Vision Pro: What we got wrong at Oculus that Apple got right (hugo.blog)

Article summary

Hugo Barra, former Head of Oculus at Meta, shares his thoughts on Apple's Vision Pro, calling it an over-engineered 'devkit' with impressive hardware but a disappointing software experience. He believes Apple's entry into the VR market will elevate the industry and potentially lead to mass-market consumer demand. Barra also reflects on what Oculus got wrong and how Apple got it right, particularly with regards to the user interface and display quality. He returned his Vision Pro due to the high price tag and limited use case.

Main themes

• VR industry
• Apple Vision Pro
• Oculus comparison
• User interface design
• Display quality
• Tech industry competition

What commenters say

• The author's decision to return the Vision Pro due to the high price tag is seen as a legitimate form of 'try before you buy' and a reflection of his frugal mindset despite being wealthy.
• The Oculus software experience is criticized for being confusing and difficult to use, with some comparing it unfavorably to Apple's approach to user interface design.
• The transition to new UI paradigms, such as those required for VR, is a challenging and rare occurrence in the computer space, and Facebook has not stood out for its UI brilliance.
• Some commenters argue that the Vision Pro's high price and limited launch app ecosystem are significant drawbacks, while others see it as a necessary step towards advancing the VR industry.
• The comparison between the Vision Pro and Apple's previous products, such as the iPhone and iPad, is seen as both relevant and misleading due to differences in market and competitive environment.
• The importance of a good user interface and user experience is emphasized, with some arguing that Meta's VR software has become increasingly cumbersome and difficult to use over time.