The Vision Pro is Popular Science's Gadget of the Year. The device was also chosen by the magazine as the overall innovation of the year.
PopSci acknowledges the “massive price tag” of Apple's spatial computer, but says it represents the first step in a new direction for the company.
Vision Pro Named Gadget of the Year
Popular Science singled out visual quality and a seamless user interface as factors in its decision.
In terms of hardware, this headset offers a 23 million pixel screen that delivers over 4K quality to each eye. It's a true augmented reality device, so the external cameras beam real-time footage of the outside world to the display. Virtual displays, AR game boards, and other digital artifacts are seamlessly integrated into your view of the real world. In fact, it's frustrating to take the headset off and see the real world without a floating UI. There are no controllers to use, buttons to press, or other obstacles between the user and the augmented space.
The Vision Pro is said to demonstrate the true potential of an augmented reality headset, unlike competing devices that preceded it.
While augmented reality headsets have existed before, this one gets our nod for the potential it shows. It’s part of Apple’s overall hardware plan. The new iPhone cameras are specifically positioned to capture spatial video for augmented reality consumption. Familiar apps could offer augmented experiences tailored to the headsets. We expect the next version of the hardware to skip the creepy image of your eyes appearing on the outside screen. Still, we’re curious to see what Apple does next, because making such an experience affordable for consumers could be a real game changer.
Oura Ring 4
While speculation is mounting about whether Apple is planning to release a smart ring, it's also notable that the Oura Ring 4 won the award for best personal care device.
A multitude of personal care products—the tools and gadgets that fill our medicine cabinets, home gyms, and vanities—promise innovation. However, few actually deliver […]
The Oura Ring 4, released on October 3, is more than just an update. This model is noticeably more comfortable, thanks to flatter sensors inside the band. But Oura’s new intelligent sensing algorithm ensures that the thinner band is more functional than ever […]
The redesign of the Oura app is also great, offering a unique, customizable platform for turning the Oura Ring 4’s extensive data into actionable insights on sleep quality, recovery, stress, fitness, and fertility. With a full range of ring sizes and a luxurious finish, the Oura Ring 4 may be the most wearable device we’ve ever tried.
Other Winners
- Aerospace: Joby Aviation's Hydrogen-Powered VTOL Taxi
- Automotive: Lincoln's Nautilus
- Emergency Services and Defense: Google Research's FireSat Wildfire Detection System
- Engineering: Joule Hive Electrified Thermal Solutions
- Entertainment: Zildjian Alchem-E Electronic Drums
- Gadgets: Apple's Vision Pro (Innovation of the Year)
- Healthcare: Shield by Guardant Health
- Home: General Electric Indoor Smoker
- Personal Care: Oura Ring 4
- Outdoor Sports & Recreation: Sagi's HoloBike
Photo by Declan Sun on Unsplash
