As an early adopter of VR technology, I’m always eager to explore the latest innovations. However, I find myself still relying on a conventional PC monitor for my daily work. This might sound strange, but hear me out. While many people enjoy their large monitors, I believe the future of work lies in ditching them altogether. Here’s why:
My experience with one monitor has shown me that it simply isn’t enough for the vast amount of data I need to access. While I can focus on one screen at a time, the convenience of having a second monitor for quick reference is undeniable. Yet, I dislike the bulky multi-monitor setups that take up valuable desk space and force me into a fixed position for hours. Laptops present their own set of problems. The smaller screens limit the amount of data I can view and the number of windows I can open simultaneously. Plus, they’re not ergonomic. I don’t want a screen positioned below eye level, forcing me to hunch over or strain my neck. What I truly desire is a screen that hovers before me, similar to the Tony Stark glasses from Spiderman: No Way Home. This means eagerly awaiting the arrival of futuristic AR glasses or exploring the current offerings of display-filled smart glasses and VR headsets. The technology is tantalizingly close.
Determined to see how far I could go without a monitor, I embarked on a journey using the available technology. My takeaway? While we haven’t reached the ideal solution yet, I can see a path forward.
Viture Pro + iPhone:
I’ve previously written about Viture Pro smart glasses, and the experience is quite good. These glasses utilize my iPhone as the computer, serving as a large portable display. While swiping text on my iPhone isn’t my preferred method, I use a Bluetooth keyboard for faster typing and editing. My iPhone doubles as a trackpad for cursor control. Viture Pro displays are bright and sharp, making reading and watching videos effortless. The only drawback is the reliance on the SpaceWalker browser, which lacks the robustness of Safari. Even if Safari compatibility existed, I still require access to certain apps for optimal productivity. SpaceWalker supports up to three browser windows, and I can turn my head to switch between them. However, window sizes are fixed, and I can only see one at a time due to the limited field of view of current smart glasses. I can connect Viture Pro to a laptop, significantly expanding the display count and desktop space. When working at my computer, I use my higher-resolution physical monitors.Xreal Air 2 + Beam Pro:
Another promising smart-glasses display option comes from industry leader Xreal. Combining Air 2 smart glasses with the Beam Pro provides an experience similar to Viture with an iPhone. The Beam Pro resembles a phone in both appearance and function. Since Xreal specifically designed the Beam Pro for Air 2 smart glasses, new capabilities are unlocked. For instance, I can run any Android app as a window within Xreal’s Nebula OS. This gives me access to Google Chrome, other Google apps, and any app from my Play library. I can open three windows side-by-side in the Xreal Air 2 virtual displays. Nebula’s support for landscape and portrait orientation allows me to easily view two windows simultaneously. This advanced windowing system and the ability to run any Android app could potentially replace a low-power Chromebook. The only issue is the absence of mouse support or trackpad mode. While I can use a Bluetooth keyboard for faster typing, navigation requires using the Beam Pro as a laser pointer. Xreal’s Nebula app runs on Windows and macOS, a convenient option for laptop use.Apple Vision Pro:
I had the opportunity to try a Vision Pro at the Apple Store and was impressed by its user interface. The look and pinch interaction is remarkably fast. I can open multiple windows and position them as desired. It includes the full desktop Safari browser, various native visionOS apps from Apple, and a growing library of third-party apps. The Vision Pro is very impressive, but there are some challenges. It can run iPad apps if developers permit their use on the Vision Pro, making the ecosystem nearly as robust as my iPad. The Vision Pro is almost as fast as an iPad Pro, ensuring quick performance. For a wider app selection and better performance, I can connect to a Mac computer and run macOS apps alongside visionOS and iPadOS apps. The Vision Pro could definitely help me eliminate my monitors. The biggest issue with the Vision Pro is its hefty $3,500 price tag. It’s a good device, but not that good. I’m waiting for the lower-cost Vision Pro expected next year.Meta Quest 3:
The Meta Quest 3 is a surprisingly good alternative to the Vision Pro and a viable monitor replacement. With two bright, sharp 2.2K panels and a clear mixed reality view, I can either connect to my computer via a remote desktop app or use the Quest 3 in standalone mode, turning it into a laptop replacement. In 2022, I tried switching my MacBook for a Quest Pro and encountered some workarounds. Two years later, the faster Quest 3 and ongoing software improvements have significantly enhanced the experience. While the Quest 3 lacks the open sides and bottom of the more expensive Meta Quest Pro, third-party accessories address this issue. I replaced the full facial interface with a simple forehead pad and added a halo strap with a battery pack at the rear, doubling runtime when unplugged.PC VR:
For optimal speed and power, I still need to connect to a computer. The Quest 3 is fast but lacks the robust memory, storage, and processing power of my Windows PC. For instance, editing images and videos is much easier on a computer. The good news is I can connect my Quest 3 and PC for free using Meta’s Horizon Workrooms or a third-party remote desktop app like Immersed. Mixed reality allows me to see my surroundings while arranging large virtual displays around me. This is a good middle ground, but I’d prefer an all-in-one solution without a PC requirement. A relatively new app called Fluid unlocks productivity rivaling visionOS and runs on my Quest 3. The developers have reimagined how a browser user interface should function in the boundless space of virtual reality. The result is impressive, removing many arbitrary limitations imposed by Meta, Apple, and others in their VR apps. For example, I can open up to 12 windows, resize them, and place them anywhere I like. I can switch between using my hands, Quest controllers, or a keyboard and mouse at will. Fluid’s double-pinch toggle eliminates accidental hand gestures, a valuable detail for productive VR use. With Meta’s latest update to Horizon OS, I can even open a 2D app window inside Fluid. This means access to native apps while enjoying the advanced UI of Fluid’s browser.I Didn’t Ditch My Monitors Just Yet:
I can comfortably work with any of these devices while typing and researching, but I haven’t completely eliminated my monitors. For image editing, a traditional computer is still the fastest, and I haven’t felt the need for multiple virtual screens for this type of work. While my upgraded Quest 3 is comfortable, I can still feel its weight. I also require more productivity apps for basic tasks like image editing. I need faster performance to confidently open dozens of tabs without lag. Even the best standalone VR headsets lack the ease and power of a basic PC. Although the latest smart glasses have lightweight designs featuring electrochromic dimming and high display brightness, the field of view is still too limiting. I also desire more user interface design options and greater connectivity, including the ability to use a mouse and keyboard.In conclusion, these futuristic AR interfaces are inching closer to becoming reality. In 2024, we’re closer than ever to making monitors and potentially even computers optional for work – a truly exciting prospect for the future.
