The Vision Thing

insane technology

I went and did something silly, with everyone around making fun of me¹: I bought a Vision Pro. I have always disliked desktop computers, which I associate with sad old things like office chairs, grimy trackpads, dusty cables, beige keyboards and blank screens staring at you, or Bora Bora screensavers reminding you how boring beaches can be.

Worse than that, I put it in my office. My desk is now a huge Leonardo table I inherited (could never afford it otherwise) with no computer on it! Next to the desk you will find me sitting in a comfortable armchair with a laptop, not infrequently wearing the Vision. What it does is present me with a huge curved screen floating solidly in front of me on which I do the things that require several windows open simultaneously, such as illustrations or Codex work which can get crowded on a 15-inch. Does it takes some getting used to? Yes. Does it work? Amazingly well.

That takes care of work. As many people have remarked, the rest of the Vision Pro’s functionalities are jaw-dropping. When I put it on, I see a clock recessed into the wall, a podcast window, a choice of music and a lovely landscape of the Dolomites around me, rock solid as if they were part of the masonry. When I get bored I look at some immersive videos². The first one I looked at was taken on a French motorcycle racetrack and starts with a walk among the bikes on the starting line. When the screen went dark and I was suddenly there, perfect 3D degree scene, sounds and all I felt a forgotten thrill, a tiny moment of panic followed by delight.

People have complained about the weight of the beast. I am used to carrying my large head around and the Vision makes a marginal difference, though it is bothersome in hot weather. The display could be a touch brighter, but aside from that it is a miraculous piece of tech. The fact that it makes you look like an idiot with no friends, and no prospect of any, is a downside, but I can live with that.

1. my 13-yr-old daughter has an entire stand-up routine about the Appwe ecoshyshtem she delivers in a high-pitched monotonous voice to troll me, an Apple faithful since 1981.

2. The camera used for these is a marvel of technology, and sufficiently cheap you could probably rent it for a weekend just for fun.