Apple seeks to enhance artificial intelligence in the Vision Pro, but it needs a focus on health.
It is possible that Apple's Vision Pro headset may not become a massive success due to its price of $3,500. However, in the scientific and healthcare fields, it could revolutionize the way certain processes are carried out.
Apple is in a challenging position with its foray into the world of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), as its Vision Pro headset, priced at $3,500, has not achieved the expected impact in the market. Additionally, reports have emerged about the cancellation of its smart glasses AR project. However, the company is not giving up. It has been revealed that Apple is integrating its artificial intelligence toolkit, known as Apple Intelligence, into the visionOS platform. This includes features such as Writing Tools, Genmoji, and Image Playground, although these enhancements do not seem attractive enough to justify the high cost of the Vision Pro.
Analysts suggest that the company should redirect its focus toward the health and medical science sector, where it might find a market more willing to adopt devices like the Vision Pro, rather than casual buyers looking for AR or VR for entertainment. AR and VR technology has already demonstrated its potential in medical assistance and daily activities of healthcare professionals. A group of experts from Stanford University has commented that in the future, VR and AR displays could be used by patients during teleconsultations to measure vital signs and automatically add data to their health records with their consent.
Moreover, the use of these technologies by emergency technicians has been proposed, who could receive precise instructions when communicating with doctors through a headset or smart glasses. One example is the NARA (Nakamir Augmented Reality Assistant), which combines artificial intelligence and AR on the Microsoft HoloLens 2 to assist workers in various fields, including healthcare.
VR also offers opportunities in the realm of mental health, helping reduce stress in individuals with PTSD and contributing to cognitive therapy for conditions like ADHD. Studies conducted by the Strategic Initiatives Lab of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs have shown that VR-guided experiences can alleviate loneliness and aid in addressing mental health issues, among other benefits.
In the same vein, researchers at NYU Langone Health are using AR and VR to create 3D anatomical modules that will allow medical students to learn about anatomical structures in an immersive way. The use of headsets has also been explored to alleviate significant stress during pregnancy and childbirth.
The possibilities of applying the Vision Pro in healthcare are vast, especially as the field continues to grow. Experts have indicated that integrating sensors to measure electroencephalography (EEG) into XR hardware would be beneficial, particularly for caring for Alzheimer’s patients. Apple already has a range of devices equipped with biosensors that can record biomarkers and participate in monitoring patients' health.
Despite challenges regarding privacy and cybersecurity, Apple has proven to be competent in protecting its users' data. Moreover, it would not be unusual for the company to position the Vision Pro as a health-centered product, since the FDA has already approved multiple medical devices using AR and VR technologies for various purposes.
In summary, the Vision Pro has considerable potential in the healthcare sector, using its advanced technology to meet needs already recognized by specialists in the field. Aligning its commercial approach with the proven benefits of AR and VR in medicine could facilitate its acceptance in a domain where its high cost might be more justified.
