Apple Vision Pro Finally Gets Better Fit, Improved Mac Modes At Year’s End
our distance Apple Vision Pro It’s on sale, but it feels like it. Apple’s moonshot mixed reality headset slash computer was first announced back in mid-2023, and I’ve been using it on and off (literally) since January of this year.
The Vision Pro’s display quality and audio are excellent, but the headset’s sometimes awkward setup and initial setup, coupled with its relatively basic Mac mirroring capabilities, make it a device I don’t use all the time. For movies, it’s already very good. But since it’s priced at $3,500 and won’t come down in price, it’s still the definition of luxury.
But Vision Pro is getting better and better. If you can afford it, some recent improvements will make the Vision Pro even more useful. a new peace Ultra-wide monitoring mode Last week, MacOS Sequoia 15.2 and Vision OS 2.2 debuted, which is a welcome upgrade. After using the beta version of the feature for a few weeks, I can confirm that the difference is significant. It makes the Vision Pro now feel like the missing giant monitor that completes my home Mac workflow. Today in the office, writing on a regular 13-inch Macbook screen, I miss it more than I expected.
The Curved Screen Virtual Monitor is so good that I am now a believer in curved monitors even though I have never used a curved monitor before. Apple offers two widescreen options, but 32:9 is definitely my style. Wraparound displays can bend or straighten when placed at a distance. I dragged it closer to my head and felt like I was in my own Mac bubble.
Finally, the Virtual Monitor update also provides better audio handling by playing Mac audio within Vision Pro’s advanced speakers. Previously, the audio could only be played from my Macbook, which was weird. I’m now more likely to play games or watch movies connected to my Mac, using the Vision Pro as my awesome headset and headphones, so to speak.
Vision Pro is also now better at “seeing” the keyboard. Get rid of my cluttered office and bring in a moon or beach environment, and the headset creates a hazy window to see the keyboard while typing. Sometimes, the window still takes a while to appear, but it makes it feel more like a comfortable, distraction-free computing cave for me.
Apple’s curved VisionOS Mac virtual display certainly feels like this.
I use a curved screen virtual display on my MacBook Air, but I also tried using mini computer Recently, it got me thinking about the Vision Pro as a true monitor replacement for small computers. I really like this idea, but future Vision headsets will need to make the connection more seamless and easy to achieve this goal. I still find that the connection is a little slow to start and sometimes disconnects unexpectedly. I was also surprised by how differently the Vision Pro connects to an iPhone or iPad.
There’s also an optional improved headband that makes long-term wear of the Vision Pro feel more feasible. Apple includes two straps in the box with the Vision Pro, and I’d prefer the CPAP-like “double loop” strap, which provides better head support and better balances the weight of the headset.
Nowadays, real CPAP vendors also have their own headbands. this $120 ResMed Office Strap There are soft straps around my back and top of my head, plus six weights that redistribute the feel of the Vision Pro on my head. The weights can be opened or closed in almost any position and in any number, but I tried using the recommended four and liked it.
It fits snugly around my head like…well, a CPAP belt. Add in the weight and it’s weird too. But it makes longer workouts feel more natural, even if starting and finishing quickly isn’t easy.
Another cheaper and simpler solution is Belkin $50 watch strapa basic headband that works with the adjustable, comfortable Solo Knit straps included with the Vision Pro. I avoided the Solo Knit because while it’s beautifully made and easy to put on and off, it lacks any head support, making the Pro feel top-heavy. With Belkin straps, this problem is almost completely solved. Since then it has become my favorite solution, even after just a few hours of use.
There is also a visor-like system that allows the Vision Pro to be further offset from the face, which is an accessory Produced by AnnaPro. The strap is also included in the included Solo Knit, which costs about $40. I’m not a big fan of the feeling, but some people praise it for taking the pressure off your face — you can even try taking off the Vision Pro’s face interface and floating the display directly in front of your eyes (which, surprisingly , expanding the perceptual horizon).
Why does this all matter if you’ll probably never buy the Vision Pro? That’s because Apple appears to be improving its technology proposition, and these new bands prove that with a better fit and sizing next time around, a lower-cost Vision could start to look really interesting.
The Vision Pro is still expensive and not necessary for almost everyone. But when it works, it’s pretty impressive. Better apps and better fit make me wonder when Apple will continue to improve VisionOS and how it connects to the rest of the Apple ecosystem: Vision – this version, or the next reported version that may be cheaper – When will our phones and iPads be able to cast additional displays, like Xreal smaller, cheaper glasses able? And, when will the Vision headphones become smaller, more comfortable, less reliant on specialized strap solutions, and thus feel more ergonomic?
There are a lot of problems that are not solved, which is why the prices are so much cheaper Task 3 It feels like a better choice now. But there are signs of progress, even if they are small.
