Apple’s groundbreaking mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro, has recently hit the market, promising to revolutionize the world of AR/VR headsets. While some hail it as a technological marvel, others remain skeptical, viewing it as just another VR headset that may eventually fade into obscurity. However, the Vision Pro has the potential to disrupt the world in both positive and negative ways.
The success of the Vision Pro is not the main concern here; rather, it is the unforeseen and potentially dangerous ways in which people may use it. Already, there have been reports of individuals wearing the headset while driving their Tesla vehicles. This poses a significant risk, as the narrow field of view provided by the Vision Pro is ill-suited for operating a car. Complaints about this limitation have been voiced by those who have had the opportunity to test Apple’s VR goggles. It is akin to piloting a jet fighter in a dogfight while solely relying on the cockpit screens and neglecting the surrounding environment.
Using the Apple Vision Pro while driving raises the question: are you a “glasshole”? Apple itself acknowledges the dangers and explicitly warns users against operating a moving vehicle, bicycle, or heavy machinery while wearing the headset. However, this warning alone is clearly insufficient.
Those who believe that Tesla’s Full Self-Driving capabilities will keep them safe while immersed in their virtual world are living in a fantasy. Tesla emphasizes the need for human supervision, as neither Autopilot nor Full Self-Driving can ensure safety without it. Attempting to supervise while wearing these distracting goggles is highly impractical.
Combining Autopilot with the Vision Pro is a recipe for disaster. Not only does the headset impair visibility, but it also serves as a significant distraction, surpassing even the most distracting smartphones. This intentional design flaw seems to elude those who risk their lives for the sake of showing off on the road.
In a shocking video that went viral on social media, a Tesla Cybertruck driver was spotted wearing an Apple Vision Pro helmet while behind the wheel. This combination may be considered the epitome of cool in the geek world, but it poses serious safety concerns. Unlike the Model Y, the Cybertruck does not have a functioning Autopilot or Full Self Driving capabilities, meaning the driver must actively operate the vehicle. Wearing a VR headset like the Vision Pro only adds to the danger.
The video shows the Cybertruck driver making the distinct hand movements associated with using a Vision Pro helmet. While the helmet does have a passthrough feature that allows users to see through virtual screens, it is still limited by its virtual display. If anything were to go wrong, the display could simply disappear, leaving the driver in complete darkness. This lack of direct visibility is not only distracting but also obstructs the driver’s vision, increasing the risk of accidents that could result in fatalities.
Both Apple and car manufacturers need to address this issue promptly to prevent potential disasters. The Vision Pro’s latency, caused by the processing of images captured by its cameras, is one concern that must be tackled. Additionally, legislation must adapt to the emergence of new technologies like VR headsets. However, as history has shown, implementing laws to ban certain behaviors while driving can be a slow and imperfect process, as seen with the prohibition of phone use behind the wheel.
Apple has implemented some safety measures in the Vision Pro to prevent its use while walking. However, these fail-safes do not extend to driving. The Travel Mode, designed for airplane use, can be activated while operating a vehicle. The Vision Pro lacks the ability to differentiate between driving and being a passenger, necessitating a change in its functionality.
Apple should prioritize finding a solution to prevent the Vision Pro from being used while driving. This should not be a difficult task, considering the device’s cameras can detect the movement of the road and the presence of a steering wheel. Car manufacturers, including Tesla, could also train their cabin cameras to recognize when a driver is wearing a VR headset and disable certain functions accordingly. Without these measures, we will continue to witness reckless individuals risking their lives, as well as the lives of others, in an attempt to appear trendy.
