Dear_Apple... What have you (not) done? Why there is no iPhone VR?

[Zirel]

The post topic is VR...

Anyhow I don't think VR on a phone is that useable I would even question the usefulness on a computer for now. 2k screens are obviously not good enough for a decent VR experience and 4k screens might have to wait till mid 2017. I expect to see HTC Vive 2 and Occulus 2 by then, more mature products and of course a better plattform support.

I'm eager to try a Vive out for myself but the waiting line in store is insane, not going to waste 60 Minutes just for 5 minutes of VR. If the Hololens wasn't like 2.500 $ I would have tried one but to me it's just to much for glasses I might use frequently.

Oh, this is about VR?

Apple has been developing VR technologies for a long time.

Obviously the hardware is not there until we have a mobile device that can do VR/AR, it's light enough to use for at least 8 hours, has the battery for that, and the content is also ready, the means of producing content for it are mature enough, and people are actually asking for them, not just dorks.

 

[I7guy]

Oh, this is about VR?

Apple has been developing VR technologies for a long time.

Obviously the hardware is not there until we have a mobile device that can do VR/AR, it's light enough to use for at least 8 hours, has the battery for that, and the content is also ready, the means of producing content for it are mature enough, and people are actually asking for them, not just dorks.

I would like to try VR, but if this is the only way to enjoy a good time. FUHGETABOUTIT. I want to enhance my communication to the world, not shut myself out.

 

[Savor]

iPhone 7 is getting dust/water-resistance. There were dust/water-resistance in rugged phones for many years before but the Sony Xperia Z was the first to market the feature on a flagship in early 2013. iPhone 7 is getting wireless charging. Palm Pre already had it in 2009 with Touchstone. Nexus 4 had it in late 2012 with Qii.

It might take a minimum of 3-4 years of waiting. Apple is not going to do it just for the hell of it. They need to see if it is popular enough to make them money. If VR doesn't take off, they will ignore it for as long as they could or iPhone users will just have to wait for a third-party accessory to come out with it which could still take a couple more years.

Samsung Gear VR developed with Oculus is the VR with the lowest price -

Samsung Gear VR - $99.99
LG 360 VR - $199.99
Sony PlayStation VR - $399.99
Oculus Rift - $599.99
HTC Vive - $799.99

Not all VR are created equal. Difference in specs like resolution per eye. People should have different expectations and experiences from each one. For $100, you can't expect Gear VR to give you the same experience as a PlayStation VR in gaming. But a PS VR cost $400. That's already more than a PS4. So far, Gear VR looks to be the best deal. Samsung was willing to give it away for free had you pre-ordered the S7/S7e. LG sells it for double the cost and has been rated pretty badly.

I look at the Gear VR as a low risk, high reward experience. Beats headphones cost $150-200+. For $100, I will be willing to buy Gear VR every two years with the right improvements and if the price is reasonable. We are only on its second iteration. Wait until the 4th or 5th gen to see maturity. Technology can only be adopted by the masses by how much we are willing to pay for it. Took years until AR got mainstream thanks to Pokémon GO. For $400-$600 for VR, no thanks!

All I want to do is watch my movies on my bed and pay only $100 for it. Like giant goggles where I can consume media. Similar with a strobe light, scented candles, and listening to Sade after a night of getting high which I used to do in my college days. Ambiance. I don't need to be sucked into some virtual world like in Minority Report. Not going to walk around with it in public like an idiot or sitting in a train and have people pick pocket me while I'm immersed into one.

I expect the new Gear VR to get similar scores to the first gen. For $100, Gear VR isn't going to get 5 stars like the HTC Vive at 8x more the cost. A 3 to 4 star rating mostly likely. That's decent enough for the price and how immature the tech still is. This is like buying $100 smartphones that outperform flagships from 3-4 years ago. The second Gear VR is like that Note II from 2012. A ZTE ZMax 2 or Pro would destroy it now in performance.

Take the VR aspect out of the equation, and I would still take a Note7 over iPhone 7. The 2020 Gear VR should hopefully be more amazing and maybe equal to what an $800 HTC Vive offers you right now. Again, a low risk, high reward mobile virtual home theater IMAX 3D experience but with early growing pains...

The Drawbacks

The Potential

"My favorite feature with the Gear VR is definitely being able to experience what I normally wouldn't be able to do without risking my life."

"Heck, you can even watch porn!"

 

[Pakaku]

There isn't any compelling advantage to VR on a little smartphone screen.

 

[Ries]

There isn't any compelling advantage to VR on a little smartphone screen.

Price and your easy entry in VR experiences. VR to the masses (the more people that uses it, the more content and the faster the techonology will evolve). Gage if the expensive models are for you. 3D for TV died because there is really no point to it on such a small screen in front of you. VR emerses you in a completly new interactive world.

 

[Pakaku]

Price and your easy entry in VR experiences. VR to the masses (the more people that uses it, the more content and the faster the techonology will evolve). Gage if the expensive models are for you. 3D for TV died because there is really no point to it on such a small screen in front of you. VR emerses you in a completly new interactive world.

An interactive world of what? It doesn't really add anything important to the general use of the phone, and niche areas like movies and games are terrible on a tiny screen. And don't tell me you intend on wearing a helmet just to use a phone?

VR really only works when you can actually immerse yourself into it, and a phone isn't going to accomplish that, both due to the lack of hardware power and lack of hardware space. If apple does venture into VR (and they are), they are not going to do it from the phone side of things.

 

[Savor]

For years, I thought tablets were a gimmicky fad. A waste of time since a tablets are hardly anymore powerful than laptops and bulkier than smartphones. How big of a difference in experience is it really that you can't do it on your smartphone with a smaller screen or laptop with a larger one? Waste of money and time for me getting into tablets.

Not into wearables like smart watches. I had a $300 Mercedes-Benz luxury watch from Paris, France given to me that I never used. I don't find any uses with technology on my wrist. Never was into 3D movies either until I saw Star Wars 7 in IMAX 3D. Most wearables to me are novelties. Gimmicks. A fad that flames out in a few years. Every company has them.

But this VR intrigues me as the only wearable device I would want. Even HoloLens doesn't appeal to me anymore. People pay $350-$400 for an Apple Watch. How is paying $100 for a VR headset without any wires anymore gimmicky? It is completely giving you a different experience with media consumption while a watch is just an accessory on your wrist that isn't giving you a better experience than what we can do with our phones.

Apple Watch or any smart watches are more of a novelty to me. Smart watches are more of a gimmicky fad than tablets. This VR has greater potential offering a completely different experience over what smartphones CAN'T do without it. For $100, I can try to experience riding a Six Flags rollercoaster. I can have IMAX 3D in my home without needing to pay $20 per ticket. Back in the 1990's, VR was the future. Well, that future is here.

Practical Importance -
Smartphones
Desktop/Laptop Computers
TV
VR
Tablets
Portable Media Player (iPods)
Smart Watches

People asked for larger screens with smartphones, now they want to swipe around with a smaller one to check messages? Apple Watch is wasting your time using it when your smartphone is always with you. You can have your Dick Tracy watch phone. Rather have VR. Less money spent being at the nudie bar.

Apple VR asking price in 2020: $1000! $100K if you want the premium edition.

 

[I7guy]

Is that Samsung VR? you can keep it, have it, use it. Be withdrawn, not part of the human race is what is being promoted here. They are smiling because they don't have to look at one another I guess.

 

[slopokdave]

Gear VR is fun..... but if you haven't tried a Rift or Vive, you really don't know what you are missing. VR is amazing and here to stay. It's going to get better, but the 1st generation devices are fantastic.

 

[ucfgrad93]

I treid, REALLY hard, to get on board with the VR thing. I just don't understand the obsession. My phone having VR is about as important to me as what Obama ate for dinner last night. If anything, I would get a VR headset for gaming on a computer or console at home, and even that is a big if. I might change my tune if we get some useful apps out of the deal, but AFAIK it's basically all just games and videos?

Same with me. I just don't see the attraction of it.

 

[jafingi]

VR is still just a gimmick. It will be awesome in the future, but not the next year or two.

 

[slopokdave]

VR is still just a gimmick. It will be awesome in the future, but not the next year or two.

Have you tried a Rift or Vive?

 

[cynics]

It pretty clear a lot of people here haven't tried a quality VR headset. One only needs to look at the hundreds first time reaction videos on YouTube to at least understand it's more than just a fly by night gimmick.

It's no more or less reclusive than watching a movie or playing a video now. It's not like you are staring into someone's eyes while your watching a movie or playing a video game.

The level of immersion is impressive for what it is. That goes without saying since many people get motion sickness or actually frightened in horror style games. When was the last time a movie or game actually frightened you?

The headsets do look a little goofy but that's because we aren't used to them. Just like people walking around staring at their smartphones looked goofy at one time.

 

[NT1440]

Have you tried a Rift or Vive?

I'm sure their execution is cool. I personally can't think of why in the world I would ever want to use it as I don't play any type of video games.

I like the concept of the AR Hololens from Microsoft, but I won't ever use such a thing until it fits in a normal pair of glasses 8-10 years from now.

 

[calderini]

I'm sure their execution is cool. I personally can't think of why in the world I would ever want to use it as I don't play any type of video games.

Being an owner of a Vive, I can honestly say that "video games" are going to end up being just a segment of what VR will be bringing to the table. Some of my more enjoyable experiences thus far are the immersive experiences that have nothing to do with gameplay. Doing 3D art in Tilt Brush, Being immersed in part of the Star Wars universe in the Disney VR experience, or even just hanging around in a game room in Retro Arcade.

It's hard to describe the rush with out actually experiencing it. No you tube video comes close.
In fact they do a small disservice IMO, because you can look at them and go "meh", that's not so cool.
But it is totally different being there.
It's been a long time since I've experienced such a gap between the perception of an experience via online posts and
the actual experience of the item in question.

What I am really looking forward to, as this technology progresses, is the immersive quality it will be able to offer in other entertainment categories. Even as it exists at the present time I would pay the same admission price for a VR experience of a concert, play, or sporting event through VR.

(You would get better seats, and NOT have to deal with the crowd)

And I am concerned about Apple being late to the game.
I really do hope the magicians have something up their sleeves, becaus e speaking about the state of the Apple union in general just makes me depressed. (Fanboy Evangelist from the Mid 80's as well)

The lack of any actual competitive product, especially in the realm of desktop computers, is inexplicable and unexcusable for a corporation of Apples size.
Heck the "shot" was fired over 6 months ago with no response.
You cannot even purchase, at any dollar amount, a Macintosh computer capable of even running basic VR.
Granted, the requirements ARE above average, but not outrageous.
It's possible now to build a VR capable system for under $800 bucks.

Ah.
Getting off topic. Sorry for the rant.

But the point is that VR will be a LOT MORE than games. That's a bet I'd put money on.

WRC

 

[Savor]

Apple will wait a few years and watch if VR becomes profitable enough for them. Might buy a startup company to rush slapping their logo on there. Then Apple will reward their procrastination and reward your patience by charging you twice more than their competition.

This changes everything again! Weeeeee!

 

[NT1440]

Being an owner of a Vive, I can honestly say that "video games" are going to end up being just a segment of what VR will be bringing to the table. Some of my more enjoyable experiences thus far are the immersive experiences that have nothing to do with gameplay. Doing 3D art in Tilt Brush, Being immersed in part of the Star Wars universe in the Disney VR experience, or even just hanging around in a game room in Retro Arcade.

It's hard to describe the rush with out actually experiencing it. No you tube video comes close.
In fact they do a small disservice IMO, because you can look at them and go "meh", that's not so cool.
But it is totally different being there.
It's been a long time since I've experienced such a gap between the perception of an experience via online posts and
the actual experience of the item in question.

What I am really looking forward to, as this technology progresses, is the immersive quality it will be able to offer in other entertainment categories. Even as it exists at the present time I would pay the same admission price for a VR experience of a concert, play, or sporting event through VR.

(You would get better seats, and NOT have to deal with the crowd)

And I am concerned about Apple being late to the game.
I really do hope the magicians have something up their sleeves, becaus e speaking about the state of the Apple union in general just makes me depressed. (Fanboy Evangelist from the Mid 80's as well)

The lack of any actual competitive product, especially in the realm of desktop computers, is inexplicable and unexcusable for a corporation of Apples size.
Heck the "shot" was fired over 6 months ago with no response.
You cannot even purchase, at any dollar amount, a Macintosh computer capable of even running basic VR.
Granted, the requirements ARE above average, but not outrageous.
It's possible now to build a VR capable system for under $800 bucks.

Ah.
Getting off topic. Sorry for the rant.

But the point is that VR will be a LOT MORE than games. That's a bet I'd put money on.

WRC

What I'm getting at is I don't want immersive experiences, games were definitely the wrong terminology here. What I find (personally) more compelling is augmented reality overlays where I can get useful information (that I actually want, not sponsored ads popping up everywhere) projected right over the real world as I chose.

That said, this is coming from someone who doesn't watch television and only recently started playing Halo Wars for a round at a time when over his friends house.

What I'm personally looking for is more useful information to assist me in the real world rather than something that takes me out of it as I have my qualms with what has the potential to be hugely compelling escapism.

Now, for gamers or people that use technology for leisure, I completely understand the appeal but it's just not for me personally.

Hopefully that clarifies things

 

[I7guy]

Apple will wait a few years and watch if VR becomes profitable enough for them. Might buy a startup company to rush slapping their logo on there. Then Apple will reward their procrastination and reward your patience by charging you twice more than their competition.

This changes everything again! Weeeeee!

And you will pay it. Isn't capitalism the bong?

 

[s15119]

Apple doesn't think the market and the technology is there yet.

If you look at past, you will see Apple is very rarely first in new markets, they wait till they can provide an exceptional experience, then they enter, take over the market and all the rest copy the success of the Apple product. This has been their strategy for decades.

 

[calderini]

What I'm getting at is I don't want immersive experiences, games were definitely the wrong terminology here. What I find (personally) more compelling is augmented reality overlays where I can get useful information (that I actually want, not sponsored ads popping up everywhere) projected right over the real world as I chose.

That said, this is coming from someone who doesn't watch television and only recently started playing Halo Wars for a round at a time when over his friends house.

What I'm personally looking for is more useful information to assist me in the real world rather than something that takes me out of it as I have my qualms with what has the potential to be hugely compelling escapism.

Now, for gamers or people that use technology for leisure, I completely understand the appeal but it's just not for me personally.

Hopefully that clarifies things

Yeah. It does.
The Hololens technology looks supremely cool as well, and one worth investigating once the price drops down to consumer levels and software is developed to drive it.
But I guarantee that that will have a "specification tax" as well, and I hope at that time, Apple will have the hardware available to pay it.

I have built a Hackintosh for work purposes. (the VR ended up being a side bonus) BUT I still have my 2011 iMac as well.
Along with my other eco system goodies. (iPad pro, iPhone 6Plus, and Apple TV 3 and 4)
Heck, I just wanted a system with desktop components with a decent Graphics card to run Adobe Creative suite and just couldn't, in good conscience, shell out the 5K I'd need for the un-upgradeable, and 3 year old, MacPro 6.1.

I have not jumped ship, just using a different carrier until Apple, hopefully, builds a better boat.

And yeah. The Vive is HUGELY compelling escapism as well.

 

[DarkExistence]

they really need to focus on VR.. samsung is.. HTC is.. heck even Google is now.

 

[jafingi]

Have you tried a Rift or Vive?

Yes, I own a Vive.

 

[LovingTeddy]

Apple doesn't think the market and the technology is there yet.

If you look at past, you will see Apple is very rarely first in new markets, they wait till they can provide an exceptional experience, then they enter, take over the market and all the rest copy the success of the Apple product. This has been their strategy for decades.

No. It is not Apple waiting to perfecting the technology. Apple is just waiting someone do it first then learn from other and see if the market is growing or not. Apple then come out some products claiming to be world first and brainwash people to think they revolutionilzed the market.

And Apple does not really always come out exceptional product. Their Apple watch is crap or at least not any different than other smart watch. Their Maps solution is crap also.

Apple waited so long then came up with iPad Pro. It is not any better than Surface Pro and it is far from exceptional products.

 

[I7guy]

No. It is not Apple waiting to perfecting the technology. Apple is just waiting someone do it first then learn from other and see if the market is growing or not. Apple then come out some products claiming to be world first and brainwash people to think they revolutionilzed the market.

And Apple does not really always come out exceptional product. Their Apple watch is crap or at least not any different than other smart watch. Their Maps solution is crap also.

Apple waited so long then came up with iPad Pro. It is not any better than Surface Pro and it is far from exceptional products.

This is of course in your humble opinion. Apple if you follow the company does not "learn" from others. They design a new process around something that has been done before. It's called: innovation.

And what you consider "crap" others think is great. There's room for all opinions, though.

 

[Armen]

I had my first (short) VR experience with a Gear VR. Damn - I have to admit - It was great and this is the future - but it is available NOW! It is exactly what I want to view a movie in the evening in Bed.

I do not understand why Apple has NOTHING to offer regarding VR - Apple has the iTunes store and could sell lots of 3D-Movies but ... nope.

Do I have to buy a ****ing Android phone to being able to watch some nice movies in VR?

I hope the new iPhone has a higher resolution so I will be able to use it with a Zeiss VR one goggle. Full HD is just not enough.

Sorry for my rant - but I really can not understand why apple is totally ignoring VR.

WAKE UP TIM!

Here is why I don't think VR is the future (at least not yet)

- The best VR experience comes with a hefty price tag(Oculus, SonyVR, etc). We're talking $400.00+ for a VR headset that is anchored to a PC/Console that only 1 person can enjoy at a time (no social element yet).
- I doubt "mobile" VR even comes close to the real VR experience stated above.
- If you thought Google Glass was socially awkward imagine seeing people on a bus/train with these things strapped to their faces.

- VR needs more applications beyond personal entertainment to bring value to the masses.

Personally, I think Augmented reality is the future if engineers can somehow make eyewear that doesn't look like Jordy's headgear from Star Trek.