US warns public not to use Apple headset while driving

More people get caught driving and walking in public while wearing Apple Vision Pro headsets. In response, the United States government warned the public to refrain from such activities to maintain public safety. This update may seem like a frivolous, “first-world country issue,” but other countries would likely contend with it soon.

Many did not believe touchscreen smartphones would become commonplace when Apple first announced the iPhone. Yet, nearly everyone has touch devices from different brands nowadays. Similarly, the Apple Vision Pro may inspire other brands to make cheaper versions which could result in having more folks walking and cruising around with these glasses.

Let’s discuss the emerging, rampant misuse of the Apple headset to see how the trend may occur in other countries. Later, I will share another surprising VR application. 

What’s the recent Apple headset trend?

Browse social media, and you may come across posts showing people wearing Apple Vision Pros in public. For example, the X post above shows someone ordering coffee while wearing this VR headset.

It shows a first-person and third-person perspective of the man. The former shows how the interface clutters his view of the barista as he describes his latte.

The latter shows the man gesturing to control the $3,500 gadget while speaking with the staff and eating his snack. Worse, some folks drive while wearing the device, such as the person in the X post below.

They explore virtual reality as they ride Cybertrucks and other self-driving cars. In response, US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg reminded the public that vehicles with driver assistance systems require drivers to be aware at all times.

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Autoblog noted that Apple products have been a factor in increasing roadway deaths. Cambridge Mobile Telematics said 4,600 pedestrians died when Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007.

In 2021, 85% of US citizens owned a smartphone and nearly 7,500 pedestrians died, which is the highest in 40 years. “Drivers are spending more time using their phones while driving and doing it on more trips,” CM Telematics said. 

Soon, the Apple Vision Pro and other VR headsets could become a road hazard. Also, VR headgear would likely become more affordable, letting more people worldwide use them. As a result, we may see similar Apple headset issues in other countries.

How is VR transforming education?

Virtual reality may seem like a fad or a nuisance to some, but it is gaining more real-life applications. Specifically, a Japanese company applied it to education by launching a VR high school.

On January 9, Aominext announced it would launch a metaverse correspondence school system in collaboration with Yuushi International High School. That means that it will provide a real education in a virtual environment.

The school’s official website says it will enable students to “be yourself without being constrained by your appearance. You could devote yourself to studying without worrying about your gender and insecurities.

The school’s official website says it will enable students to “be yourself without being constrained by your appearance. You could devote yourself to studying without worrying about your gender and insecurities.”

Instead, you’ll attend a virtual campus called Yuushi International High School as an anime character. It looks like a regular high school with a building and classrooms.

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It will hold a three-year, credit-based course with a curriculum recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology. Also, Yuushi Kokusai High School is “a high school stipulated in Article 1 of the Basic Act on School Education,” says its website.

The VR campus will also stimulate interaction by holding online homeroom, e-sports tournaments, and virtual school festivals. 

Learn more about this VR application by reading my other article. Also, check out the latest digital tips and trends at Inquirer Tech.