Deafblind Victoria member Robert Lokmer tried out a new device: Apple Vision Pro. It’s a headset that you wear in front of your eyes for enhanced vision, and it has digital features like apps and photos.
Below are two videos. The first shows Andrew Howard talking to Robert about whether this device is useful for a deafblind person. In the second video, you can see Robert trying out the Apple Vision for himself at the Apple store, with a staff member who can sign in Auslan! It was great that Robert and his Deaf commguide could visit the store and have communication access.
Interview
Translation
Andrew: Hello, my name is Andrew Howard, working here at DBV. We’re talking about Vision Pro, an Apple device. I will ask Robert questions about how you might use it to watch TV and movies, read books, etc. I’ll hand it over to Robert now.
Robert, how did you find the Apple Vision Pro? Did it help you see things better?
Robert: It was good! I could see clearly, and zoom in on things.
Andrew: Can you watch movies or TV and read books with it?
Robert: Yes, you can watch movies. The visuals are deep and wide, it’s a 3D experience. It’s strange, how things come toward you, right up to your face! It’s funny.
Andrew: Can you turn on captions?
Robert: Yes, you can turn on captions along the bottom of the screen.
Andrew: Can you access the internet with it?
Robert: Yes, you can go online and read emails. You can enlarge or shrink the text.
Andrew: Can it connect to your iPad, iPhone, and computer?
Robert: Yes, you can connect it to your phone for SMS. You can use Facebook and do a lot of different things like photos and email. It’s great.
Andrew: Good, so people with Usher Syndrome or other vision impairments can try it for themselves.
Robert: Yes. You can close the apps down and look at your surroundings. You can see people’s faces and everything really well. Then you just press a button and all the apps appear on screen again.
Andrew: Can you use it for video calls in sign language?
Robert: To have a conversation in person, in sign language, you’d need to close the apps screen. If that’s on, you couldn’t see the signing in front of you. I guess you could do tactile signing.
Andrew: I see.
Robert: If I am watching something in an app, I wouldn’t see you. You’d need to tap me to get my attention, so I could minimise the app and see you. You can click on the X to minimise the window.
Andrew: I understand, thank you for telling us.
Robert: No worries.
Andrew: How much is does it cost?
Robert: $5999
Andrew: From the Apple Shop?
Robert: Yes.
Andrew: Thank you!
It was great to talk with Robert about the Apple Vision Pro. I think I will go and try it out! Goodbye.
Robert tries Apple Vision Pro
Translation
Apple store employee: When you put it on you will only see black. It might be uncomfortable.
Robert: I can see a green circle in the middle. You can click it.
Employee: There’s a button on the top right of the headset. I will tap you on the arm when it’s time to press the button. Is that alright?
[The Apple store employee helps Robert put on the headset and adjust the strap for comfort. She attempts to connect it to an iPad].
DBV Connect is supported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Go to www.dss.gov.au for more information.
