Here’s an early reaction to Magic Leap One from David Gull, CEO of Outer Realm. The Marina del Ray based company uses VR, AR, and 360° video to showcase real estate and other projects so the Mixed Reality device is a good fit for them. Gull does a seven-minute video response – not a review so much as just his unvarnished thoughts a day after receiving the device.
The other initial review worth watching is Adi Robertson’s very honest reaction to the HMD in The Verge. She wants to like it more than she does,
Using the Magic Leap One is way more impressive than looking through a phone, but it feels a lot like using Microsoft’s existing mixed reality headset,the HoloLens, which shipped way back in March of 2016.
We noted some of the issues last week – particularly the limited field of view, though the frame around the lenses mitigates that to some degree. It’s definitely better than Microsoft’s HoloLens in the FoV area, but not as much as we were hoping for. (And yes, that’s undoubtedly why they avoided the FoV question in the runup to the release).
Initial reaction to Magic Leap One
Here’s David Gull’s quick review, starting with the shortcomings:
- Having two sizes will be an issue at expos and public events (we were trying to imagine doing VR demos with HMDs of different sizes)
- The fit is specific to the viewer with two headrests and five nose pieces making it a challenge to swap the device between users
- The field of view keeps it from being a fully immersive experience
- There is a challenge in using it in rooms with windows and bright light – Gull has the blinds drawn in his apartment
On the positive side:
- The digital objects are very convincing, 85%-90% opaque
- The lighting is convincing though the objects do not cast shadows
- Object details are good but bright in a way that keeps them from fitting in with their surroundings.
- It has amazing potential for doing a dollhouse overview of a project or property and discussing it with others
As David Gull notes, many of the issues he raises may be resolved in future versions. And he’s not the only one to point out that while the innovative Mixed Reality headset is far from perfect, it has amazing potential.
Here’s his seven-minute overview:
We’ll keep our eye out for other reviews and feel free to share your initial reaction to Magic Leap One. Despite the issues, it remains in our eyes a potentially ground-breaking Mixed Reality headset.
For a wearable device, we’ve come a long way from the early days of Google Glass.
Emory Craig is a writer, speaker, and consultant specializing in virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) with a rich background in art, new media, and higher education. A sought-after speaker at international conferences, he shares his unique insights on innovation and collaborates with universities, nonprofits, businesses, and international organizations to develop transformative initiatives in XR, AI, and digital ethics. Passionate about harnessing the potential of cutting-edge technologies, he explores the ethical ramifications of blending the real with the virtual, sparking meaningful conversations about the future of human experience in an increasingly interconnected world.
The fitting issue for Magic Leap is a definite challenge for doing public demos and sessions. It’s hard enough now with VR headsets, but for the most part, they fit fairly easily. And yes, only in six cities/areas right now. The white glove set up is a little reminiscent of how Google Glass was rolled out. To me, it’s a concern that you can’t just do it yourself.
The fitting aspect is fascinating. You can’t just plug and play it, but need to have your device specifically set up for you as an individual. And only in several cities?