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iPhone's Screen Distance Feature on iOS 17 Can Help Reduce Eye Strain
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Maybe to some extent. From the comments I’ve read, it has a fixed focal distance of about six feet, similar to other VR headsets. Maybe they apply a subtle blur depending on what they think you’re looking at based on eye-tracking. We’ll have to wait for future reporting I think.
Afaik, there are two common approaches, light-fields and eye-tracking.
- Like you said, eye-tracking can be used to fake the focus effects, with performance concerns.
- Light-fields are better though; the device generates the wide variety of light ray angles that the real version of the scene would give off. So changing whatever you're focused on simply changes which rays enter your eyes, like real life.
Apple should, instead, or in addition to, provide a 20-20-20 reminder. After 20 minutes of using the device (any device) and likely holding it too close or staring a screen at a fixed distance, you should be reminded to take a break — and look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
The 20-20-20 rule helps ensure 20-20 vision. The iPhones, iPads, and Macs should have such reminders built in, while the Apple Watch needs an adjustable Stand reminder that could be triggered at a user-defined interval, e.g., 20 minutes. It could be accompanied by a brief mention of the 20-20-20 rule, too.
In all cases, this would be optional and the time interval could be user controlled.
The 20-20-20 rule helps ensure 20-20 vision. The iPhones, iPads, and Macs should have such reminders built in, while the Apple Watch needs an adjustable Stand reminder that could be triggered at a user-defined interval, e.g., 20 minutes. It could be accompanied by a brief mention of the 20-20-20 rule, too.
In all cases, this would be optional and the time interval could be user controlled.
Just as an n=1 experiment I measured the distance from my eyes to my iPhone 13 Mini in use.
Result? 16"—17"
At 12" it feels just wrong and uncomfortable. Can't imagine it being even closer!
Result? 16"—17"
At 12" it feels just wrong and uncomfortable. Can't imagine it being even closer!
1. Collaborative Playlists
I can't wait to put Baby Shark in all my friends playlists.
How to tell people you have no idea how headsets work without saying you have no idea how headsets work.
Serious comment:
For a little while now, I've been contemplating switching to the S23, because I've found iOS to be stale.
That's changed, now. iOS 17 appears to have so many great little QOL updates, and I'm looking forward to installing it, when it's finally launched.
For a little while now, I've been contemplating switching to the S23, because I've found iOS to be stale.
That's changed, now. iOS 17 appears to have so many great little QOL updates, and I'm looking forward to installing it, when it's finally launched.
This is probably already discussed but its how close you are focusing, not how close the screens are. Thats why Vision doesn't have this problem.
Another “feature” to turn off. Just like sound warning that goes off while I take a shower, or with my hand out the window going to fast.
I know it is optional. I only cited that I wish that the notification wasn’t full screen. Nowhere did I say I didn’t know how it worked.
I am curious how this will turn out. As short-sighted iPhone user I already have to move the phone further away than my vision reaches without glasses for Face ID to work. And sometimes I do want to catch a short glimpse at my phone before putting them on.
Turn that feature OFF when being in a crowded subway.
Because that's where thieves' wet dream flourish - easy harvesting.
Because that's where thieves' wet dream flourish - easy harvesting.
I did. Doesn't help. Apple does something with their screens that trigger eye strain and/or migraines and other debilitating neurological effects in some of us. I CAN use OLED displays. I'm typing this on an S22 Ultra. I have other Android phones with OLED I'm fine on.
I can't use any of my iPhones comfortably for more than 40 minutes or so without incurring at minimum, a migraine aura. I own an SE3, 12 mini, iPhone 11, and 14 Pro Max.
I don't get migraines from my M1 Air but the eye strain is pretty bad.
I honestly think it's mostly down to genetics. I grew up without screens, I was outside all the time as a child of the 70's. I got terribly nearsighted at 13, like my dad.
However, I did notice problems with eye strain as a child when our school got new fluorescent light fixtures.
And one crazy crazy thing I noticed was that one of my previous Pixel phones, the 3XL, had an OLED display that seemed to strengthen my vision to the point I could see things clearly without my glasses for a short time after reading on that display. Unfortunately that phone wasn't particularly good as a phone and had terrible battery life. But I do wonder what was going on with that.
Honestly, with all that Apple has done with its displays to mess up my nervous system I don't trust them to be experts on this subject. I think they found some research to latch onto for their marketing.
I'm not normally this negative and cynical but I've been through the wringer where Apple and my visual and neurological comfort are concerned.
My eyeballs also don't appreciate being stabbed by the Face ID dot projectors for prolonged periods, either. I don't imagine actual harm is being done but it's still not particularly comfortable and I have had to adjust the settings so I'm only subjected to that to use Face ID.
I would like an option to send a Message to the calendar or Reminder.
Or message an email. Or really integrate reminders with calendar or ...simple but useful stuff.
but ok it took them 10 years to let edit an alarm by touching it.
This stuff is filed under useless features that make clueless people feel good about themselves.
Or message an email. Or really integrate reminders with calendar or ...simple but useful stuff.
but ok it took them 10 years to let edit an alarm by touching it.
This stuff is filed under useless features that make clueless people feel good about themselves.
You know what it really needs to warn you about? Over use. As in, if you use it too long in one sitting, or too long over the course of a week, it warns you to get off the dang thing and go outside and live life.
But that won't happen.
Because money.
But that won't happen.
Because money.
Quoting you so more people see this. I thought this at first too, about the VR right next to your face, but in reality it tricks your brain into thinking it’s far away. It’s about focal length, not actually having it close to your eyeballs.