“Avatar” first arrived in theaters in 2009. It was a technological marvel that provided one of the most immersive film experiences in the history of the medium. However, some theatergoers reported unexpected feelings of depression after watching the film.
Not long after the film’s release, CNN reported on a phenomenon some were calling “Avatar Depression.” The film had been so immersive that a handful of audience members reported feeling a sense of emptiness when they left the theater and returned to reality.
As extended reality experiences have become more prevalent with the success of headsets from companies like Meta, HTC, and Sony, similar phenomena have been experienced. The more immersive the experience, the more jarring it can feel when the headset is removed.
These headsets effectively trick the brain into believing in what it is seeing, leading to cognitive dissonance that could cause issues like motion sickness in some users.
Image Credits: Apple
The Vision Pro, developed by Apple, is not considered a virtual reality headset but a spatial computing device. The device can provide mixed reality experiences, which are becoming more accessible through augmented reality applications.
Apple is now providing select members of the media with Vision Pro demos. This unique hardware offers a variety of immersive experiences, from app face scans to movie watching.
The Vision Pro embraces the idea of spatial computing, providing both immersive and passthrough experiences. The device is equipped with micro-LEDs, offering an extremely dense 4K display.
Apple is also developing a fitting process for the Vision Pro, allowing Geniuses to guide buyers through the selection of components to match their face shape. The company is also offering an automated at-home fitting process through their app.
Users can expect gesture-based user experience, eye tracking, and hand tracking during their interactions with the Vision Pro, offering a unique and immersive way to operate the device.
The device also features passthrough technology, providing a window into the user’s surroundings while still immersed in the digital experience. It also offers various apps and experiences, including encounters with dinosaurs and mindfulness meditation.
Image Credits: Apple
The Vision Pro is available for pre-order and will be available at retail stores soon, offering a unique and immersive experience that may shape the future of mixed reality technology.
