Apple Vision Pro Unveils New Features: Introducing Speed Limit, Guest Mode, and Travel Mode

The groundbreaking Apple Vision Pro, introduced to the world during WWDC 2023 alongside iOS 17 and other systems, promises to revolutionize the tech experience. However, even though its official release is scheduled for 2024, surprising features have already been unveiled thanks to the release of the software development kit (SDK) for visionOS, the operating system of Vision Pro. Among the innovations, we find a speed limit, a guest mode, and an intriguing travel mode. Let’s take a closer look.

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Speed limit: a protection measure for users

One unique aspect of the Vision Pro is that Apple has apparently incorporated certain speed restrictions into the device. According to information discovered by 9to5Mac, which had access to the internal code of visionOS, the functionality of the Vision Pro could be limited or even completely disabled if the user is traveling too fast. This mechanism suggests that Apple prioritizes safety by preventing potential risks, such as attempting to interact with the Vision Pro while driving a vehicle, riding a bicycle, or engaging in similar activities.

Beyond safety, this speed limit would also enable Apple to ensure proper perception of the environment by the device. In fast-moving scenarios, the challenges of accurately detecting and processing the surroundings are multiplied, so limiting functionality in these situations is also a wise idea.

Guest mode: sharing the experience, but with privacy as a priority

Another noteworthy feature revealed through the visionOS SDK is the “Guest Mode”. While the Vision Pro is a personal device, it is reasonable to assume that within a family, for example, you may want to showcase or allow someone else to use the computer. This is where Guest Mode comes into play, allowing us to enable the interaction of other individuals with our Vision Pro without the need to authenticate through Optic ID, the iris-based authentication technology that grants exclusive access to our computer.

This mode also ensures the privacy and security of our personal data, as when Guest Mode is enabled, access to sensitive data such as photos and passwords is completely blocked. Thanks to this, it is possible to share the Vision Pro experience in a way that, even though we cannot see what the person to whom we have loaned our headset is doing from the outside, we will know that nothing is jeopardizing our privacy.

Travel mode: beware of other passengers

When it comes to using the Vision Pro in high-speed situations, such as on a plane flight, Apple has come up with a simple solution: “Travel Mode”. This mode, built into visionOS, allows us to interact with the device even when we’re on an airplane. However, the device’s functionality will have some limitations designed both for smooth operation and to avoid disturbing other passengers.

The clearest limitation is that we are required to remain in a fixed and relatively still position, precisely to prevent us from making gestures in the space of those sitting next to us.

Although we have uncovered a lot about Apple’s Vision Pro, all these innovations are just the tip of the iceberg of what promises to be a revolution in our interaction with technology. As development progresses and the 2024 release date approaches, more details about this device are sure to be revealed. It’s important to note that all the details and features we have just seen are subject to change, as they are based on an early version of visionOS. That being said, they fairly accurately reflect what Apple has planned for the Vision Pro and pave the way for a new era of immersive experiences.

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