Yes, but not until these headsets are ALOT lighter or projected directly into our eyes.
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Your Mac and Apple Vision Pro: What You Can Do (and What You Can't)
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Yes, but not until these headsets are ALOT lighter or projected directly into our eyes.
You can also pair a physical mouse and keyboard via Bluetooth for more precise control. (That of course requires you to carry one around with you wherever you might use the VP).My understanding is that you don’t have to fiddle around with your hands in the air. You “aim” with your eyes, and then you “click” by tapping your thumb and index finger together wherever your hand happens to be resting. It’s not like Minority Report.
Of course, you won’t be playing Beat Saber on a plane.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
The Apple premium is nothing new. One can get a smart phone for $100 and an Apple PRO MAX is then "12 times higher" but Apple still moves millions of people to pay 12 times higher.
Same with tablets. Same with computers.
I can very much feel the pain of this sky high price- I was not liking the previously-rumored $2999 price when that was what we believe it would be- but until we see the full scope of what it can do, we are unfavorably comparing it as "vapor" to tangibles that already exist.
Best I know, Apple never wins any product contest on pricing: one can always assume the Apple variant will be priced HIGHER. Whether buyers get tangible value for that "higher" is up to the judgement of those buyers. Else, our disgust at this pricing should be similarly applied to the rest of the product mix, which is all substantially higher than competing products.
I think $3500 is way too high myself... especially against the backdrop of existing ones at 1/3rd to 1/6th the price. On the other hand, if we compare it against professional ones priced much higher than it, it can look like a bargain. Is it as good as some of the higher-priced ones? TBD. It is tangibly better than the lower-priced ones? TBD.
This is entirely conjecture. If Mac display mirroring is based on AirPlay 2 then there's nothing that would prevent any device that currently supports AirPlay 2 from projecting into the Vision Pro. Intel Macs can both project and receive AirPlay 2 streams under Monterrey or later.
People have gone out of their ways to crucify me for pointing this out:
“Another likely limitation of the first-generation Vision Pro is that it only supports mirroring your Mac's built-in display. In other words, it won't be possible to extend your Mac's screen or recreate a multiple monitor Mac setup in the mixed reality workspace. This could be due to bandwidth limitations (Mac Virtual Display outputs in 4K). On that basis, multiple Mac displays in Vision Pro's spatial computing environment may be something supported in a future version, but don't expect such functionality out of the box.”
No “infinite displays in any size.”
“Another likely limitation of the first-generation Vision Pro is that it only supports mirroring your Mac's built-in display. In other words, it won't be possible to extend your Mac's screen or recreate a multiple monitor Mac setup in the mixed reality workspace. This could be due to bandwidth limitations (Mac Virtual Display outputs in 4K). On that basis, multiple Mac displays in Vision Pro's spatial computing environment may be something supported in a future version, but don't expect such functionality out of the box.”
No “infinite displays in any size.”
Apple has a vested interest in making the Vision Pro a companion for a Mac via virtual display as a selling point, but not so much of a vested interest in making that feature so useful that it cannibalizes the native software market. Ultimately Apple is going to want developers to port their apps to the VP to run natively (where you can arrange the apps in virtual space all over). They want this both because it would provide a better experience than basically running a screen cast, and (perhaps more importantly to Apple) because they want those apps to be sold via the visionOS App Store for that sweet, sweet app store revenue share. Put another way, Apple has little incentive to solve for multiple virtual displays since it can be used as a crutch by both users and developers to allow those pesky side-loaded macOS apps to run on the VP.
Clamshell won't work with Airplay in Clamshell mode. Clamshell only works when an external monitor is physically connected. For example, I can Airplay to my home theater, but can't use clamshell. Or, I can connect my mac to my home theater with hdmi and I CAN use clamshell mode.
What I think, is as pre-order day approaches some of us are getting really excited and are looking to read whatever they can on the topic of the AVP. And MR is putting out some good content, this particular thread is an example of useful information. The closer we get, the more we want to read.
Problem is, we get into the comments and it's the same ole 'this is going to flop because of x,y,z' and that gets annoying. So some of us feel the need to reply. Myself included. And if we are at all positive about the AVP we get put down as fan boys or diehard apple fans. As if we can't think for ourselves and our use cases and see the value in these things for ourselves.
What many who come here to read for the informational content can't understand is why some take such great interest in putting the AVP down. You know the type, they give a thumbs up to anything vaguely negative and put a thumbs down (until they run out of them) to anything vaguely positive. Maybe it's the cost of this product that is fueling the really negative folks to feel they need to speak so aggressively. For some reason they are offended by the price and offended by anyone not offended alongside them.
I do agree strongly that AVP 1.0 is going to have many things to improve. Just like all new product categories you can name. It's going to be easy to pick on those flaws. But I have found for every new product category that Apple enters, including the HomePod, I can find enough things to give it value to me.
And so, I continue to look for intelligent conversation, even the negative, to help inform my buying decision. The haters are just chaff that I need to weed through. Fortunately it's getting easier to identify them.
With a monitor you focus on different areas of the display by just glancing. In HMD with limited field of view and bad clarity on the edge of the lens you need to move your neck to see other areas clearly.
Apple has claimed that Vision Pro has great clarity and sharpness on wherever you look. We’ll see if that’s holds up.
Apple has claimed that Vision Pro has great clarity and sharpness on wherever you look. We’ll see if that’s holds up.
No again. Its is difficult to fathom as static monitor concepts such as viewing distance and fixed resolution no longer apply with virtual distance and virtual resolution. You will be pleasantly surprised.
100%
That fantasy has been holed below the waterline… but… believers will continue to believe. Or so it seems.
Nothing happens quickly especially given it’s already facing competition from multiple competitors. Sony-Siemens, Samung-Google. This was just learned at CES. It’s the VisionOS and apps/content that will be the measure of its future.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
Of course, but these posts are focused on this particular use by the original article.
At least this is a real use people can imagine and generally appreciate. Asking some to "think different" into truly original VR/AR usage seems to be a leap too far for many. Cumulatively, our imaginations seem limited to what people have seen from products like Quest. In fact, so many seem to think this product simply must be about games. A part of the rampant pessimism is why pay $3500 for an Apple Quest when the other one can be had for a third of the price.
Once it's out and people get to see the breadth of what it can do... and whatever probably amazing apps third party developers have already cooked up... much of the sentiment will clarify from over-optimism or over-pessimism because all are imagining vapor to whatever it is actually able to do in the reality of the thing being accessible, demo-able, purchase-able and objectively reviewed.
Until then, it's just more of the same: people imagining the best or worst and stacking up the rationalizations of why they are interested or not interested in it.
I don't know why MacRumors has concluded this. They may be right, but I don't understand what they're basing this on. IOS, upon which VOS is based, has "sidecar" that lets you do exactly this.
As for the "infinite monitors" I still think you're confusing people who say this is possible inside the VOS AVP system with those saying that you can run many monitors from your mac to your AVP. I've mostly only seen people talking about multiple monitors in reference to within the system.
Thank you for the useful info, this makes sense. So I guess when I am flying I will have to use the native apps. I don't see me sitting there with my laptop open on the tray table to use this. Not a deal breaker for me, I often just use my Ipad when flying, and I freely admit this is just what will or will not work for me. Your mileage can vary.
Can you provide me a link to 3 or 4 comments that claim that you will be able to run multiple "mac" displays? I simply haven't seen this as a common claim.
I was just pointing out how inherently impractical this product is. Some people are talking about this thing like it is the next iPhone.
...It isn't.
I don't doubt it will be impressive when you first try it out, but Apple are selling this as something you will want to wear all the time. Something you will want to use for work. The reality is nobody is going to want to have that thing on their face for extended periods, it will not just be uncomfortable but terrible for your health. It will give people neck strain, headaches and vision problems. On a less serious note imagine what this will do to makeup, hairstyles etc. I doubt it will be popular with women.
I totally get that people want to buy into this futuristic vision, but I think practical reality will kick in and ultimately people will go back to using their traditional computers and displays after trying this out (the few that can afford it that is).
VR does have it's place, but it is better for short gaming sessions rather than work or long-term use.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
Yes Vpro experience and phone experience is exactly the same. It's all an evil plot to get $3500 instead of $1000 for the exactly same experience.
If it's that difficult to demo to a friend, jump in the car and visit an Apple store and let the pros walk that friend through it. Better, you could let multiple friends have a crack at their own demos at the same time.
You’re one of the people who threw a fit when I pointed out that all VP will do is mirror a Mac, not create as many desktops as you want in as many sizes as you can imagine.
I’m not confusing anything. The examples used were all Macintosh apps. When I specifically said that single mirrored monitors were what it will do people became enraged and told me that I was wrong. When I pointed out the AirPlay bandwidth issues people lambasted me and said I was just bashing for the sake of bashing. Telling me I’m confused isn’t useful. I’m not confused at all.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
Reads like it's not for you... and that's fine. A number of Apple products are not for me too... including the "my precious" iPhone which I might tag as "clunky." It's OK if some products are not for everyone. In fact, the truth is that all products are not for everyone.
I mean, that basically proves his point.
“I’d love to let you try this. Let’s get in the car and drive somewhere so that strangers can literally mess with your head.”
… yeah.
You need a Mac to mirror on the VP so it’s not an cannabalization scenario. Also Apple is acutely aware of the space they are venturing into. It’s not like we all are aware of the problems of ar/vr (dizziness & wearing a big headset for hrs) but somehow Apple is not. Their marketing materials are revelatory in that regard - imagery is of the user lounging and watching stationary screens within their headset, also their only ad, recently released, aims at normalizing the basic idea of just wearing a headset. Even the design of the device - it automatically reveals anyone entering your space, addressing normal human fears. The outward screen serves no purpose other than at a human level - to offset the disconnection other people might feel near the user, making it more palatable.
all these assumptions what it can and cannot do ... could be right, could be wrong ...
I am planning to get a hands on demo in the Apple Store asap to see with my own eyes
I am planning to get a hands on demo in the Apple Store asap to see with my own eyes
"it won't be possible to extend your Mac's screen or recreate a multiple monitor Mac setup in the mixed reality workspace." what a pice of crap... I can buy 2 certified refurbished 5k apple studio displays a Mac mini pro for the same price... my desk will look nicer, that setup will contribute more to my productivity and I will not look like an idiot who doesn't want to interact with anybody! 🤣
When Apple first unveiled its next-generation Vision Pro headset at WWDC 2023, the company shared promotional videos that briefly teased the potential applications of using the $3,499 spatial computing device in conjunction with a Mac.
Despite Apple's announcement that Vision Pro will launch on February 2, Apple has yet to expand on the specifics of how the two devices work together. But sift through code and marketing materials, and there are subtle indications about what is possible - and what the limitations are likely to be. Here's what we know.
Mac and Vision Pro: What You Can Do
Create a Virtual Desktop
When it comes to the Mac, the keystone feature of Apple Vision Pro is something called Mac Virtual Display. The system uses AirPlay 2, and allows you to connect your Mac wirelessly to the headset just by looking at your computer through your Vision Pro. According to Apple, this allows you to place and resize a virtual representation of your Mac's display anywhere in space, and "use Vision Pro as an enormous, private, portable 4K display, ideal for pro workflows."
Use visionOS Apps Alongside Your Mac
With Mac Virtual Display enabled, you will be able to able use visionOS apps right alongside your virtual Mac screen. This will allow you to, for example, work on a Final Cut Pro project on an enormous Mac display while also viewing and interacting with separate screens displaying visionOS apps like Photos, Notes, Files, and so on.
Mirror Vision Pro to Mac
Apple Vision Pro supports screen mirroring via AirPlay or FaceTime, according to code found in early beta releases of visionOS, the headset's unique operating system. When wearing Vision Pro, you will be able to select a Mac to mirror content to from the headset, allowing you to share your view with others and reduce any sense of isolation.
Connect Mac Accessories
Vision Pro includes a virtual keyboard for spatial computing sessions, but you can also wirelessly connect Mac accessories to the Vision Pro, including the Magic Keyboard and the Magic Trackpad for more traditional tactile input. Attaching Bluetooth accessories allows for a typical Mac workflow to continue to be used, just with the Mac display replaced by Vision Pro.
Mac and Vision Pro: What You (Likely) Can't Do
Arrange Mac Apps in Virtual Space
Prior to Apple's official unveiling of Vision Pro, many Mac users envisioned an ideal multitasking scenario where it would be possible to break out Mac apps individually in a mixed reality workspace and switch attention between them at a glance. Based on the information available, however, it is not possible to view individual Mac apps in virtual windows alongside one another in Vision Pro's spatial computing environment.
Create Multiple Virtual Displays
Another likely limitation of the first-generation Vision Pro is that it only supports mirroring your Mac's built-in display. In other words, it won't be possible to extend your Mac's screen or recreate a multiple monitor Mac setup in the mixed reality workspace. This could be due to bandwidth limitations (Mac Virtual Display outputs in 4K). On that basis, multiple Mac displays in Vision Pro's spatial computing environment may be something supported in a future version, but don't expect such functionality out of the box.
Connect an Intel Mac
This should probably go without saying, but older Macs based on Intel architecture won't come along for the ride into the spatial computing future. Though Apple hasn't come out and said it officially, only Apple silicon Macs are likely to have the processing horsepower to communicate with Vision Pro, which itself relies on Apple's M2 processor to do the heavy lifting.
Apple Vision Pro and the Future of Mac
As the above suggests, there are still some unknowns about Mac and Vision Pro interoperability. Bearing that in mind, are you optimistic about the future of Mac in the era of spatial computing? What, if anything, disappoints you about Vision Pro support for the Mac? Let us know in the comments.
Apple Vision Pro pre-orders open on Friday, January 19 at 5.00 a.m. PST, and the device goes on sale in the U.S. on Friday, February 2, with availability in Canada and the United Kingdom expected to follow later in the year.
Article Link: Your Mac and Apple Vision Pro: What You Can Do (and What You Can't)
