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The killer app might be replacing your desktop. It’s just not good enough at it (same way early smartphones could browse the web, but were not good at it) In a

The killer app might be replacing your desktop. It’s just not good enough at it (same way early smartphones could browse the web, but were not good at it) In a way, looks like Apple is gambling on that direction.

unsupp0rted 3y ago
Early smartphones weren't good enough at browsing the web, and also the web wasn't good enough at being browsable on early smart phones. I wonder if we need a design revolution before headsets become "killer app" useful. I suspect we don't. Just get the resolution and refresh rate high enough, and it's already a revolution.
- mlajtos 3y ago
  It wasn't about phones being good for browsing the web. It was (and still is) about having the web in your pocket wherever you are.
  - deleted 3y ago
    [deleted]
- danpalmer 3y ago
  > Just get the resolution and refresh rate high enough, and it's already a revolution. Isn't that a solution looking for a problem still? With smartphones the problem wasn't surfing the web – you're right that mobile devices and the mobile web grew up together. The problem was needing information when not at a desktop computer, or wanting more information quicker than you'd get through a phone call, or just wanting human interaction (even if it was online). The killer apps for mobile were things like finding your way around (maps, transport times, traffic), social networking (without logging on to a desktop chat room or actually meeting someone), and photos (without carrying around another device). So far the only "killer app" for VR/AR – something we literally could not do before VR/AR, is immersive gaming. I know non-VR games can be immersive in their own way but VR is clearly a step up. The problem I believe is accessibility – we don't have the physical space, or cheap and good enough devices, or enough content that people find what they like, and that's just one somewhat niche use-case (gaming isn't niche, but gaming aiming for immersiveness is).
foooorsyth 3y ago
Do you think they’ll really lean into that, though? I spend a lot of time on the road. They’d really need to care about the details for a road warrior, including how the device packs into a briefcase/travel bag. And perhaps even specifically design some accessories for those use cases. If it’s just an awkward $3500 monitor that poorly packs into a carry on, it won’t work. AirPods Max poor folding comes to mind
joakleaf 3y ago
I've met people that think it can replace the Desktop, and I don't think so. I drink coffee at my desk, and I suspect the headset will get in the way of drinking from the cup... I also tried using the Hololens a couple of years back at my desk for longer periods of time, and there were loads of issues; Lower resolution than screens, narrow field-of-view (FOV), extra weight on head, unable to scratch my nose... And the headset getting in the way of the coffee cup. It just wasn't a good experience. Even if Apple has solved resolution and FOV, I doubt it can be comfortable enough to work with for 8 hours/day. It's 500 grams (probably) extra weight on your head, a lot of unnatural light, and weird seclusion from colleagues. It is also not a good form factor for traveling, because unlike a laptop which is slim and flat, these headset are actually quite bulky and take up a lot of space in your bag. It would take up a good portion of space in your carry-on bag on a flight.

unsupp0rted 3y ago

Early smartphones weren't good enough at browsing the web, and also the web wasn't good enough at being browsable on early smart phones. I wonder if we need a design revolution before headsets become "killer app" useful. I suspect we don't. Just get the resolution and refresh rate high enough, and it's already a revolution.

mlajtos 3y ago
It wasn't about phones being good for browsing the web. It was (and still is) about having the web in your pocket wherever you are.
- deleted 3y ago
  [deleted]
danpalmer 3y ago
> Just get the resolution and refresh rate high enough, and it's already a revolution. Isn't that a solution looking for a problem still? With smartphones the problem wasn't surfing the web – you're right that mobile devices and the mobile web grew up together. The problem was needing information when not at a desktop computer, or wanting more information quicker than you'd get through a phone call, or just wanting human interaction (even if it was online). The killer apps for mobile were things like finding your way around (maps, transport times, traffic), social networking (without logging on to a desktop chat room or actually meeting someone), and photos (without carrying around another device). So far the only "killer app" for VR/AR – something we literally could not do before VR/AR, is immersive gaming. I know non-VR games can be immersive in their own way but VR is clearly a step up. The problem I believe is accessibility – we don't have the physical space, or cheap and good enough devices, or enough content that people find what they like, and that's just one somewhat niche use-case (gaming isn't niche, but gaming aiming for immersiveness is).

foooorsyth 3y ago

Do you think they’ll really lean into that, though? I spend a lot of time on the road. They’d really need to care about the details for a road warrior, including how the device packs into a briefcase/travel bag. And perhaps even specifically design some accessories for those use cases. If it’s just an awkward $3500 monitor that poorly packs into a carry on, it won’t work. AirPods Max poor folding comes to mind

joakleaf 3y ago

I've met people that think it can replace the Desktop, and I don't think so. I drink coffee at my desk, and I suspect the headset will get in the way of drinking from the cup... I also tried using the Hololens a couple of years back at my desk for longer periods of time, and there were loads of issues; Lower resolution than screens, narrow field-of-view (FOV), extra weight on head, unable to scratch my nose... And the headset getting in the way of the coffee cup. It just wasn't a good experience. Even if Apple has solved resolution and FOV, I doubt it can be comfortable enough to work with for 8 hours/day. It's 500 grams (probably) extra weight on your head, a lot of unnatural light, and weird seclusion from colleagues. It is also not a good form factor for traveling, because unlike a laptop which is slim and flat, these headset are actually quite bulky and take up a lot of space in your bag. It would take up a good portion of space in your carry-on bag on a flight.