A few months ago, Apple’s granted patent for the Vision Pro headset offered a glimpse into a future where virtual reality isn’t just about escaping the real world but interacting with it in new and playful ways.
While the initial “EyeSight” feature simply reveals the wearer’s eyes or displays VR patterns, the patent hints at a wide range of possibilities. Imagine sporting virtual sunglasses, checking the weather forecast projected onto your forehead, or sending a “Do Not Disturb” message via emoji eyes. These playful options might seem silly, but they represent a shift in VR’s purpose: bridging the gap between immersive experiences and the outside world.
Traditional VR headsets create a walled garden, cutting users off from their surroundings. But with the Vision Pro’s external display, Apple envisions a more connected VR experience. By projecting information and emotions outwards, wearers can maintain a sense of presence and engage with the real world, even while immersed in another reality.
Whether these “EyeSight expansions” become reality in the final Vision Pro remains to be seen. Perhaps they’ll end up as intriguing concepts left on the cutting room floor. However, the patent itself speaks volumes. Apple is clearly thinking beyond basic VR functionality, exploring ways to make the Vision Pro a tool for communication and self-expression in the virtual age.
The announced EyeSight feature itself raises questions. Will displaying eyes or VR patterns truly enhance interaction, or simply appear odd? Until Apple unveils the final product, it’s impossible to judge its effectiveness. And yet, the potential remains. EyeSight could be a breakthrough in bridging the VR/reality divide, or a quirky addition that fades into obscurity.
One thing is certain: with the launch rumored to be just around the corner, the wait to see how EyeSight and the external display play out won’t be long. This patent suggests that Apple is seriously considering the future of this technology, not just as a window into VR, but as a versatile communication tool for future iterations. Whether it revolutionizes how we interact with VR or simply adds a touch of whimsy, the Vision Pro’s external display promises to push the boundaries of what a VR headset can be.