Vision Pro Pre-Orders Live

Good morning, folks!

Today is the day. I can’t believe we’re finally here! In just a few minutes, the most anticipated product in the history of VR, one that’ll most probably change the way we live, will be available for pre-order.

Some Apple Vision Pro hands-on demos surfaced online yesterday, and we are definitely going to talk more about them so that you can make an informed decision about whether to sell your kidney or not (OK, this is the last kidney joke, I swear).

Headlines for people in a hurry:

• 🥽 Vision Pro Pre-Orders Begin Today At 8 AM PT

• 😲 Kuo: International Release Of Vision Pro Before June

• 📅 No Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify Apps On Vision Pro

• 👨‍💼 Meta VP: Vision Pro Will Boost Meta Quest Sales

Read time: 3 minutes

TOP STORIES

APPLE

Vision Pro Pre-Orders at 8 AM PT! Reviewers Blown Away By Level Of Immersion

As the Vision Pro pre-order date came near, Twitter was filled with people trying to internally justify why they needed the $3500 device. Oh, wait, that’s me.

In just a few minutes, the pre-order page of Apple’s most futuristic product will go live, and thousands around the country are staying awake to make sure they get one. That’s because, according to reports, only 60 to 80,000 units are available and there’s a good chance that they’ll sell out on day one.

So if you’re seriously considering buying it, make sure you’re ready with your credit card as the clock hits 8 and the Hunger Games begin.

Many tech journalists and creators got a second hands-on experience with the Vision Pro. You should definitely check out Andru Edwards’ YouTube review of the device to get a full picture of the device’s capabilities.

Here are other notable reviews from Christopher Lawley, CNET, Brian Tong, and Upload VR, for you to make an informed decision.

A common opinion among these tech journalists is that the level of immersion in the Vision Pro is stunning, especially the built-in environments. Many said that they felt like they were really standing in those picturesque locations.

However, there were mixed reviews about the weight, as some said it was too heavy while others said that there were no problems with weight.

ENTERTAINMENT

What To Expect On The Vision Pro? 3D Movies, VR Games, And No Spotify, Netflix Or YouTube

Imagine this: you've gone into debt and got your sleek new Apple Vision Pro headset on. So what now? Well, first of all, Apple is bringing the cinema to you (minus the sticky floors and that guy who always talks through the movie.)

The Vision Pro will launch with over 150 3D titles. Native apps like Apple TV, Disney+, Max, Peacock, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video will be available from day one. The list includes the following movies, shown in 3D 4K HDR and some of them in HFR (high frame rate) in the Apple TV app: Avatar: The Way of Water, Dune, Godzilla vs. Kong, Jurassic World Dominion, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. There’s more in the Disney+ app, including major franchises like Star Wars and Marvel.

But let's not forget the elephant in the room. While we're all excited about getting up close and personal with Simba or singing along with Elsa in 3D, there's a bit of a plot twist. Major players like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify have decided to sit this dance out, at least for now. Netflix won’t even allow its iPad app to be available on the Vision Pro. (Looks like someone is grumpy that Apple went with Disney+ for all the promo materials.)

For gaming, you can play over 100 iPad games on a huge virtual screen with a gamepad, or you can go for fully immersive AR/VR games like Rec Room, Demeo, What the Golf?, and Super Fruit Ninja.

On top of movies and gaming, Apple has a host of productivity apps like Microsoft 365, Slack as well as other dedicated immersive experiences.

VISION PRO

Vision Pro Release To Get Delayed But Apple Is Still On Track To Keep Their Promise

If you think Meta, the once social media-focused company that pivoted their entire brand to virtual reality, is worried about the Apple Vision Pro stealing its dominant market share, think again.

Meta's VP of Metaverse, Vishal Shah, told Bloomberg, "One of the benefits we'll get when Apple releases their devices is that people will be able to see it and try it and use this thing."

Shah suggests that Apple will create a desire for virtual reality through their demos and mainstream marketing, but since it’s too expensive, they’ll search for a cheaper alternative that provides almost the same benefits. (Read that as “Quest 3”, which is $499)

"Maybe I can’t, and shouldn’t, buy a $3,500 device — but I can find something that’s more affordable."

Shah goes on to say: "If we wanted to build a $3,000-plus device, we could do that. That is not our strategy. Our strategy is to make the device as accessible as possible."

NEWS FLASH

APPLE

Apple Vision Pro International Release

• 🌍 Apple Vision Pro likely to hit markets outside the U.S. before June, hints analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

• 🕶️ Varjo Aero VR headset is no longer on the market, with support set to continue through 2025.

• 🎮 WIMO Games, known for VR games like Micro Machines: Mini Challenge, Mayhem, and Battle Bow, has reportedly shut down.

• 🍎 Super Fruit Ninja screenshots tease Apple’s immersive passthrough capabilities.

• 📽️ Apple Immersive Video brings a whole range of immersive experiences with 180-degree videos done right.

• 🏰 Disney+ enriches Apple Vision Pro with four unique immersive environments for subscribers.

• 💰 The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners rakes in nearly $100m in revenue, showcasing the lucrative VR gaming market.

• 🎲 Hellblade VR Edition is now just $3 on Steam, readying players for the sequel.

BOOKMARKS

Immersive Articles From The Web

• 14 Promising VR games to Look Forward To In 2024

• Magic Leap CEO Talks Product Roadmap 

• 20 Great VR Games for Relaxation & Meditation

• How ENGAGE XR and Lenovo Redefine Interactive Learning

• A Three-Game VR Workout Routine That’s as Fun as It Is Physical

UNREAL MONEY

FUNDING REPORT

Saudi Arabia Reportedly Pumps $590m Into Magic Leap

Magic Leap has secured a substantial investment of $590 million from Saudi Arabia. CEO Ross Rosenberg discussed plans for advancing their AR technology, focusing on broader fields of view and increased mobility, eventually leading to a more glasses-like form factor. The investment will help propel the product roadmap forward, as Magic Leap aims to distinguish itself in the evolving AR market space.

COOL PROJECTS

RETRO

Windows XP On Quest 3

WRAP UP

MEME OF THE DAY

“Never Skip Neck Day”

Have a great week, folks.

Fam, how many of you are really ordering the Apple Vision Pro? Please reply to this email. I have some questions for you.

SHARE: It took me hours to read, research and compile these news stories. So, if you wouldn’t mind sharing, it would do a great deal to grow our little VR newsletter community. Copy and paste this link and share it with your friends.