VR technology

Even with Tesla's autopilot mode, you still need to pay attention to the road.

I associated VR with playing 3D video games.

Unlike with a computer or a tablet, you can make the painting as big as you want when you're doing it with VR.

VR has been in the news lately – by VR I mean, virtual reality. You know those VR headsets that people wear? Apple released their version recently, the Apple Vision Pro. Anyway, the reason it's in the news is, someone posted a video on X that shows a person driving their Tesla, using autopilot mode, and wearing a VR headset (it looks like the Apple Vision Pro). The person takes their hands off the wheel, and moves them around in the air – it looks like they're navigating between apps or something.

So, this video obviously raised concerns about people being stupid with technology. Even with Tesla's autopilot mode, you still need to pay attention to the road. And Apple says that its VR headset should never be used while operating a vehicle. 

But I was curious, what exactly is the VR pro? I associated VR with playing 3D video games, but it's evolved a lot in the last 10 years. Apple describes the VR pro as a “spatial computer.” And that's pretty much what it is; in their demo, it looks like someone is just on an iPhone or a Mac, but the screen is blended into the real world around them. You can send messages, watch movies, write notes – all the things you do with a computer. You just navigate by moving your hands, and tapping your fingers together.

Which for me, doesn't really justify buying it, because I'd rather just use a computer for those things. But there are some cool things that seem more suited to VR than computers. Like, VR painting; there are some incredible videos of VR artists doing paintings. Unlike with a computer or a tablet, you can make the painting as big as you want when you're doing it with VR; so you can be painting on a canvas that's the same height as you. Some people even use it to do 3d paintings.

There are also VR apps for attending a live concert or sports event, which could be a really cool experience, if you can't afford to go. Although if you can afford a VR headset, you probably can afford to go. But maybe it's not accessible to you for some other reason. 

But yeah, most people couldn't afford the Apple Vision Pro; it's selling for $3,500 USD. But just like with phones and computers, Apple has by far the most expensive VR product. Meta's VR headset is around $350 USD, and there are other ones that cost less than $100. I'd be interested in trying one out, but I already look at screens too much. Would you get one? If you do, please don't drive your Tesla while you use it.


Listening Homework |
by Homework Cat

Listening Homework
by Homework Cat

Warmup

What can you use VR for?