This was Tim Cook’s first test with the Apple Vision Pro prototype: “It was like a monster”

Launch Apple Vision Pro It’s right around the corner. Tomorrow, Friday, February 2, the space computer from the Cupertino company will be officially available in the United States. Tim CookCEO of the company, took the opportunity to recall his first approach to the prototype of the device, which he called a “monster.”

In dialogue with Vanity FairThe Apple CEO provided some details about what the initial testing of the hardware that would become Vision Pro was like. The executive avoided mentioning when this happened, although the aforementioned media outlets indicate it could have been 6 to 8 years ago. This makes sense since the efforts associated with this project date back to at least 2016.

According to Tim Cook, when he first saw the prototype of what would become the Apple Vision Pro, he was amazed. Although perhaps not for the better. The businessman called him a monster. “Apparatus”, no more. An initiative that was not only far from being a product ready to hit the market in the short term, but also did not directly qualify as wearable devices.

“You didn’t actually wear it at the time. It was not to be used by any stretch of the imagination,” he explained. And it is quite logical that it was so. As explained Vanity FairThe device’s display was a giant box with 6 screens mixed with cameras and sensors protruding outward. But that was not all, since the processing was not carried out in the prototype, but rather long cables stretch across the floor and connected it to a supercomputer that was doing work from another room.

Tim Cook’s first experience with the Apple Vision Pro prototype

At first sight, It wasn’t sexy or elegant.. But when the team set off, Tim Cook was immediately transferred to the surface of the Moon. An immersive and engaging environment that allowed you to experience something new and potentially revolutionary. But this was not a simple virtual reality helmet, because thanks to go through He could also see his hands and other people in the same room.

Ever since rumors first surfaced that Apple was working on mixed reality glasses, there has been a lot of discussion about how much notoriety the project has within the company. In recent years, several problems have come to light that the Apple Vision Pro team had to face during its development. From short circuits with Jony Ive to a perceived lack of interest from top executives, including Tim Cook himself.

In fact, in mid-2017, the team responsible for creating what we later called Vision Pro moved to a building outside of Apple’s Cupertino headquarters. Something that, although in principle should have maintained its “invisibility,” later caused rejection among the developers.

Apart from speculation, Obviously, at some point, the development of technology clicked in Tim Cook’s head.. And this helped the initiative not only remain active, but also gradually gain greater relevance within the corporation. Of course, there was a big problem to solve: device size.

The task is to turn a prototype into a useful product

Apple’s CEO says he was convinced engineers would turn the Vision Pro prototype into wearable devices. Although he wasn’t sure how long it would take. “I’ve known for years that we would get here. I didn’t know when, but I knew we would get here,” he said, referring to the current format of the space computer.

Another interesting point of publication Vanity Fair that it includes Tim Cook’s first photo using Apple Vision Pro. The image is actually on the cover of the digital edition of the magazine. An important detail, since the executive director has never publicly shown himself using headset.

Many have suggested that this may have been taken from the field of marketing and public relations as “meme control”. But with the launch of Apple’s Vision Pro imminent and quarterly financial results announced in a few hours, the image of Cook using it could be seen as demonstrating confidence and determination to the huge bet the company is making.