Digital Eyes: Social Implications of XR EyeSight

TL;DR

This study examines the social implications of Apple's EyeSight feature in XR headsets, finding it enhances social presence and acceptability but does not fully replicate face-to-face social connectivity.

Contribution

It provides initial insights into how EyeSight affects social perceptions and acceptance in XR, highlighting its potential and limitations.

Findings

EyeSight improves perceived social presence

EyeSight increases social acceptability over other XR headsets

Face-to-face interaction remains superior in social connectivity

Abstract

The EyeSight feature, introduced with the new Apple Vision Pro XR headset, promises to revolutionize user interaction by simulating real human eye expressions on a digital display. This feature could enhance XR devices' social acceptability and social presence when communicating with others outside the XR experience. In this pilot study, we explore the implications of the EyeSight feature by examining social acceptability, social presence, emotional responses, and technology acceptance. Eight participants engaged in conversational tasks in three conditions to contrast experiencing the Apple Vision Pro with EyeSight, the Meta Quest 3 as a reference XR headset, and a face-to-face setting. Our preliminary findings indicate that while the EyeSight feature improves perceptions of social presence and acceptability compared to the reference headsets, it does not match the social connectivity of direct human interactions.