I tested $550 smart glasses with my Mac, and they seemed more comfortable than the Vision Pro.

      Much has been expressed regarding Apple’s shortcomings in the AI domain. It's clear that Apple Intelligence and the Siri assistant lag significantly behind the capabilities of Microsoft's Copilot and Google’s Gemini suite.

      Additionally, Apple has also lost its competitive advantage in the wearable XR market. The company's initial product, the Vision Pro, an extremely pricey technological wonder, did not generate the anticipated excitement.

      The hefty price of $3,500 is undoubtedly a barrier, but the absence of immersive productivity applications and a robust app ecosystem also plays a role. While VisionOS shows promise, accessing it requires a substantial investment.

      Surprisingly, the gap in spatial computing for Mac users has been filled by smaller brands. Companies like Xreal, RayNeo, and Viture have introduced excellent AR/VR glasses while also developing compelling productivity software.

      Comfort is key

      My initial experience with macOS in an immersive environment was courtesy of the Xreal Air 2. These glasses feature 0.55-inch Micro-OLED displays delivering 1080p per eye with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a straightforward plug-and-play experience for spatial computing, though not without some issues.

      Currently, I’m using the Viture One smart glasses, which are equipped with a tint-adjusting electrochromic film on the lenses for enhanced immersion. Depending on external lighting, you can either see your surroundings or darken them.

      Apple offers a similar feature via a complex camera-display method known as Passthrough on the Vision Pro headset. However, there is a vital distinction: VR/AR content can lead to sensory fatigue and overwhelming experiences, and if the hardware is cumbersome, meaningful engagement becomes even harder.

      The Vision Pro is heavy, uncomfortable, and lacks aesthetic appeal, making it unfit for public wear. Christine Romero-Chan from Digital Trends noted, “I’m not sure I’d want to wear this for an extended period, as I had small imprints on my face after just 25 minutes” after testing the Apple headset.

      Digital Trends’ gaming lead, Giovanni Colantonio, remarked how the Vision Pro felt constraining, stating that the hard materials pressed against his temple throughout the demo, leaving him relieved to remove it after 30 minutes.

      Smart glasses effectively address this discomfort. For instance, the Viture One resembles Wayfarers and doesn't impose any significant pressure on your head. They weigh just 78 grams, and their plug-and-play design eliminates the need for bulky accessories or bags.

      I could comfortably wear the glasses for 2-3 hours before noticing visual and sensory fatigue. Fortunately, removing them is as simple as taking off regular glasses, avoiding the hassle of straps and cables.

      Accessibility issues beyond Apple's reach

      A significant challenge with XR wearables is accommodating vision needs. For those with prescription glasses, using AR or VR devices becomes problematic. Unless one opts for contact lenses, the only alternative is to wear these devices over regular glasses, which can be quite cumbersome.

      The remaining option is to obtain prescription inserts. This is where it gets intriguing. The Vision Pro requires $149 ZEISS prescription inserts, whereas my RayNeo Air 2S AR glasses had prescription inserts fabricated by a local optical shop for just $12 based on a dummy insert template provided in the retail packaging.

      However, inserts create logistical challenges and increase ownership costs. The Viture One brilliantly resolves this issue; each lens features a dial that adjusts the display to cater to individual vision needs.

      Focusing on myopia (nearsightedness), the Viture One allows adjustments ranging from zero to negative 5.0D in prescription strength, and it functions effectively. As someone who wears glasses, it was a great relief to not need contact lenses or glass inserts to use my smart glasses and be productive.

      While this solution doesn't encompass all vision conditions, it's an excellent starting point and a prime example of how engineering can enhance AR/VR wearability and ease financial burdens associated with vision correction.

      Apple’s productivity software struggles

      The Vision Pro's primary advantage is its dedicated operating system deeply integrated within the Apple ecosystem. Regarding spatial computing, its gesture-based control system is arguably the best available, with impressive gaze tracking and visual clarity.

      However, these benefits are overshadowed by two major issues. First, accessing visionOS necessitates a $3,500 headset, with no alternatives available. Second, it operates in a unique manner that doesn’t fully integrate with macOS, despite possessing robust hardware.

      Consider the expansive spatial canvas available for app windows.

      In contrast, smart glasses like the Viture One offer a more flexible and productive spatial computing experience. They essentially function as a large monitor hidden within stylish eyewear, providing access to a vast 120-inch canvas with a 1080p resolution per eye. Concerned about 3D output? They can deliver 3D SBS content at 3840×1080 resolution.

      Transitioning from a cramped 13-inch laptop display to a seemingly floating multi-screen setup makes multitasking significantly more manageable without forcing