Apple’s Vision Pro spatial computing headset hold the promise of using its sophisticated cameras and display systems to improve vision for the close to one billion people around the world living with sight loss that cannot be corrected with regular glasses.
The significant challenge of meaningfully replicating natural sight, particularly if the image then needs to be magnified, relies heavily on deploying highly advanced cameras and displays – the likes of which have simply not been available in either bespoke low vision systems or consumer virtual reality and augmented reality headsets to date.
This could well be about to change when Apple’s Vision Pro headset, unveiled in June, officially launches in the U.S. in early 2024. Though the price point of the $3,499 mixed reality spatial computer doesn’t exactly scream out “accessibility” the tech specs are certainly tantalizing for anyone with an interest in camera vision in relation to low vision rehabilitation…
[A]s of summer 2023, it would appear that there is a fly in the ointment. Apple has confirmed that, at launch, it will be restricting access to the Vision Pro’s impressive camera array for third-party app developers… The reason behind the camera restrictions is a simple but important one – namely privacy… [A]dvanced technologies such as AI and camera vision hold great promise for transforming the lives of marginalized populations but, at the same time, wider society hasn’t quite made its mind up about the use or potential abuse of technologically-bestowed superpowers.
Being able to zoom in on or even record a wrinkle on the face of somebody standing across the street is one such superpower. Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that the very same technology would enable a visually impaired parent to see the expression on their child’s face when they attend their first school play.
MacDailyNews Take: Ask a visually impaired person if $3,499 for significantly improved sight is “expensive.”
The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision. — Helen Keller
See also: World-leading accessibility tools are a ‘core value’ for Apple – May 27, 2022
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Thanks for your picture, may i know about low vision because atropi optik, can we use that thigs?
If . . .they want to have something cumbersome strapped to their face all the time. That something is more cumbersome than even having to look/listen to/at a device all the time, and it is another non-solution. Apple has never been more lost than today, and they seem to desperate to sell this tech to anyone that doesn’t live their life from a basement exclusively through devices and apps, that other people built. Pass, and likely so will anyone else that just wants their daily experience of life to be more convenient. Again, a non-solution. Inventing problems to solve does not actually solve anything, it actually leaves you back at square one, and the amount of money spent/time expended does not change that, sorry . . .
Yes, legally blind people would rather remain legally blind than wear a headset that would enable them to see – and see far better than average. Thanks so much for your “insight,” genius.
Dummy James has made his pronouncement 🤣 and he expects y’all to follow his lead 🤡. You just can’t make this stuff up: the arrogance and the narcissism know no bounds. So, the reality is, he’s cheap; it doesn’t work for him so it shouldn’t be considered to be workable for anyone—even a blind person. What an f’ing loser.
I’ll be 77 years old when it comes out and I intend to buy one. My vision has deteriorated but I’m not blind. But James is….😉
Usually when correcting vision, it is very uncommon for both eyes to need identical correction. Unless Vision Pro is able to calibrate separate ‘corrections’ to each eye their hope of selling to a legally blind consumer is a non-starter.
Apple probably already considered and addressed the subject of your concern trolling half a decade ago Xanax.
Definitely would have preferred you actually citing some source to back your guess instead of the snark. Here’s an article I found that not only answers my concern but also the additional hurdles Apple will need to respond to in order to make the vision correction segment of their market viable.
https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/apple-vision-pro-headset-needs-one-crucial-thing-glasses-wearers/
If anyone comes across any articles that mention support for contact lens wearers it would be much appreciated.