Vol. 4, No. 3 — No headroom for headsets
Apple has released a new device, and investors are hyped; Markets are probably wrong again about the path interest rates will take; Jamie Dimon is one of the best bankers ever; Value in camper vans.
Read time: 41 minutes
In this issue
Quote | Steve Jobs
Cartoon | Not-so-virtual reality
Finance | No headroom for headsets
Economics | Taylor’s version
Finance | The trillion-dollar man
Markets | Earnings rising
Investment idea | Value in autos
Quote | Steve Jobs
“Quality is more important than quantity. One home run is much better than two doubles.”
Cartoon
Not-so-virtual reality
Finance | Apple shares are priced for perfection
No headroom for headsets
Apple has released a new device, and investors are hyped, too hyped.
It's been nine years since Apple released an entirely new product. Yesterday, the company began selling its latest Vision Pro gadget in America. The virtual and augmented reality headset is Apple's foray into spatial computing. The company has joined Meta, Google, and Unity in selling these goggle-like headsets that, to the user, make it look like the app is in the real world in front of you.
But, despite the hype, the Vision Pro, and other headsets like it, won't be a mainstream consumer success. They're ugly, unnatural, and dorky—none of which are desirable traits. People are far too self-conscious to use a device that makes you look ridiculous and requires you to walk around and gesticulate. In contrast, however, smartphones took off because you interact with them privately and personally. With a few thumb movements, you can privately message a friend, watch a video, or read the news.
Still, virtual and augmented reality goggles will have some commercial and professional uses. For example, architects and engineers could walk through the structures they design. Real estate agents could let you view a house without visiting it. So, is Apple still a good investment? Probably not, as the shares are priced for absolute perfection and are likely too expensive.