When Apple releases new products, I want to know how they’re going to help my business customers. Custom graphics processors provide advantages on video workflows, next-generation WiFi means increased internet productivity and video conference streaming. With the announcement of the Vision Pro, I had to take a minute because this tool is not an incremental improvement on something existing – it’s something new altogether. Apple’s innovation includes advanced interactions such as hand gestures, finger tracking, eye tracking, and speech recognition. These elements will likely result in mass appeal and adoption because of Apple’s demonstrated command of a hardware and software ecosystem.
I thought it would be interesting to see if we could make a business use case for the headset. Our customers represent a number of industries that could (in theory) use the headset professionally. Here are four areas of possible interaction:
Simulated Client Interactions: VR/AR technology could allow for the creation of simulated meetings and virtual spaces. Imagine a boardroom simulation where a large project is being proposed, answering questions, talking through a slide deck – all while making eye contact with meeting attendees. Preparing a speech or making a case could be brought to another level by staging your meeting ahead of time.
Virtual Desktops for Enhanced Multitasking: Apple has demoed the idea of apps displayed in floating windows that can be arranged in 3D space. Imagine having 20 48” monitors in front of you. A virtual keyboard for text input combined with gestures may provide a new productive way to interact with your work. Having an expanded canvas could help when desktop space is at a premium. Instead of having 100 browser tabs open, you could move them around your virtual office and refer to them visually when you need to reference them.
Collaboration and Virtual Workshops: If there are multiple collaborations with a Vision Pro, a collective brainstorming session could take a Google Docs workflow to another level. Design professionals and architects could collectively view media in a 3D walkthrough together at the same time.
Environment Control and Inspiration: Creative breakthroughs often happen when people interact with their projects in new ways. Looking at a project through a new lens (pun intended) can expand our imagination and foster sparks of inspiration. The tactile nature of gestures introduces a new dimension to design workflows. Writing an email in a sensory-controlled, bucolic, and tranquil setting might provide a focus and positivity otherwise missing from the office. Imagine taking a meditation break next to a rainforest waterfall before a stressful operations meeting.
After work hours, the Vision Pro will shine. The opportunities for fun in gaming and entertainment have been expanding every day, as developers and media companies find new ways to innovate on the platform. When the sun comes up and we head into our office, I believe the Vision Pro will also find its place in productivity and engagement.
Scott Morabito is a technologist and founder of TechTonic. He was trained as a computer scientist and resides in Concord MA
