The primary concerns regarding the Vision Pro have revolved around its cost and heaviness. Apple is reportedly developing a more affordable version, and a recent patent application suggests a strategy to significantly reduce the headphone’s weight.
Initial reviewers highlighted that the headset can become quite heavy after extended use, which I have personally verified.
John Gruber’s observations regarding the weight reflect common sentiments.
Vision Pro is indeed heavy. I’ve managed to wear it for hours without significant discomfort, but I do start to feel tired solely from the weight. You are continuously aware that it is on your face. Additionally, its size contributes to this weight issue, resembling a large pair of bulky goggles.
During a one-hour usage session, I also found the weight and comfort to be problematic.
Comfort currently poses a substantial challenge with this technology. On a relatively warm day in the UK, I certainly felt heat building up with my upper face covered by the device. This experience is similar to my time with the Meta Quest 2, which also generates warmth.
I noticed Vision Pro’s weight after about the first 30 minutes of use. I typically use my Quest with an additional rear battery pack, which, while increasing the overall weight, distributes it evenly across the front and back. In contrast, Vision Pro is substantially front-heavy, and I began to feel that imbalance, especially when shifting my gaze downwards and then upwards.
However, a newly-released patent application by Apple (noted by Patently Apple) outlines a promising solution: relocating the processor and related components similarly to how the battery is managed.
The patent begins by recognizing the issue at hand.
Head-mounted displays (HMDs) are designed for comfort during extended use. As performance, functionality, and battery life demands increase, the inclusion of various electrical components contributes to the overall weight of the device. Striking a balance between maximizing user comfort and maintaining or enhancing device performance and functionality is a constant challenge.
Uneven weight distribution experienced by the user while using the head-mounted display, especially with weight concentrated at the front, can significantly detract from the user experience. Therefore, a lightweight HMD assembly that doesn’t compromise on performance or functionality is essential.
Apple further acknowledges the overheating issue, emphasizing the need for more effective heat dissipation methods.
The company has managed to reduce the weight somewhat using a tethered battery, which the patent suggests could also house processing capabilities within what Apple terms a cartridge.
A cartridge can consist of a housing, with a processor optimally placed within this housing to deliver video output to a display unit of an HMD, and an attachment interface for easy connection to the display unit.
One of the options Apple proposes involves placing the processing unit in a detachable module that could either fit into the headset or the tethered shell.
A head-mounted assembly might encompass a processor and a display unit which contains a slot for inserting the processor. In the first configuration, the processor sits within the slot to relay image data to the display unit. In the second configuration, the processor is removed from the slot while still transmitting image data to the display unit.
Photo by Mylo Kaye on Unsplash
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