Like many others, I was intrigued by the Apple Vision Pro when it was first announced. But luck had it that I had already ordered the G3 Max from Indiegogo. I’ve had it for a few weeks. It does exactly what Tim Cook showed on stage at the Vision Pro.
The Vision Pro is listed at $3,499, while the G3 Max has a list price of $1,299 but is on sale for only $869. Early buyers got theirs for less than $800, which is a great deal.
Let’s discuss my experience with the Goovis G3 Max and compare it to the Apple Vision Pro.
I’ll end with the Product of the week: a headset that might be just what you need for desktop video conferencing.
Apple Vision Pro
Apple promoted the Vision Pro device as a professional-level product, with all of the technology integrated into it. The device is completely stand-alone, and it does not appear to be able to be used as an iPhone or laptop screen. Apple’s WWDC demonstration showed how iOS apps and movies would appear superimposed on one’s surroundings using the Vision Pro.
Apple’s approach is to always try to sell you a more expensive product. Apple has never made a laptop/tablet hybrid. You bought an iPad if you were looking for a tablet; you purchased a MacBook if you were looking for a notebook.
Apple initially focused on the Vision Pro’s video capabilities and user experience. Apple’s platforms and devices are not known for their gaming capabilities, even though the device has VR and game capabilities. Vision Pro is operated by hand gestures, and there’s no controller. If Apple decides to get into gaming, it will need to purchase a controller accessory.
The Voice part of Vision Pro is still not ready. Apple’s lack of experience in generative AI will likely cause some problems. The eye and hand components appear to be more mature in comparison.
Vision Pro does not appear to work with glasses. Contacts, however, are a good option. An adaptive lens costs between $300 and $650 extra for those who need vision correction.
The mask fits tightly to your face. The top is not supported, and some testers complained about the pads marking their faces or the pressure getting annoying over time, such as when watching movies.
The 4K display for each eye should make videos look stunning, and the tight fit will keep out ambient light. The digital crown is similar to a watch and allows you to control the level of immersion. It may also blend what the camera on the device sees with the content so you can see the world around you. I would not wear this while driving or walking.
You can plug in the battery, which should last two hours. This is possible at home, in a car, or on a plane.
Goovis Max G3
The Goovis G3 Max may not look as nice as the Vision Pro, but it has top support that will take pressure off your face.
You may experience some external light bleed if the seal is not as tight. It was annoying but not too bad, even if I used the device outdoors.
It is supposed to be more comfortable than Vision Pro. I used the Goovis for several hours with no discomfort or marks left on my face.
The Goovis displays a higher resolution and better color gamut (>95% DCI-P3 vs.>90% Vision Pro), but you probably won’t notice any difference.
The Goovis is a display, but it also comes with a streaming player and a battery to power the device. If you don’t want the media player, it can be connected to a PC, set-top box, or game console via USB-C cable or HDMI.
It can be charged while it is playing by using the USB-C cable that comes with it.
The Goovis does not have an external camera but comes with a TV controller that allows you to stream content. It runs Android TV and should be able to load all third-party streaming applications, including Apple TV+. (I did not attempt to load Apple TV+).
The device worked with YouTube Premium, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. I watched movies on my balcony in the afternoon and didn’t realize until I looked up that the sun was already down.
The headset comes with an HDMI-in and an adapter to USB-C. This allows it to work with any device that has a USB output or HDMI. If you want to play games, you can connect it to an Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch to have your own large-screen gaming experience.
I told you that I watched a movie using the Goovis G3 Max. I watched the latest Flash movie, which I enjoyed immensely. It was almost like having a portable IMAX.
The Goovis comes with built-in speakers. However, they are very weak, and I would not recommend using them. A good wired set of headphones can make all the difference. You could be watching a movie in peace with headphones and the display in front of you.
The headset has a diopter adjustment built in for each eye, so you don’t need to wear prescription lenses.
Wrapping up: Which is Better?
The Goovis G3 Max, which is currently available, is the better option.
Apple Vision Pro, with its advanced cameras and software, will ultimately be a better product than Goovis. When you consider that Goovis can connect with more devices, such as game consoles and smartphones, it gains an advantage in terms of content.
Even without the huge price difference, the Goovis would win if the Vision Pro was initially about the same content. Apple’s limitations would make me think twice about the $2,000 difference between these two devices.
The Goovis G3 Max will do the same thing as the Apple Vision Pro. It can also be enhanced with other devices, such as game consoles. This allows you to be more immersed in the action and connects you to better gaming performances than you would be able to achieve on a device in this class.
The Goovis device is a better deal for the price and the initial capabilities of both devices, especially because you won’t be able to buy the Apple product until next year. However, after Apple’s announcement, I think we will see more products in the near future.
Since Goovis started several years ago, I’ve been using its products. All of them have been great, except for the one that flew off my car’s roof (I had left it there). I enjoyed them all, but this latest model is the best.
