I Returned My Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 for These XR Glasses – They’re Now $140 Cheaper

What is it about?

Viture has released a new flagship model, the Viture One Pro, but its previous model remains a fantastic option for XR glasses. After Amazon Prime DayThe company is offering up to $140 off glasses and discounts when purchasing bundles:

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Why this offer is recommended by ZDNET

Although I have tried many VR devices in the past (Google Daydream and VR products for Samsung phones), I was not fully convinced about the suitability of VR for my own purposes. It was not until I saw the reviews Apple Vision Pro that I decided to further explore AR/VR/XR options for work and play. It took me testing three different products and a few software updates before I was finally convinced that there was indeed a product that could improve my productivity while also helping me enjoy my free time.

My commute to work is almost a 45-minute train ride each way, and there’s not much desk space to get work done. I travel for work at least once a month, with my laptop as my primary computer. My work at home and in the office is optimized by two external displays, so commuting with one small laptop display is a challenge.

Review: Apple Vision Pro: Fascinating, Flawed, and Needs Fixing 5 Things

I also enjoy watching movies and YouTube videos while traveling, something I’ve done (like most people) for decades on my mobile devices. There are better options out there today that mimic the big screen experience, so I figured it was time to try out some new technology. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.

Why I Returned Apple Vision Pro

I’ve previously detailed my productivity experience with the Apple Vision Pro before ultimately returning the headset to Apple. I’d keep it to test future software updates, but I value my 30-plus-year marriage and didn’t want to lose my spouse over $4,300.

The biggest productivity issue was the limit of one macOS display that could be displayed virtually. For someone used to working on multiple screens, this was unfortunately a dealbreaker. At least for now.

Why I Returned Meta Quest 3

Even though ZDNET admitted Meta task 3 award for the best product of 2023, I haven’t tried it yet. After learning that Quest 3 supports multiple virtual desktop displays, I ordered Quest 3 to expand my laptop experience.

Honestly, I was thrilled with the Meta Quest 3 and couldn’t believe how close the experience was to Apple’s Vision Pro, despite the Vision Pro being seven times more expensive. The Quest 3 is clearly focused on gaming, and in that area it far surpasses what Apple currently offers, but ultimately that’s not why I wanted to try it out.

What I really wanted to see was how it performed in the workplace. So I installed Immersed, Remote Desktop, and Meta Horizons Workroom on the headset and my MacBook Pro. Immersed and Meta Horizons Workroom provide three or more virtual displays via a wireless connection to the headset, and I expected that to work well during my commutes and business trips.

Also: Meta reveals $25/month interest-free Quest 3 payment plan. Is this deal worth it?

Just when I was certain that the Meta Quest 3 was the headset for me, the folks at Viture released the SpaceWalker for macOS. I tried it out for an hour and was so impressed that I had to fill out a Quest 3 return form. Who knows, maybe I’ll still keep it at home, because it’s still fun to get into a VR space and escape reality every now and then.

Why I’m Sticking with Viture One XR Glasses

The XR glasses are designed to give you a large virtual display, but in a lightweight sunglasses form. I first tried the XReal Air 2 Pro, but returned them after a few days because the visual clarity was disappointing and I found the Nebula software not at all useful, offering limited apps in a flashy VR form.

However, with a 15-hour flight from Los Angeles to Brisbane ahead of me, I ordered a new one Viture One XR Glasses and the Mobile Dock accessory and decided to try them out. They are similar to the XReal Air 2 Pro, but I found them more comfortable and the optics worked better for me. The diopter dial above each eye was a game-changer, allowing me to use the glasses with or without contact lenses. They work with iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch.

See also: Meta Quest 3 vs. Apple Vision Pro: How accurate was Zuckerberg’s review?

My long flights to and from Australia flew by in a flash, and the content I downloaded from Apple TV, Netflix, Amazon, and more, along with a few games on my Nintendo Switch, was convenient, lightweight, and powered by the devices delivering the content. As for productivity, the single extended display was natively supported by my MacBook Pro and Surface Pro.

That single extended display, which requires me to occasionally glance under the glasses to see what’s on the laptop, is a slight improvement for me, as the high-resolution display on the MacBook Pro is top-notch in its own right and better when I need to get serious work done, so the Viture One XR glasses are best suited to simulating entertainment on a big phone screen or gaming console.

The Viture One XR glasses still had a few tricks up their sleeve. The SpaceWalker companion app, first available on iOS as more of a VR demo, is now available on Android phones as well. The Viture glasses also support Samsung DeX for most Samsung phones.

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With SpaceWalker I now have up to three virtual displays of my computer with settings that optimize the experience. This feature alone drove Viture One XR Glasses at the top of my list for productivity, and combined with support for connected media and gaming, I am completely satisfied. In my opinion, the Viture One XR glasses ultimately beat out Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 in terms of usability for productivity, gaming, and multimedia applications.

There is currently no Windows version of SpaceWalker, but the ARMoni app looks promising and is next on my list to try.