Apple is restricting the potential of Vision Pro apps, but for a good reason

Date:
Tue, 09 Apr 2024 10:46:41 +0000

Description:
Some developers have complained that Apples Vision Pro app rules are too restrictive, but does Apple have a point?

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Apples products are well known for their strong security and privacy protections , and the Apple Vision Pro is no different. Now, its emerged that Apple's stance might be limiting the types of apps you'll be able to use on its mixed-reality headset but theres a very good reason for it.

According to a new report from The Information (via 9to5Mac ), several developers have become frustrated at how Apple has locked down its headset
and prevented them from creating the apps they want to make. On a different platform that might be possible, but not on the Vision Pro.

Specifically, the developers in question have complained that they cannot
make use of the devices on-board cameras. For instance, Antony Vitillo, developer of augmented reality (AR) fitness game HitMotion, told The Information that he wanted to access the products cameras so that his app could let users interact with real-world items like punching bags. Apple, however, doesnt let apps get to that kind of data.

Similarly, developer Kalani Helekunihi, who builds apps for elderly adults
and people with disabilities, says Applesrules mean he cant create an app
that can give people with limited vision a description of their surroundings and act as a virtual cane that warns them when theyre approaching obstacles. Privacy protections (Image credit: Juno for YouTube)

Ultimately, theres a very good reason why Apple prevents apps from using the Vision Pros camera feed: privacy. Granting access to the camera might enable the creation of some useful apps, but it could also invade the privacy of everyone in the vicinity if an untrustworthy app developer uses it for nefarious purposes.

Reportedly, Apple doesnt want the Vision Pro to become like the Google Glass AR headset. When that first launched, it caused a major controversy. As The Information puts it, Former Apple employees say Apple wants to avoid what happened to the Google Glass, a wearable device that caused a huge outcry
over a decade ago because the presence of a camera on the product made people uncomfortable around others who were wearing them.

Given how proactive Apple is when it comes to privacy, granting app
developers access to the Vision Pros cameras seems like a non-starter. So, while it might mean your choice of Vision Pro apps is a little bit thinner
for now, its probably worth not having your every move surreptitiously recorded by a Vision Pro-wearing passerby. You might also like Apple Vision Pro review: The spatial computing revolution is here, and I love it Apple reveals new App Store rules to stop devs tracking users Hidden code points to Google reviving its AR glasses project



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/apple-is-restricting-the-potential-of-visi on-pro-apps-but-for-a-good-reason


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