I didn’t know what to expect when Apple invited me to experience their new Vision Pro technology. The world of VR is new to me, but their pitch was intriguing: travel downtown to Tribeca, try on Apple’s schmancy new goggles, and step into The Weeknd’s new music video. Obviously, I said yes.
When I arrived at the studio, Apple representatives scanned my eyes and adjusted the goggles to match my prescription. Then, I was taught a few basic commands. The glasses have tiny cameras that detect your movement—which means you can pause, play, scroll, expand, and minimize videos with simple hand movements. Oh, and your eyes are the remote. All you have to do is look at something to select it.
A fabulous picture of me, fumbling through the demo.
After reviewing the basics, we moved on to the good stuff: the music video. Apple’s Vision Pro device allows you to step into immersive videos. I tested that technology by previewing The Weeknd’s video for his new single, “Open Hearts.”
I clicked—well, gazed at—the project, and within seconds, was thrust into an ambulance with Abel Tesfaye. Visually, “Open Hearts” picks up where his last music video, “Dancing in the Flames,” left off. Both were directed by Anton Tammi for The Weeknd’s upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow. In “Open Hearts,” the singer is strapped to a gurney after surviving a car crash. He looks real. Maybe even a little too real. I could see every pore, freckle, and speck of fake blood. But alas, I was in the VR world, an experience made evident through the video’s whimsical twists and turns.
Here’s a recap: After The Weeknd comes to, a flock of horses race by, which prompts a car chase. We never make it to the hospital. Instead, we’re tossed above the Los Angeles skyline. For a few moments, you can tilt your head and feel as though you’re suspended above one building and below another. From there, The Weekend arrives at a concert where he’s the main act. (Are you still with me??) On stage, a shadowy version of Abel performs, but then he morphs into himself. Meanwhile the camera flashes turn into stars, and we wind up in space. Mind you, this whole time, The Weeknd is singing about how difficult it is to fall in love after having his heart broken.
If his VR adventure was an allegory for a breakup, I must’ve missed some clues. Honestly? I was too distracted by how cool everything was. I’ve only tried virtual reality once before, and that was to play a souped-up version of Guitar Hero. Those VR goggles created a gaming interface but not much else. Apple’s Vision Pro experience is far more advanced. Without remote controls getting in the way, you have the freedom to sit back and experience the magic of 180° virtual reality.
Singer-songwriter, Raye for Apple’s Concert for One experience.
Along with music video offerings, Apple has also created a new private listening experience, dubbed Concert for One. I was delightfully beckoned into a session with the English songwriter RAYE, who, I kid you not, appeared to be in the room with me. Dressed in a gold slip, she sang a medley of her tracks, “Genesis” and “Escapism,” with the power of a woman scorned—her voice amplified by a choir and live band. Concert for One isn’t the same as seeing a live show, but it’s pretty damn close. The experience launches globally on Friday, November 22nd, allowing fans to feel closer than ever to their favorite artists.
Starting November 15th, you can test what Apple Vision Pro has to offer. Simply book a demo at the retailer of your choice and prepare to experience music in a whole new way.
