Exploring the Excitement: My Unforgettable Experience at WWDC and Apple's Vision Pro

This year marked a significant milestone for Travancore Analytics (TA). As the VP of Engineering, I was honored with an invitation to attend the highly anticipated event, Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). In this piece, I am sharing my experience after attending the highly anticipated WWDC event and witnessing the unveiling of Apple's groundbreaking product, Vision Pro.

I played a pivotal role in spearheading numerous exciting and challenging projects as the leader of our VR/AR and Mobility team at Travancore Analytics, including VR live media streaming of prestigious sporting events like the NFL, NBA, and Winter Olympics of 2018, as well as pioneering advancements in WebAR technology. With an impressive career spanning over two decades, I possess extensive expertise in various fields such as Web and Mobility, IoT, and AR/VR. Throughout my career, I actively contributed to the development and implementation of a diverse range of software solutions, catering to businesses of all sizes across the globe.

Unveiling the Future: My Firsthand Experience at WWDC and Apple's Vision Pro

I've just returned from my inaugural WWDC journey, and a barrage of messages from friends and colleagues worldwide immediately greeted me. Their burning question? "Did you get a chance to experience the Vision Pro spatial computer?" While I was able to feast my eyes on Apple's Vision Pro in person, the opportunity to touch this innovative device remained just out of reach. Apple's directive was clear: "Capture as many photos as you like but hands off." Only a select group of journalists and influencers were granted the privilege of hands-on experience. Despite this being my first WWDC, my third visit to Apple Park was just as exciting.

Allow me to share three unique experiences from my WWDC adventure: the architectural marvel of Apple Park, the vibrant energy of WWDC, and the mesmerizing allure of Vision Pro.

Apple Park: A Masterpiece in Glass and Greenery

Apple Park is a testament to the confluence of architecture and design, much like any other Apple product. The entire park, a project spanning nearly a decade, boasts large, curved glass pieces crafted in Germany and shipped to California. The vertical glass doors, colossal in size, take eight minutes to open fully and only do so under specific weather conditions.

The rainbow stage in the park's heart, initially built for a Lady Gaga concert, has been retained as a striking monument. Interestingly, it sports the color scheme of the old Apple logo, starting with green rather than red. Apple Park, powered by 100 percent renewable energy, features 17 - megawatts of rooftop solar installations and four megawatts of biogas fuel cells. During low occupancy, it even feeds clean energy into the public grid.

Apple Park's design reflects Steve Jobs' vision of fostering human connection over isolated cubicles. It boasts 80% open space, with the remaining 20% dedicated to enclosed offices. The vast atrium, peppered with trees, elegantly blends nature with architecture. The park is home to 9,000 trees, whose fruits contribute to Cafe Macs' offerings, with a surplus shared with the community.

The Steve Jobs Theater, a cylindrical glass building with an underground theater, exemplifies Apple's commitment to simplicity and innovation. Despite the initial disappointment of the keynote presentation not taking place there, unveiling the new Vision Pro device within its confines washed away any lingering regret.

WWDC: A Developer’s Dream Come True

Attending WWDC was a dream I'd nurtured since my early days of iOS app development at Travancore Analytics. The invitation from Apple felt surreal, a secret I kept until I was sure of its authenticity. I've attended various developer events, but WWDC had a distinct aura.

The check-in process, conducted at the old Apple campus (Infinity Loop), was incredibly smooth. When I set foot on the campus, I was greeted by smiling Apple employees and a warm welcome that made me feel significant. The check-in process concluded with a celebration in the atrium, filled with lively music, refreshments, and clapping Apple employees.

The main event unfolded in Apple Park's outer circle, on a stage close to Cafe Macs. Despite my anticipation of the keynote at the Rainbow Stage or the Steve Jobs Theater, the vibrancy and excitement were infectious. Developers from around the globe enthusiastically discussed their creations, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared passion.

When Tim Cook and Craig Federighi graced the stage with their iconic "Good Morning," the energy level soared. The event was a mix of live and pre-recorded presentations, keeping everyone on their toes. The announcement of Apple's new MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro, and the introduction of the latest Mac OS, Sonoma, Watch OS, iPad OS, and iOS 17, added to the excitement. The features may not have been groundbreaking, but the personalized contact posters and StandBy feature were well received.

The crowd's anticipation reached a fever pitch as the scheduled presentations wrapped up 30 minutes early. When Tim Cook returned to the screen with the infamous 'One more thing...' tagline, the attendees were electrified. We all knew that an XR device was about to be unveiled, but the excitement of witnessing history unfold firsthand was palpable.

Apple Vision Pro: A Game-Changer

At Travancore Analytics, we've had the privilege of experiencing and developing apps for numerous VR and AR headsets and glasses. However, the Vision Pro ignited a desire in me unlike any other. This device represented a symphony of clean design and innovative problem-solving. If the showcased application videos are anything to go by, no other device on the market could match its crystal clear and immersive display. Interestingly, throughout the event, the terms 'Virtual Reality,' 'XR,' and 'Metaverse' were notably absent. Instead, Apple introduced a new paradigm: 'Spatial.'

The message was clear - Apple is dedicated to delivering only the best to its users.

There were a few aspects that left room for improvement. Firstly, the 2-hour battery life, extendable only with an external battery pack, falls short of a full-day usage expectation. The device's size could also be more compact for all-day wearability. Lastly, its price point is significantly high, akin to the 'Ferrari of XR headsets,' as one Apple employee put it. A more affordable version, perhaps a 'Vision' variant, would be more accessible to a broader audience.

That being said, the Vision Pro certainly has its thrilling aspects. The futuristic design, the seamless integration with Mac screens, the ability to develop and test on the same device, and the exciting introduction of Facetime avatars all contribute to its allure. The decision to forgo traditional controllers in favor of hand gestures is a bold step towards an enhanced user experience. The built-in 3D camera promises to revolutionize the way we perceive the world.

In summary, the Vision Pro is an engineering marvel that sets new standards in the tech industry.

These past few weeks have been incredibly remarkable for me. One of our apps was showcased at Google IO, I had the honor of speaking at AWE (the world's largest AR/VR event), and I was one of the privileged few to witness the Vision Pro in person. I have achieved all of these personal milestones because of my sincere passion for my job and the backing of my organization and colleagues.

The future is spatial, and I can't wait to see where it takes us next!!!