Apple’s Vision Pro mixed-reality headset is hitting stores

Apple’s Vision Pro mixed-reality headset is hitting stores on Feb. 2, and it’s not your usual Apple product. Priced at $3,499, it comes with some quirks – think limited battery life, a hefty design, and no standout killer app. But Apple’s not sweating it. They’re preparing for a surge in early adopters followed by a likely drop in demand.

The challenge? Convincing people to splurge on a device that’s a bit out of their comfort zone. Unlike the familiar iPods or iPhones, the Vision Pro is a new beast. Not many folks are used to sporting a mixed-reality headset, especially one that demands careful handling.

Apple’s response? They’re rolling out their most sophisticated sales pitch ever. A 25-minute demo, longer than your favorite sitcom, is in the works. The stakes are high – a $3,499 sale could go south if the headset isn’t snugly fitted or lacks the right lenses.

Apple’s game plan involves meticulous groundwork. Hundreds of employees at Cupertino have been trained to ensure retail staffers get every detail right. The demo units will be unleashed in Apple’s U.S. retail stores on launch day.

So, what’s the demo like? Here’s the lowdown:

1. Face scanning: A retail worker scans your face, setting up the device like Face ID.
2. Customization: The scan determines the light seal, foam cushion, and band size that suits you.
3. Glasses wearers: If you wear glasses, your lenses get scanned for prescription info.
4. Assembly: All these details are handed over to a staffer in the backroom, who assembles the demo Vision Pro with the correct accessories.
5. User guide: The store employee walks you through the interface, explaining how to control the pointer with your eyes, gesture for selections, and hold the headset.
6. Calibration: Once the headset is on, you calibrate it with various tracking and tapping exercises for eye and hand movements.

The 20- to 25-minute demo takes you through various experiences:

1. Photos: You check out photo apps and panorama shots.
2. 3D images: Next up are 3D images, showcasing the device’s potential as a computer or iPad replacement.
3. Movies: You get a taste of 3D and immersive movies, featuring wild animals, the ocean, and sports.
4. Third-party apps: Demo devices come preloaded with apps launching with the device next month.

The goal? Give users a compelling yet not exhausting experience, leaving them eager for more. But here’s the catch – ensuring users stay comfortable while wearing the Vision Pro is a challenge. Some retail employees have reported feeling tired and sweaty after just half an hour of use.

Even product reviewers get a special treatment. Before getting the device, they participate in two in-person sessions with Apple to ensure the best experience.

Despite all these efforts, success might not come quickly. The Vision Pro’s high price and bulkiness could deter mainstream consumers for the next year or two. But Apple’s playing the long game. As technology evolves, prices drop, and features become more compelling, they hope to lay the groundwork for a big breakthrough in the future.

In the end, Apple’s stock closed up 0.18% at $185.92 on Friday, according to press. The journey for the Vision Pro might be challenging, but Apple’s betting on innovation and perseverance to pave the way for a groundbreaking product down the line.