Apple is gearing up to launch the inaugural substantial software update for the Vision Pro. This forthcoming release of visionOS is set to enhance various aspects of the device, with notable improvements aimed at Personas and the EyeSight feature.
Since its launch, the Vision Pro’s Personas and EyeSight features have been the subject of much ridicule. Personas offer a digital avatar for users during video calls, whereas EyeSight displays the eyes of the Vision Pro user on an external screen when others are present, aiming to reduce the device’s isolating feel. Despite these intentions, both features have faced criticism for their effectiveness.
Recent updates, as highlighted in the visionOS 1.1 beta, have brought significant enhancements to the realism of Personas. According to Apple’s release notes for the visionOS 1.1 release candidate, notable refinements include more accurate representations of hair and makeup, as well as improved depictions of the neck and mouth areas. These improvements are substantial, indicating Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experience on the Vision Pro.
The forthcoming update brings with it an enhancement in the rendering of eyes for the EyeSight feature, a detail that seems to have been overlooked during the beta testing phase. EyeSight, which leverages the Persona feature to project a user’s eyes onto an external display, appears to have received a subtle upgrade in its visual representation on the Vision Pro headset. The fact that this improvement has largely flown under the radar indicates that Apple may still have considerable work ahead to fully refine this feature.
In addition to the tweaks to EyeSight, the update introduces enhancements to the virtual keyboard and the Mac virtual display, further enriching the user experience on the Vision Pro.
visionOS 1.1 is slated for official release as early as this week, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of Apple’s Vision Pro software capabilities.