In yet another uncanny instance of The Simpsons seemingly predicting the future, the popular animated series showcased scenes of people immersed in virtual reality using the Apple Vision Pro eight years before the product’s official release.
Apple officially launched the highly-anticipated $3,500 Vision Pro in stores last Friday, and enthusiasts have taken to social media to share videos of their real-life experiences with the cutting-edge technology.
The Simpsons, known for its ability to foresee future events, portrayed scenes reminiscent of current user videos, depicting a society dominated by virtual reality headsets in a 2016 episode titled ‘Friends and Family.’
Since its debut in 1989, The Simpsons has accurately forecasted various events, including Donald Trump’s presidency, Kamala Harris’ inauguration outfit, Richard Branson’s space travel, and the advent of smartwatches.
In the particular episode, Mr. Burns hires Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie to portray his virtual reality family, a concept that eventually becomes accessible to everyone. A montage unfolds, featuring all Simpsons characters navigating the world with virtual reality headsets, resulting in comical mishaps like walking into lamp posts and falling into potholes.
The recent release of the Apple Vision Pro has drawn comparisons to an episode of the dystopian series Black Mirror. Videos circulating on social media showcase users in various settings, from a New York City subway to the streets of San Jose, California, and London, experiencing the device’s capabilities.
Launched alongside the iPhone 15 family in September, Apple CEO Tim Cook described the Vision Pro as a device that allows users to “look out of and not at.” The headset operates on VisionOS, touted by Apple as “the world’s first spatial operating system.”
Apple defines ‘spatial computing’ as the convergence of the physical and virtual worlds, achieved through technology that enables seamless interaction between humans and machines. This approach often involves elements of augmented reality and artificial intelligence.
With more than 600 new apps designed specifically for the Vision Pro, Apple aims to unlock the imaginations of its developer community. Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations, expressed excitement about the diverse spatial experiences created for the platform.
The Vision Pro offers users the ability to watch movies, TV shows, and play over 100 Apple Arcade games on a large virtual screen. For professional use, the headset can be paired with a trackpad and keyboard, transforming it into a versatile tool for various tasks.
Additionally, Vision Pro enables users to relive memories in their living rooms by playing back videos, adding a personal touch to the immersive experience. As the world embraces the Apple Vision Pro, it appears The Simpsons once again provided a glimpse into the future.
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