The dream of virtual reality dates back decades and virtually (thank you, thank you) all of the top tech companies have felt the pull. In 2014, Google released its $1,500 Google Glass to high expectations — only for it to die a slow and painful death, ending updates last year. Then came Meta: CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been so eager about VR that he changed his parent company’s name as an homage. As for its VR and AR division: it lost billions of dollars. Enter: Apple.
How’s it different?
It’s marketing Vision Pro not as a gaming device but for “spatial computing” — totally meshing your computer with VR. Gone are the days of craning over an iPhone: Now is the time to crane because the headset weighs 1.4 lbs. You can watch “Love Island” and solve spatial puzzles while sort-of seeing your surroundings. In the past, people were too embarrassed to walk outside with Google Glasses. Today, people have found the audacity and are now wearing headsets to Celtics games, the subway, walks, and even while driving a Tesla Cybertruck.
So what’s next?
It’s not clear yet how sales of the $3,500 product are going, but hype can lead to more hype. With Apple reportedly selling as many as 200,000 Vision Pro headsets during its presale, there’s reason to believe the hype isn’t over. All of this is leading to a range of ethical and practical questions, like: Can we trust the metaverse with children’s data? What will this headset do to humans’ vision given reports of dizziness? Also, Gen Z is already having less sex — how is this, respectfully, supposed to help?
theSkimm
Since the days of Steve Jobs, rarely has there been an Apple release that has garnered this much fascination, bafflement, and mentions of “Black Mirror.” Now, the question is: Will this moment mark another turning point in Apple’s transformation of how we consume tech — or another failed launch in the name of VR?
Police violence on Black Americans. Yesterday, researchers shared two separate studies. One study found that Taser injuries from police disproportionately impacted Black Americans between 2019 and 2020, with 36% reportedly experiencing things like concussions, fractures, and puncture wounds. That's as Black Americans make up about 13% of the population. The second study found that police-involved killings of unarmed Black people led to a 6% to 11% increase in reports of very short sleep (less than six hours) among Black Americans. Each study reportedly points to a correlation, not causation. Still, researchers said the studies emphasize the importance of “proper training” for officers and how “discrimination can manifest in all sorts of ways.”
Which college loves a multiple choice question…
Dartmouth College. Yesterday, the Ivy League university said it will go back to requiring applicants to submit standardized test scores starting next year. Dartmouth made test scores optional in 2020, along with Harvard and Yale during the covid pandemic. Now, four Dartmouth professors have found that test scores served as a better predictor of how well students would do at the school rather than high school grades, student essays, or teacher recs. They also found that dropping the requirement ended up hurting lower-income applicants. The news ties into a years-long debate around the value and drawbacks of schools’ admission practices — from standardized tests to affirmative action to legacy admissions.
...Oh and speaking of Dartmouth, yesterday, a federal official said Dartmouth College men's basketball players are allowed to unionize — potentially clearing the path for the first labor union in college athletics.
Whose trip home might’ve gone south…
Jacob Elordi's. Yesterday, Joshua Fox, a radio producer in Australia, said Elordi assaulted him over the weekend after he asked if he could have some of Elordi’s bathwater — a nod to that scene in “Saltburn.” Elordi asked Fox to stop filming and delete the footage. Fox alleges the situation escalated when Elordi pushed him against the wall and put his hands on his throat. Police are investigating the incident. Elordi hasn’t commented.
Who people are sending ‘get well’ wishes to…
King Charles III. Yesterday, Buckingham Palace said doctors diagnosed the 75-year-old monarch with cancer but didn’t specify what kind. The announcement comes after the king received treatment for a benign enlarged prostate, which the palace said isn’t tied to the cancer. He’ll be postponing public duties while undergoing treatment.
It’s no secret that staring at a screen all day isn’t great for our eyes. But do you know how much treating the symptoms of excessive screen time (7+ hours a day) could cost you every year if you don’t get an annual comprehensive eye exam? Give it your best guess...
A. $702
B. $514
C. $97
The answer is…A. In fact, these symptoms are estimated to cost healthcare systems about $1.2 billion annually. Yikes. One way to keep your eyes healthy? Visit an optometrist for an in-person comprehensive exam every year. Psst…check out the American Optometric Association's latest report for more insights and healthy vision tips. Your eyes (and your wallet) will thank you.
Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Planning to have sex on Valentine's Day? Try these toys.
Speaking of spending time in bed. The bamboo bedding brand is offering a BOGO deal on duvet covers and inserts, so if you've been thinking about upgrading your bed situation, now's the time.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
THESKIMM BETA
We're building a tool to help you cross off the to-dos keeping you up at night. Meet theSkimm Beta, a space where you can learn how to manage your debt and get more pleasure. Check it out.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Seeing dollar signs…Sarah H (MO). After three years in business, she had her first six figure sales year on Etsy. Make it rain.
(Some) Birthdays…Jessica McGee (MA), Natalie Corcino (FL), Matt Buckles (OK), Veronica Molina (NY), Stella Karadimas (NC), Gina Preziosi (AZ), BryAnn Roth (OH), Hannah Hoffman (MN), Janel Wildermuth (MO), Sarah Moore (VA), Harley Bartles (ME), Allison Levy (TX), Elizabeth Hoffman (NY), Jesse Brattain (FL), Andrea Meislin (CA)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Anacaona Rodriguez Martinez, Chantal Vaca, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Julie Shain
Photos by Anadolu via Getty Images, Brand Partners
