The Best and Worst Apps For Vision Pro

Alright, tech enthusiasts! Ever since the Apple Vision Pro hit the scene, we’ve all been wondering: what can this thing really do? Is it just a fancy gadget, or can it actually change how we work, play, and everything in between? Well, I’ve dived deep into the Vision Pro’s app ecosystem to bring you the lowdown on what’s hot and what’s not. Think of this as your friendly guide to navigating the world of Vision Pro apps, so you can make the most of your shiny new headset.

WHAT MAKES A GREAT VISION PRO APP?

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s chat about what makes an app truly shine on the Vision Pro. It’s not just about slapping a regular app onto a spatial computer; it’s about creating an experience. Here’s what I look for:

• Immersive Experience: Does the app make you feel like you’re actually there? Does it use the Vision Pro’s spatial capabilities to create a whole new world?
• Functionality and Usefulness: Does the app solve a problem or make your life easier? Or is it just a gimmick that wears off after five minutes?
• User Interface and Navigation: Is the app easy to use? Can you find what you need without wanting to throw your headset across the room?
• Performance and Stability: Does the app run smoothly, or is it a buggy mess? Ain’t nobody got time for constant crashes!
• Uniqueness: Does the app bring a new way of using existing technology?

THE BEST VISION PRO APPS

Okay, let’s get to the good stuff. These are the apps that I think really make the Vision Pro worth it:

Entertainment

• Apple TV: If you’re gonna watch movies on this thing, start here. You get exclusive 3D movies and experiences that are made for the Vision Pro.
• Disney+: This is where it’s at for 3D movies! Not only do you get tons of Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars films in 3D, but you can watch them in super-detailed virtual theaters. Plus, there’s even a National Geographic virtual environment.
• IMAX: Want to feel like you’re at the movies without leaving your couch? The IMAX app lets you watch IMAX-exclusive videos on a massive virtual screen.
• Crunchyroll: Anime fans, rejoice! Crunchyroll has a visionOS app, so you can binge your favorite shows in style.
• Pluto TV: Looking for free content? Pluto TV has a surprisingly large library of movies and shows.

Games

• Apple Arcade Highlights: Apple Arcade offers engaging games like Bloons TD 6, Castle Crumble, Game Room, Spire Blast, Stitch., Super Fruit Ninja, Synth Riders, and What the Golf?.
• Steam Link: Who needs a gaming PC when you can stream games from your actual gaming PC? Steam Link works like a charm on the Vision Pro.

Productivity

• Microsoft Office Apps: Yes, you can actually get work done on the Vision Pro! The full suite of Office apps is available, so you can crunch numbers in Excel, create presentations in PowerPoint, and write documents in Word.
• Runestone: Calling all coders! This text editor has color-coded elements and auto-formatting for dozens of programming languages.
• Scrivener: Writers, this one’s for you. Scrivener lets you work on your manuscripts, manage notes, and create outlines.
• Camo Studio: Need a better webcam? Camo Studio lets you use your phone or camera as a webcam with tons of flexibility.

Utilities & Unique Experiences

• Mac Virtual Display: Turn your Mac into a giant virtual screen! It’s perfect for multitasking and feeling like you’re in your own personal IMAX theater.
• Explore POV: Sometimes, you just need to chill. Explore POV offers relaxing 180-degree video tours of natural environments.

Spatial and Immersive Apps

• Museas: Art lovers, this is a must-have. Museas lets you explore art from museums around the world with informative voice guides.
• Space Vision: Space is big. Really big. Space Vision lets you tour the solar system and get a sense of the scale of planets and orbits.
• Spatial Noise: Need to relax? Create your own custom soundscapes with Spatial Noise.
• Tripp: This immersive meditation app can help you unwind and de-stress.

Sports

• NBA: For select live games, you can watch a floating render of a basketball court in your space.

THE WORST VISION PRO APPS

Alright, now for the not-so-great stuff. These are the apps that might make you scratch your head and wonder, “Why does this exist?”

Apps with Poor Execution

• Art Authority museum: Difficult to navigate.
• Playa: Hard to use.
• Theater: The Future of Cinema 17+: Problems getting it to work.

Apps Removed or Put on Hold

• Lapz: This Formula One racing app was pulled due to licensing issues.
• Juno: A third-party YouTube app that got the boot from the App Store.

Apps with Limited Functionality or Frequent Crashes:

• Moon Portal: This immersion app, while offering a “great rollercoaster,” is noted as being buggy.
• Screenlit: As a media player for videos from personal servers in 3D, it reportedly crashes.
• Theater: The Future of Cinema 17+: This app for watching YouTube in an immersive theater had problems, suggesting limited functionality.
• Art Authority museum: While it has potential for classical paintings, it is difficult to navigate.

Apps That Don’t Justify Their Price:

It’s challenging to definitively say which apps don’t justify their price without knowing the cost and user expectations. However, some apps might fall into this category if their functionality is limited or not fully realized:

• Endel: Only unlocks one immersive meditation experience, which might not justify the cost for some users.
• Several apps from “My list of favorite Vision Pro Apps 2024.09.30 | MacRumors Forums” may not justify their price.

WORKAROUNDS AND ALTERNATIVES

So, what do you do when an app you want isn’t available or just isn’t up to par? Here are a few tricks:

• Safari: When in doubt, use Safari. You can access services like Netflix, YouTube, and Twitch directly through the web browser.
• Supercut: If you’re a Netflix junkie, Supercut is a lifesaver. It streams Netflix without those annoying letterboxing bars and supports 4K with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision.

VISIONO’S AND FUTURE TRENDS

The Vision Pro is still new, and the software is constantly evolving. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

• Upgraded Mac Compatibility: The visionOS enhances the headset’s ability to work with a Mac.
• WebXR Support: visionOS enables WebXR, opening doors for web-based VR and AR experiences.

Emerging Trends

• The rise of spatial computing and its impact on app development.
• The increasing importance of immersive experiences and 3D content.
• The potential for AI and machine learning to enhance Vision Pro apps.

FINAL THOUGHTS

So, there you have it! The Apple Vision Pro has a ton of potential, and its app ecosystem is only going to get better. Whether you’re watching movies, playing games, getting work done, or just chilling out, there’s something for everyone. Now it’s your turn—dive in, explore, and let me know what you think are the best and worst apps in the comments below! Happy exploring!