Casey Neistat stepped out onto the streets of New York City wearing the recently released Apple Vision Pro augmented reality headset. This innovative device promised to be the gateway to spatial computing and transform how people interact with technology. As an influencer known for his bold experiments, Neistat decided to take the Vision Pro prototype for a real-world test run to explore its potential – and its limitations.

His first stop was the subway, where he kept the Vision Pro’s passthrough mode enabled to view his surroundings while also watching a YouTube video floating virtually in front of him. As the train departed, the video slowly drifted out of the headset’s field of view as it struggled to keep up with the changing environment. “Tracking failed” messages popped up periodically as well. It was a quick glimpse at the technology not quite being ready for fast-paced urban commuting.

Venturing above ground, the issues continued to a lesser degree. Neistat blocked a stairway at one point to reply to a message inside the headset. Later on, he stood awkwardly in the way at an East Village donut shop, mesmerized by a virtual dinosaur display while patrons tried to order around him. The technology was amazingly immersive for the user while being socially oblivious at the same time.

After hours of roaming the city virtually enhanced, Neistat described having a “profound moment” where his brain “forgot” that none of the experiences were real. While sitting in Times Square enveloped by virtual screens and strangers who were unseen and unheard through the headset, he finally grasped the futuristic promise that technologists have touted for years. Even with some bumps along the reality road, Neistat believed this was just a glimpse at the “future interface for all computing.”

The Apple Vision Pro may not be quite ready for prime time just yet in Neistat’s view, but he’s a believer now more than ever about the eventual augmented reality revolution in store for tech consumers. For better or worse, the vision of that future is already walking among us on the streets today – perhaps obliviously standing in your way.