Apple Vision Pro at 80 euros: we tested it

Want to experience mixed reality without spending a lot of money? We came across this solution at MWC 2024.

When we think of mixed reality headsets, we often imagine expensive products, not affordable for all budgets. It must be said that the Vision Pro costs $3,500.

But here comes the ZapBox that was tested at MWC 2024, and frankly you will see that it works. Why ? Because at 80 euros, it promises to open the doors to mixed reality without spending a lot of money.

We all remember Google Cardboard, that little piece of cardboard with lenses. Essentially, being able to use technology you already own reduces barriers to adoption.

ZapBox is the same, but in the year 2024. The idea behind ZapBox is to offer you a super basic set: a support for clipping your smartphone, lenses to immerse yourself in virtual reality, and Bluetooth controllers to interact with this new universe.

Quite a few drawbacks, but it works

What's really interesting about ZapBox is the feeling of being here and nowhere else, thanks to mixed reality. passes through. Yes, the image is pixelated, and very small, but the crazy thing is that there is almost no latency. Move your hand, and the image follows directly behind you, without any appreciable delay. We can therefore watch Apple's spatial videos without Vision Pro.

Zappar, the company that designed the ZapBox, seems to really believe in its product. They've even created a platform for developers to create and share their own augmented reality experiences. This device works with iPhone 11 and later, and Android support is expected to arrive later this year.

It's far from perfect, but it works. However, true spatial computing is some way off.