HBO Max has launched a virtual Hogwarts Great Hall, while Disney+ has added the Alien containment room from the USCSS Maginot, to help set the mood.
The Apple Vision Pro headset already surpasses the cinema experience.
For example, you can watch films in a virtual cinema or on a giant screen on the moon, which is an example of a virtual environment that surrounds your field of vision with images and sometimes atmospheric sound effects. Something similar can be done on other VR headsets, but it does not come close to the same quality as on Apple Vision Pro.
Step into an Alien world
The first virtual environments came from Apple and can be used for everything from movies to work. Partners have also started embracing virtual environments in their apps, specifically streaming apps.
Disney+ had a handful of these virtual environments at launch: Disney+ Theater, Tatooine from Star Wars, Avengers Tower from Marvel and Scare Floor from Monsters Inc.
Since then, Disney+ has added Island (Thingvellir National Park) and now the Alien containment room from USCSS Maginot has been added, where you can look around to stir up the unease or simply enjoy Alien movies or the new Alien: Earth, which is currently one of the best new series.
- "Transport yourself to the Containment Room viewing environment on the USCSS Maginot. Explore the motion and sounds that make the space come to life. Available on the Disney+ app with Apple Vision Pro," Disney announced.
Step into the Containment Room on USCSS Maginot from Alien. Video: Disney
Watch the films – or series – at Hogwarts
HBO Max added Hogwarts Great Hall this month, a virtual environment where you can switch between day and night, complete with flying candles. This is in anticipation of the new Harry Potter series.
- "The Hogwarts Great Hall environment is now live on HBO Max for Apple Vision Pro. Big thanks to my team for bringing it to life – a ton of craft and care went into this one. Can’t wait for you to step inside," said Adam Bader, Director of Product at HBO Max and Warner.
HBO's product chief Adam Bader added that he now watches all his movies on Apple Vision Pro, which he calls "the best personal entertainment device ever made", HBO Max previously added a virtual room with the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones.
Paramount Plus has launched a virtual environment, Bikini Bottom, from SpongeBob SquarePants.
Watch movies in Hogwarts Great Hall in the HBO Max app for Apple Vision Pro. Video: Warner
Build-up to a new Apple Vision Pro
The new virtual environments arrive at a time when the Apple Vision Pro has not yet had its breakthrough. The headset has been criticized for being too large, heavy and bulky as well as for its high price.
Rumors suggest that Apple will launch an upgraded version later in 2025, with an 'Apple Vision Air' headset to follow in 2027.
The current headset is only officially available in a handful of countries.
