Apple ‘jumped the shark’ with Vision Pro headset: Tony Fadell
Tony Fadell, widely credited as the “father of the iPod,” has criticized Apple’s latest product release, the $3,499 “Vision Pro” mixed-reality headset, saying that the price tag and battery life make it unlikely to gain wide acceptance. Fadell tweeted that while the hardware is “very impressive,” the “consumer” apps and marketing “pitch” make it a disappointment. The Vision Pro was revealed at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, with some analysts praising it but others questioning its bulky design and lack of a “killer app.” The phrase “jumped the shark” refers to a company or creative entity using shock value to gain an audience. Fadell joined Apple in 2001, eventually becoming the senior vice president of its iPod division.
FAQs
What is the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset?
The Vision Pro is a new product from Apple, revealed at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference. It is a mixed-reality headset that is designed to allow users to view virtual reality content in combination with the physical world around them.
What did Tony Fadell say about the Vision Pro?
Fadell, a former Apple executive and one of the creators of the iPod, criticized the Vision Pro during its launch, saying that the price tag and battery life make it an unlikely success. He also criticised the marketing pitch as being flawed.
Why did Fadell say that Apple has “jumped the shark?”
Fadell used the phrase “jumped the shark” to suggest that Apple has relied on shock value to promote and sell the Vision Pro. The phrase originally came from an episode of the TV show “Happy Days” and is used to describe a point at which a company or creative entity has resorted to cheap gimmicks.
What are the criticisms of the Vision Pro?
Some analysts have criticized the Vision Pro for its exorbitant price tag, bulky design, and lack of a “killer app” to make it a must-have product. The battery life has also been criticized, with the device only offering two hours of use on a single charge.
Tony Fadell believes that Apple has lost its edge with the Vision Pro headset.
Apple has caused controversy with the release of its $3,499 “Vision Pro” mixed-reality headset, with former executive Tony Fadell – often referred to as the “father of the iPod” – claiming the company has “jumped the shark”. Fadell doubts the gadget will be widely accepted, criticising its “consumer” apps, pricing and two-hour battery life. Critics are also concerned about a lack of a launch killer app, its bulky design and the unavailability for purchase until early 2024. While some are praising the new product, Fadell’s comments carry weight, after he played a key role in developing Apple’s music player before leaving the company in 2008.