As part of the announcement on Apple’s new AR/VR headset Apple Vision Pro, we saw a version of Algoriddim’s Djay software, where the user plays on virtual decks and a mixer in their own space, using their hands not only to control the virtual equipment, but to control effects with gestures.
While this isn’t the DJ world’s first foray into virtual spaces (we reckon that was TribeXR on the Oculus/Meta Quest, whose “virtual” gear incidentally is far more convincing than the simplified gear on show in the Apple demo), it is of course big news, as any major Apple product launch is.
As with all of these things, understanding what this may mean for DJing takes a leap of imagination, and it’s our belief that often the companies involved don’t really know. That said, the best way to figure it all out is probably to design it, launch it, and see what happens.
Of course, when we asked our community for their views, we got the usual mix of funny, despairing, useful, enthusiastic and engaging responses, and so here are a few thoughts from our socials on what having DJ gear in AR might mean, and if it’s a good idea.
What you say about Apple Vision Pro & DJing
Mixmaster G opened the conversation, saying: “Earlier introductions of similar technology failed [to garner] mass acceptance (Google Glasses, and to a certain extent Oculus). But if any company is capable of making new technology adoptable by the consumer it’s Apple. So I have faith in that.”
“If it gives you a virtual audience at Coachella or Tomorrowland (something as a bedroom DJ I’ll never get to experience) then count me in!” added Julian Prior.
“The potential for this platform is huge,” wrote John Zee Dee, “but it needs to be rock solid performance and reliability when it comes to the eye tracking and hand sensors (which I’ve heard are game changing).
“It’s obviously not a real turntable so traditional scratching is likely not here but next-gen jog-less scratch solutions, fully customised virtual controllers, interactions by sight alone, are just the start of what could be the next generation of DJing.
“People here will obviously not want this right now, but over the next decade we need to open up to if we want to stay relevant.”
People, presumably, like Joe and Richard:
“I prefer the tactile feel of knobs, faders and vinyl,” writes Joe de la Cruz, reflecting one of my personal thoughts, while others felt that latency or lag would potentially be an issue. As Richard Mindell dryly added, “Without tactile feedback how will I know I pressed the sync button?”
Charles Schroder pointed out: “Reminds me a little of the Emulator DJ touchscreens. I was blown away by those and wanted one, but … this type of tech is to show off to audiences and pray every touch goes according to plan.”
That said, DJing is more than performance. “I can imagine this being decent to use for track and set preparation,” Leight Brown pointed out – a fair observation.
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Of course, several community members picked up on the price: “It would be awesome to use, but not for $3,500.” wrote Dave. “Gear is cost enough. This would be one of those, ‘how bad do you really need it?’ type of things.”
However, while some community members were still incredulous (“If this was a few months ago, I would have thought it was an April Fool’s post” wrote Mick Henderson), for others – like Andy Deventer – the conclusion was straightforward:
“Please take my money. I want this first!”
What are your thoughts on DJing with Apple Vision Pro, and VR/AR DJing in general? Let us know in the comments!
Phil Morse
