Privacy expert Albert Fox Cahn, founder of New York-based Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, or STOP, has slammed Apple Vision Pro, calling it a "buggy beta test of a product launch."
What Happened: Apple Inc.'s AAPL $3,500 device has been described as a “personal panopticon” by a privacy expert, raising concerns about the potential for increased surveillance, reported Business Insider.
Apple Vision Pro uses a dozen cameras to map the user’s environment, capturing everything from furniture to personal documents and even the user’s choice of beverage.
The device also requires users to navigate the interface using hand gestures, which is not conducive to typing. This has raised concerns about the security of passwords and the lack of consideration for non-Apple users.
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Cahn also criticized Vision Pro for its lack of compatibility with other devices and its poor performance in basic functions like walking. Despite its hefty price tag, the device has been described as more of a toy than a serious tool.
"We won’t look back on Vision Pro as Apple’s new iPhone moment. If anything, it’s the spiritual successor to the Newton, the widely mocked 1990s PDA."
Cahn expressed concerns about the potential for increased surveillance and the reshaping of communities by tech giants. The Vision Pro’s lack of consideration for non-Apple users has also been linked to a recent antitrust lawsuit filed against Apple.
Meanwhile, Mark Zuckerberg has refuted claims that his company’s Meta Quest is essentially the same as Apple’s Vision Pro, emphasizing the differences between the two devices.
Why It Matters: The Vision Pro’s launch has been a topic of interest for investors and tech enthusiasts.
"Mad Money" host Jim Cramer predicted that Apple’s partnership with Nvidia Corp. for the Vision Pro could shift investors’ focus from the U.S. Department of Justice’s antitrust case against Apple.
Despite the criticism, the Vision Pro has also been hailed as a game-changer in certain fields. A UK surgeon recently praised the device for its role in a successful spinal surgery, highlighting its potential in the medical field.
Despite the mixed reviews, Vision Pro’s launch has been a significant event in the tech industry, with potential implications for Apple’s future and the AR market as a whole.
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