True Spatial Apps
I was blown away by SkyGuide for VisionOS. You can reach out and pull the 3D model of a constellation into the palm of your hand. The first time you do this it feels like magic. I wish the app also had the ability to not only pull down the 3D model that the constellation represents, but also pull down the constellation itself. For example, it is only the 3D model of the dragon itself which you pull down and can manipulate in your hands. The laser pointer feature is also amazing, and I hope the developer adds Spatial Avatar and multiplayer support, which would just make this app divinely awesome.
True Spatial Games
Game Room is basically the only thing available to provide for a compelling Spatial Avatars multiplayer gaming experience, which is too bad, because multiuser sessions is actually the “killer app” thing/experience that this headset offers and I wish this functionality was available for every game on the platform. It’s too bad you can’t change the height of the chess table when in the AR mode, because most of my tables aren’t as high as the virtual table is forced to be.
LEGO Builder’s Journey plays about as well as it does on a screen, except this time you get to truly appreciate the size and scale of your creations. This game really makes me wish for some kind of haptic gloves as to provide the real feeling of picking up and placing bricks. I think a haptic-enabled LEGO sandbox would just be insanely fun, and better for many young parent’s poor bare feet in the house!
Semi-Spatial Games
Alto’s Odyssey
This game has an impressive 3D affect that I wish more 2D games would create similar versions of for the Apple Vision Pro. The full 360 immersive mode features a simple looking background but changes colors with the scenes from the game. This creates nice atmospheric mood changes as the game progresses through its impressive color palettes. Overall, this is a great way to play this classic game.
Semi-Spatial Apps
Watching Way of Water in 3D on the AVP is actually a better experience than seeing if even in the best IMAX theater. This has set a new bar for how I wish I could experience every movie, and makes me wish traditional flat games or Steam could enable similar 3D effects.
iPad Apps
This fun and easy to learn animation app works great with the Vision Pro’s natural interaction capabilities. Just bring the app close to you and use the screen like a giant iPad, and simple gaze and pinch to edit or add new layers.
Play your Steam library on a giant, personal TV screen. Pair the experience with some AirPod Pros and the spatial audio will have you convinced your listening to a real sound system and become nervous you’re angering your neighbors. Again, I wish Steam Link and participating game developers could enable and support the kind of 3D rendering that the Disney+ and Apple+ apps are capable of.
