During a companywide meeting held on Friday, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared his thoughts on Apple’s first mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro, highlighting the contrasting values and vision between the two tech giants. According to Zuckerberg, Apple’s device exemplifies the divergence in approach and direction pursued by the respective companies. His remarks shed light on the nuanced perspectives and strategies embraced by Meta and Apple in the realm of mixed reality technology.
Apple made the announcement of Vision Pro, their inaugural mixed-reality headset, on the first day of their annual five-day Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) held on Monday. However, a few days prior to this, Mark Zuckerberg personally unveiled Quest 3, Meta’s highly-anticipated next-generation mixed-reality headset. The close timing of these events highlights the parallel advancements and competitive landscape within the mixed-reality technology sector.
During a discussion with employees, as reported by The Verge, Mark Zuckerberg expressed his intention to briefly address the Apple headset. However, he clarified that despite his curiosity about Apple’s offering, he had not yet had the opportunity to personally witness or experience the device himself. Zuckerberg’s remarks indicate his interest in understanding Apple’s developments in the mixed-reality space, while also acknowledging his lack of firsthand knowledge about the specific features and capabilities of the Apple headset.
Continuing his remarks, the CEO, aged 39, stated, “Based on my initial observations, the encouraging news is that Apple doesn’t possess any magical solutions to the physical limitations that our teams haven’t already explored or considered. They opted for a higher-resolution display… and it comes at a cost that is seven times higher, requiring substantial energy consumption to the extent that a battery and a wired connection are necessary for its operation.” Zuckerberg highlighted the comparative aspects of Apple’s Vision Pro headset, pointing out its increased cost, energy requirements, and the need for additional hardware components.
Zuckerberg commented, “At Meta, we prioritize innovation to ensure our products are accessible and affordable for everyone. This principle is integral to our mission. Furthermore, our vision for the metaverse and presence centers around social interactions and fostering a sense of closeness in new and innovative ways. Our device is designed to facilitate active engagement and enable users to participate actively.
In contrast, the demos showcased by Apple predominantly featured individuals sitting alone on a couch. This highlights a significant philosophical difference in our respective approaches. Witnessing their approach has further reinforced my excitement, as it affirms the importance and potential success of our endeavors.” Zuckerberg’s statement underscores the contrasting philosophies and strategies employed by Meta and Apple in their pursuit of metaverse technology, strengthening his belief in the value and impact of Meta’s initiatives.