Apple's highly anticipated Vision Pro headset is set to hit store shelves on Friday, marking the company's foray into the world of spatial computing. Apple executives and their marketing team have been promoting the headset as a transformative product, comparing its potential impact to that of the groundbreaking iPhone released in 2007. CEO Tim Cook expressed his excitement about the Vision Pro, stating that he couldn't wait for people to experience its magic.

However, with a price tag of $3,500, the Vision Pro is expected to be one of Apple's most expensive products. Analysts predict that the company may only sell 1 million or fewer devices in its first year. This estimate is reminiscent of the initial sales figures for the iPhone, which sold around 4 million units in its first year but now boasts annual sales of over 200 million. This history suggests that the Vision Pro could follow a similar trajectory, becoming a widely adopted device that revolutionizes how people live and work.

Spatial computing, the technology behind the Vision Pro, is described as the intersection between the physical world and a virtual world created by technology. It enables seamless interaction between humans and machines, incorporating elements of augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI). Cathy Hackl, an industry consultant working on apps for the Vision Pro, believes that spatial computing will change human-computer interaction and eventually transform all interfaces into spatial computing devices.

To support the launch of the Vision Pro, Apple has curated over 600 newly designed apps for use with the headset. These apps span various categories, including television networks, video streaming services, video games, and educational options. Notably absent from the list are Netflix and Google's YouTube. Additionally, companies like Zoom have developed apps for the Vision Pro, catering to the work side of things.

While the Vision Pro has generated excitement, there are concerns about the potential negative effects of its use. If the spatial computing experience is so compelling that users start perceiving the world differently without the headset, it could exacerbate screen addictions and deepen digital dependence and isolation. However, Apple's marketing prowess and customer allegiance make it a likely trendsetter in the spatial computing space.

Other prominent technology companies, such as Google and Facebook's Meta Platforms, are also exploring spatial computing. Google has been working on a three-dimensional videoconferencing service called "Project Starline," while Meta Platforms sells the Quest headset, which has the potential to be used for spatial computing. However, Apple's Vision Pro stands out due to the company's marketing capabilities and strong customer base.

Although spatial computing is being hailed as a breakthrough, the concept has been around for at least two decades. A research paper published by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2003 highlighted the automatic flushing toilets as a primitive form of spatial computing. The author argued that the toilets sense the user's movement and engage with the real human space.

The Vision Pro offers several compelling features, including high-resolution screens capable of playing three-dimensional video recordings. This feature creates the illusion of reliving past events and encounters. The headset also responds to hand gestures and eye movements, aiming to seamlessly integrate with the user's natural movements. Users can use their hands to manipulate virtual computer screens, reminiscent of the film "Minority Report."

As the Vision Pro enters the market, it remains to be seen how natural and socially acceptable it will be for individuals to wear the goggles during social interactions. The potential impact of spatial computing on human behavior and social dynamics is yet to be fully understood.