Apple enthusiasts recently gained insight into one of the Vision Pro’s most peculiar features, and the response has been mixed. EyeSight, designed to project virtual representations of users’ eyes onto the outer screen of the Vision Pro, has garnered both intrigue and criticism since its unveiling alongside the $3,499 Vision Pro last year. While Apple positioned EyeSight as a means for Pro wearers to “stay connected to people around you,” some fans remain unimpressed by its functionality and implementation.
Unveiling EyeSight
EyeSight activates only when the Vision Pro detects someone directly in front of the user, projecting virtual eyes onto the outward-facing visor screen. Additionally, the outer screen can emit blue light when users engage with apps, turn opaque during full virtual reality mode, and simulate a camera shutter when taking photos. Despite being heavily featured in Vision Pro’s marketing, the release of full reviews this week provided the first real glimpse of EyeSight in action, prompting varied reactions among Apple enthusiasts.
Mixed Reactions
Initial responses to EyeSight have been polarized, with some users expressing disappointment and skepticism. Criticisms range from labeling the feature as “goofy” and “universally awful” to questioning its compatibility with the Vision Pro’s premium pricing. Concerns about the grainy quality of the outer display and its perceived lack of refinement have further fueled skepticism about EyeSight’s value proposition within the Vision Pro ecosystem.
Uncanny Persona Avatars
EyeSight’s virtual eyes are based on “personas,” digital avatars created by scanning the user’s face, which also appear on FaceTime and Zoom. While still in Beta, this feature has elicited a similarly mixed response, with some describing it as “deeply uncanny” and reminiscent of “botox from hell.” Despite Apple’s emphasis on enhancing virtual interactions, the reception to this feature suggests that further refinement may be necessary to achieve widespread acceptance among users.
Future Outlook
As the Vision Pro prepares for its official release on February 2, Apple faces the challenge of addressing user feedback while capitalizing on the device’s technical prowess. While early reviews have lauded the Vision Pro’s capabilities, concerns about its comfort and potential isolation remain. With EyeSight and persona avatars at the center of ongoing scrutiny, Apple may need to navigate carefully to ensure that subsequent iterations of the device meet user expectations and deliver a seamless blend of innovation and functionality.
