Like many of you, I was fascinated by the Apple Vision Pro head-mounted display when it was unveiled, but as luck would have it, I had already placed an order for the Goovis G3 Max on Indiegogo. I’ve been using it for a while now. It does pretty much what Tim Cook demonstrated on stage for the Vision Pro, which is awesome for what it does.
The G3 Max is only $869 on sale compared to a $1,299 list price, which is a significant discount from the Vision Pro’s $3,499 list price. I scored mine as an early adopter for less than $800, which was a fantastic deal.
Let’s discuss my experience with the Goovis G3 Max and how it might contrast with the Apple Vision Pro when it is released.
I’ll wrap up with this week’s Product of the Week, a headset that might be exactly what you need for desktop video conferencing.
Vision Pro for Apple
Apple advertised the Vision Pro as a professional-grade product with all the latest technology included. It seems to be unable to serve as a screen for your laptop or iPhone because it is entirely stand-alone. However, Apple’s WWDC presentation showed how using the Vision Pro, iOS movies, apps, and images would appear superimposed on the user’s surroundings.
The strategy employed by Apple is to constantly try to upsell you on more expensive goods. For instance, it has never produced a laptop that can function as both a tablet and an all-in-one. An iPad was purchased if you wanted a tablet, and a MacBook was purchased if you wanted a notebook.
Apple initially emphasized the Vision Pro’s ability to play videos and the video-playing experience. The device has VR and gaming capabilities, but Apple’s platforms don’t typically support games and don’t currently have any VR content. Without a controller, Vision Pro operates with hand gestures, indicating that if Apple enters the gaming market, you will need to purchase a controller accessory for it to function.
The Vision Pro’s voice component, which will be essential, has not yet been prepared. I would anticipate some difficulties getting that capability to work since Apple is not yet at the forefront of generative AI. The hand and eye components, in contrast, seem more developed.
Adaptive lenses for the Vision Pro device are expected to cost an additional $300 to $600 if you require vision correction. It doesn’t appear that glasses or contacts will work well with the device, but contacts should be fine.
Your face is pressed firmly against it. Although there is no top support, early users complained that the pads might mark your face and the pressure can become bothersome after prolonged use, such as when watching a movie.
With 4K displays for each eye, videos should be impressive. Additionally, the close fit blocks out ambient light. Although I wouldn’t wear these while walking or driving, it has a digital crown that lets you control your level of immersion and may blend what the device’s cameras see with the content to allow you to see what is going on around you.
The battery is the only component that is external; it should last for two hours and can be plugged in at home, on a plane, or in a car.
The Apple Vision Pro head-mounted display, which I’ve seen so far, is among the best-looking I’ve seen.
Google G3 Max
Although the Goovis G3 Max is not as attractive as the Vision Pro, it does have top support to relieve pressure on your face.
The downside is that it does not tightly seal to your face, so you might experience some light bleeding from the outside. Even when using the device outside, I did, but I didn’t find it particularly inconvenient.
I’ve used the Goovis for several hours without leaving any marks on my face or feeling uncomfortable, so it should be much more comfortable to use than Vision Pro.
Compared to the Vision Pro, the Goovis has displays with a higher resolution and wider color gamut (3,528 vs. 3.400 dpi and >95% vs. >90% DCI-P3), though I doubt you would see a difference.
The Goovis is only a display on its own, but it also includes a streaming media player and a battery to power the gadget. If you want to use it without the media player, it can also be connected to a set-top box, gaming system, smartphone, or computer using a USB-C or HDMI cable.
The media player has a battery life of about 3 hours and can be charged while playing if you use the longer USB-C cable that it comes with to connect to a power source.
Even though the Goovis lacks external cameras, it does have a TV-style controller that you can use to manage your streaming content. It should be able to load the majority of third-party streaming apps, including Apple TV+ (though I didn’t try to load it).
I downloaded Amazon Prime, Netflix, and YouTube Premium, all of which functioned well on the gadget. I actually spent the afternoon watching movies on my balcony and didn’t realize it was getting dark until I stopped.
The headset has a USB-C adapter and an HDMI input, so it can be used with anything that has a USB-C or HDMI output. For instance, if you want to play a game, you can plug it into an Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch and have your own big-screen gaming experience something you might not be able to do with the Vision Pro.
I mentioned that I had used my Goovis G3 Max to watch a movie. I really liked the new Flash movie, and having my own portable IMAX screen made the experience even better.
Although the Goovis have speakers built into them, I wouldn’t recommend using them because they are rather weak. But the difference is completely made by a good pair of wired headphones. You might as well be in a movie theater where people are actually quiet and you can enjoy the movie in peace if you have headphones on and this display on your face.
You don’t need special lenses because the headset has an integrated diopter adjustment for each eye, making it possible to use it without wearing glasses.
Final Thoughts: Which Is Better?
Right now, the Goovis G3 Max is superior to the Apple Vision Pro because it is available while the Apple Vision Pro is not.
However, the Apple Vision Pro will eventually be more effective than the Goovis alone due to its cameras and sophisticated software. The content advantage shifts to Goovis, though, when you consider the number of devices you can connect to, including game consoles, smartphones, and PCs.
Even without the enormous price advantage, the Goovis should prevail initially because the Vision Pro is initially focused solely on the same content. Given Apple’s limitations, I might be hesitant given the $2,000 price difference between the two gadgets.
In the end, the Goovis G3 Max should be able to accomplish most of what the Apple Vision Pro initially accomplishes, and the Goovis can be improved by connecting to various things.like game consoles, putting you deeper into the action and connecting you to better gaming performance than you’d be able to get on a device in this class.
The Goovis is therefore the better option given the price and what both devices can initially do, especially given that you won’t even be able to purchase the Apple device until sometime next year. However, in light of Apple’s announcement, I predict we might soon see the launch of a few more products.
I have personally used Goovis products ever since the business began a few years ago. I’ve enjoyed them all, with this most recent one unquestionably being the best, with the exception of one flying off the top of my car (I left it on the roof).
Just remember to use headphones so you won’t annoy people nearby if you want to enjoy content on a plane, car, bus, boat, or anywhere else you feel comfortable being completely immersed in a movie, TV show, or web event.
Headphone model EPOS Impact 1000
I cherish headphones. When I’m on the road or the infrequent occasions when I have to work in a shared office or cubicle, I use them a lot.
Because desktop headphones frequently use speakers that are better suited for voice than music or other audio, their sound quality frequently leaves something to be desired. I must therefore bring two pairs of headphones on my travels—one for entertainment and the other for work.
These headphones aren’t a cheap date at around $430 list (you should be able to find them for less). But I really like a few of their features. For instance, when not in use, they inductively charge on their stand.
My usual headphones have a physical connection, so it frequently takes me some time to get them seated correctly so they charge. This flaw does not exist in the EPOS Impact 1000 headphones. Just set them on the stand and walk away.
These continue to favor voice in use, which results in extremely clear music vocals but constrained lows and musical depth. In conclusion, if given a choice, headphones made for listening to music will perform better, whereas these will perform better for voice-focused applications like video conferencing and internet calls.
Since these EPOS headphones are Bluetooth compatible, they can be used with computers, tablets, smartphones, and other devices that accept Bluetooth accessories. It includes a USB Bluetooth dongle for desktop computers that functions well with Bluetooth on both PCs and smartphones, a USB-C cable, a stand/charger, and a carry case. You can position the rotating microphone on either side of your head.
The EPOS Impact 1000 can pair with up to three devices and offers exceptional noise cancellation, especially for over-the-ear headphones. Excellent battery life. For everyday use, this device has a days-long battery life. If you do not want to bring the stylish but bulky headset stand, you can charge them using a USB-C cable.
They are offered in a variety of variations, such as:.
1061 noise-cancelling headset not available.
The 1061T does not have noise cancellation and is certified for Microsoft Teams.
1061 ANC with noise cancellation, similar to the model I tested; and.
1061T with active noise cancellation and Microsoft Teams certification.
Although the models without noise cancellation cost about $80 less, it is worthwhile to spend the extra money to get that feature. On the EPOS website, you can compare each of them.
The EPOS Impact 1000 1061 ANC version is my Product of the Week because I am currently writing this article while wearing these headphones and listening to music.