| Glimpse into a disconnected future Apple's latest creation, the Vision Pro VR headset, has garnered praise for its exceptional hardware and groundbreaking features. However, amidst the excitement surrounding technological advancements, a disconcerting fear lingers—the potential loss of physical interaction and the gradual demise of the cherished experience of watching movies with a crowd in a dark cinema. The Vision Pro has left early users astounded with its postage-stamp-sized screens, packing more pixels than a 4K TV. The "passthrough" video feature, offering a detailed view of the outside world, even enables users to operate their phones while wearing the headset. The device's gesture controls, relying on infrared cameras, allow for subtle hand movements, eliminating the need for clunky controllers. Undoubtedly, Apple has raised the bar with this VR headset, surpassing competitors like Valve's Vive in terms of quality. However, the question remains—does the best VR headset necessarily equate to a product people genuinely desire? Apple has attempted to justify the Vision Pro's hefty price tag of $3,499 by positioning it as a replacement for home entertainment systems. Yet, the unification of TVs, laptops, and sound systems into one device seems less compelling when compared to the allure of separate dedicated devices. Interestingly, Apple's focus lies not solely on technical specifications but on creating a headset that users never have to remove. Features like EyeSight, displaying the wearer's eyes on the front screen, aim to facilitate conversations without interrupting the virtual experience. The external battery pack shifts weight from the head to pockets, enabling extended usage without discomfort. Apple even suggests the possibility of seamlessly transitioning between the Vision Pro and a Mac laptop, with a virtual screen floating in front of the user. The Vision Pro seems like a product reverse-engineered from a future where smart glasses are commonplace. Apple envisions a world where these unobtrusive glasses replace phones and laptops, becoming an integral part of daily life. As a dominant force in consumer electronics, Apple believes it can lead this revolution. However, it remains uncertain whether this vision resonates with the general public. Beneath the surface of Apple's innovative VR headset lies a disconcerting reality—the potential loss of genuine human connection and shared experiences. The thrill of sitting in a dark cinema alongside two hundred other individuals, collectively captivated by a cinematic masterpiece, may fade into obscurity as technology progresses. This vision of a disconnected future holds profound implications for the movie industry. The immersive power of shared cinematic experiences, where laughter, gasps, and tears reverberate through a theater, may struggle to compete with personalized virtual worlds catering to individual preferences. As Apple forges ahead with the development of the perfect VR headset, it is crucial to reflect on the unintended consequences of these technological advancements. While the Vision Pro showcases remarkable progress, we must be mindful of the potential erosion of genuine human connection and the fading allure of communal experiences. In this pursuit of a virtual utopia, we risk losing the irreplaceable magic of physical interaction—the thrill of watching a movie with a crowd in a dimly lit room. As we march forward, we must tread carefully, ensuring that technological advancements enhance rather than replace the richness of our shared experiences. Tarot | 
