhone.