Apple Vision Pro or Other VR headsets as alternative for monitors for CAD work

robert_johnston

Just thought I'd ask if anyone uses VR headsets for as an alternative for displays and their experiences?

Obviously it would be quite an expensive alternative or setup, curious if anyone has tried or uses it as their current full time setup?

Any positives or negatives?

MichaelPascoe

I was going to dive into AVP, but the price was just too high for me to justify at the time; even though the hardware is top notch. Also, Onshape didn't release a full app for AVP, just a model viewer. Which was a huge turn off. Another big issue with AVP is they have some major software limitations like how many virtual monitors you can bring up. No doubt they will make this better, but it had a rough launch. Still, the hardware it has is amazing.

Currently I'm waiting on Samsung to release Project Muhan that is planned to be released this quarter! Should be somewhere around 2k USD, lower than AVP (3.5k). It will also have several software advancements that will be a direct response to Apple. The real game changer with the release of Muhan is that this is the first device to have Google's Android XR. Lowering the barrier to entry by giving products access to a high quality XR platform. The difference this will make is very big. Imagine when apple released the first iPhone, there really weren't any true competitors until some decent android devices were released.

A nice analogy for some of the devices might look like this:

Meta Quest 3s = N64 / PS1
Apple Vision Pro = PS5
Samsung Muhan = PS4

Or perhaps a better analogy:

Meta Quest 3s = Palm Pilot Zire 72
Apple Vision Pro = iPhone 1
Samsung Muhan = T Mobile G1

FYI in a few years, people won't be using monitors any more, just virtual monitors. Yes, we'll still use the mouse and keyboard for some things, at least until we have a faster way to input, but the monitors are for sure going out the window for most I would say. Why would we use monitors when we already have them in our glasses? 😎
The question is do you make the switch now, or wait a while until the devices are cheaper, lower profile, more capable, etc..

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robert_johnston

@MichaelPascoe

It sure looks like eye candy and interesting even with the vision26 updates.

Only reason I mentioned the AVP is due to I am using a Mac book Pro and It would have the best interconnectivity within the ecosystem. I did see the opshape app however would have just done virtual monitors with the full browser version of onshape.

I also was wondering if the full imersion of environment reduces distraction?

Most likely would wait for version 2 of the hardware after they have worked out any kinks.

Yes for sure monitors wont exist in time and we will have implated eyeballs lolz!! Well after all I have duel cochlear implants so my ears are already digital and bluetooth he he 🤣

MichaelPascoe

The full immersion environment for the AVP is incredible, would be worth the price for that alone if you have the funds imo. The visual is stunning and surprisingly the audio is just as good as the visuals. I did not expect such a performance from the audio portion of the device. I will note that AVP 1, has pretty limited fov, and it doesn't have any peripheral tricks just blackness. So it feels like your looking through kids ski goggles; still amazing though.

MichaelPascoe

@robert_johnston If you have the funds now, I say go for it. Make sure you buy better padding and straps. The default will hurt your face after 30 min.

Another thought, this isn't a today solution, but Apple will probably be releasing "Apple Vision Air" at some point which will undoubtably be a more comfortable, lighter, and more affordable. A perfect fit if you only plan to use it as a PC-VR instead of a standalone headset.