Why Augmented Reality (AR) is Bigger Than Virtual Reality (VR)

This week, Apple released their long-awaited headset, Apple Vision Pro. Although sales won't begin until next year, I see a significant advantage in these headsets that others lack—the ability to remain connected to the physical world. (Screenshot taken from Apple promo movie, see link below for official page.)

For a long time, I have argued that augmented reality (AR) will have a more profound impact than virtual reality (VR). VR has its place and will continue to grow, but the ability to utilize augmented reality while interacting with the physical world opens up numerous opportunities and technological possibilities. It's both exciting and humbling, yet it also brings about a sense of unease.

Positive potential impact of augmented reality glasses:

1. Enhanced user experiences: Augmented reality glasses can overlay digital information on the real world, providing users with immersive and interactive experiences. This can enhance entertainment, gaming, and educational activities.
   
2. Improved productivity: Augmented reality glasses can offer hands-free access to information, instructions, and data overlays, thereby increasing productivity in various fields such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. Workers can receive real-time guidance and instructions without needing to consult separate devices or manuals.
3. Enhanced communication and collaboration: AR glasses can facilitate remote collaboration by overlaying virtual objects or avatars onto the real world, allowing users to interact and work together even when physically apart. This can improve communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
4. Real-time information and navigation: AR glasses can provide users with contextual information and navigation assistance in real-time, making it easier to find locations, discover points of interest, and receive relevant updates. This can be particularly useful for travelers, tourists, and people exploring new environments.

Negative potential impact of augmented reality glasses:

1. Privacy concerns: AR glasses have the potential to capture and process significant amounts of personal data, raising privacy concerns. The constant recording and analysis of the surrounding environment may infringe on individuals' privacy, leading to surveillance-related issues and data security risks.
2. Distraction and safety risks: Immersive augmented reality experiences may cause users to become overly engrossed in the digital content, leading to distraction and potentially endangering their safety. For example, wearing AR glasses while walking or driving could divert attention away from the real world.
3. Social isolation: The widespread adoption of AR glasses might lead to a decline in face-to-face interactions and increased social isolation. If people rely heavily on augmented reality for communication and entertainment, it could limit real-world connections and negatively impact social relationships.
4. Accessibility challenges: Augmented reality glasses may present accessibility challenges for individuals with visual impairments or other disabilities. The reliance on visual interfaces and gestural interactions can exclude certain segments of the population, making it important to consider inclusive design and alternative accessibility options.

It is worth noting that these points represent potential impacts and considerations that can vary depending on how AR glasses are developed, adopted, and regulated in the future.

Yes, right now the technology is bulky, expensive, and immature. Many comments and jokes have been made, and will continue to be made, about the price and the loss of sex appeal for those walking around with wearable technology on their heads.

However, it's important to remember that technology is an enabler, and software acts as a multiplier. If Apple, or any other company, can empower people to accomplish more with less and increase effectiveness through updates and information, people will be inclined to purchase and utilize it.

And if you're unaware, just ask anyone under 25 if they would like to have a J.A.R.V.I.S.-like assistant, similar to the one featured in Iron Man's suit, available to them. Makes you wonder if OpenAI will have an app for the new Apple headset...

Link to Apple Vision Pro Official Site: https://www.apple.com/apple-vision-pro/