Vision Pro by Apple looks uncannily similar to Ready Player One, and a warning we should not ignore

Apple has unveiled a $3,500 worth 'mixed-reality' headset, which people are increasingly referring to as a super-expensive 'toy'. At the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2023, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the device as "the first Apple product you look through, not at".

Apple's Vision Pro headset has captured the imagination of tech enthusiasts worldwide, drawing comparisons to the virtual reality OASIS depicted in Ernest Cline's novel, Ready Player One. While the allure of immersive digital experiences is undeniable, it is crucial to examine the potential dangers and ethical concerns that arise as we venture further into the realm of virtual dystopia.

• In a world where technology has been advancing at an astonishing pace, Apple's recent unveiling of Vision Pro has sent ripples through the tech industry.
• Touted as a groundbreaking leap into the realm of virtual and augmented reality, Vision Pro promises to revolutionise the way we perceive and interact with the digital world. 

But before that, for those of you unfamiliar with Ready Player One, here's a quick look at Steven Spielberg's 2018 adaptation of the novel:

The 2011 novel by Ernest Cline is a cautionary tale set in a dystopian 2045 where people escape their bleak reality by immersing themselves in a virtual world called the OASIS.

Through its protagonist's journey, Cline warns of the dangers of excessive escapism, emphasizing how an over-reliance on technology and virtual realities can isolate individuals from the real world, leading to a loss of genuine human connection and the neglect of pressing social and environmental issues. The novel serves as a reminder to prioritize our present reality and the importance of balancing virtual experiences with meaningful interactions in the physical world.

A glimpse into the new ‘OASIS’

Similar to the OASIS in Ready Player One, Vision Pro promises to transport users into awe-inspiring virtual worlds, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The revolutionary input system, eye and hand tracking, and spatial computing capabilities all mirror the immersive technologies portrayed in Cline's novel.

The promise of limitless experiences and connectivity resonates strongly with the desire to escape mundane realities and explore boundless digital realms.

Here's what Apple says about its 'cutting-edge' VR headset:

• The ultra-high resolution display, with more pixels per eye than a 4K TV, promises stunning visuals.
• Spatial audio technology provides a truly immersive soundscape, enveloping users in a three-dimensional auditory experience.
• Whether interacting with favourite apps, capturing memories, enjoying multimedia content, or connecting with others via FaceTime, Vision Pro aims to revolutionise the way we engage with digital content.

Vision Pro utilises eye and hand movements and eliminates the need for external controllers, offering a natural and intuitive user experience. Additionally, voice input further enhances the immersion factor. Apple's EyeSight feature fosters connection with others in augmented reality mode, allowing wearers to stay connected while exploring virtual realms.

In fully immersive VR mode, the outside world fades away as the screen turns opaque, enabling users to delve into virtual worlds without distractions.

While the technological advancements showcased by Vision Pro are undeniably impressive, concerns arise regarding the potential consequences of diving headfirst into this virtual realm.

The pitfalls of escapism

While the allure of virtual escapism is understandable, there are dangers associated with losing oneself in an alternate reality.

Ready Player One serves as a cautionary tale, warning us of the potential consequences of becoming too detached from the real world. In a virtual dystopia, individuals may prioritise their digital personas over genuine human connections, leading to social isolation, deteriorating mental health, and an erosion of real-world experiences.

Privacy and identity concerns

In both Ready Player One and Vision Pro, the concept of creating hyper realistic avatars and scanning facial features raises significant privacy and identity concerns.

The ability to project lifelike digital representations of ourselves raises questions about authenticity, consent, and the potential for misuse. The fine line between personal expression and identity manipulation becomes increasingly blurred as technology progresses, demanding careful regulation and ethical considerations.

Monopolistic control and dependency

In Ready Player One, the OASIS is controlled by a powerful corporation, exerting immense influence over users' lives. Similarly, as Vision Pro and similar technologies become more prevalent, there is a risk of consolidating power in the hands of a handful of tech giants, if not Apple alone.

Monopolistic control over virtual spaces can stifle competition, limit user autonomy, and curtail creative expression. The dependence on a single platform for immersive experiences may limit choice and create a power dynamic that threatens individual freedoms.

Distorted perception of reality

Vision Pro's ability to seamlessly blend virtual and real-world elements can potentially alter our perception of reality.

The projection of 3D objects into physical space may lead to difficulties distinguishing between the virtual and physical worlds. This blurring of boundaries raises concerns about the long-term psychological effects, as individuals may struggle to differentiate between real and virtual experiences, impacting their decision-making, relationships, and overall well-being.

The emergence of Apple's Vision Pro and its resemblance to the virtual world of Ready Player One brings both excitement and trepidation. While the potential for immersive experiences is tantalising, it is essential to recognise and address the potential dangers and approach this technology with caution and critical thinking.

Apple's Vision Pro represents a significant leap forward in the field of virtual and augmented reality but it is equally essential to navigate the potential pitfalls and ensure that the line between the virtual and real remains clearly defined.

Apple plans on selling the Vision Pro headset in the US in early 2024, followed by other countries.