A Bunch of Things is a captivating application developed by Things, Inc. for the Apple Vision Pro, offering users a playful and interactive way to engage with 3D models in their real-world environment. The app is available for free, and it has already garnered attention and praise from its users.
One of the most striking elements of A Bunch of Things is its extensive library of pixel-powered models. These models, reminiscent of the blocky style popularized by Minecraft, can be placed anywhere in your surroundings. You have the ability to rotate and scale each object, adding a touch of personalization and creativity to the placement process. A noteworthy feature is the app’s use of real-world plane detection. When you place an object in your environment, a disk underneath illuminates, signifying that the model is correctly positioned on a surface.
Feedback from users suggests that the app is straightforward and enjoyable right from the start. The initial version of the app allows you to import objects created in another application by Things, Inc., known as “Rooms” for iOS. However, some users have expressed a desire to build new voxel objects directly within the Vision Pro app itself. Currently, object rotation is limited to one axis, which some find restrictive.
Despite this limitation, users rave about the fun factor of placing and arranging the included rooms and objects. The ability to save entire scenes, called playgrounds, is a hit among users who enjoy creating dioramas or decorating their environment. However, there is feedback suggesting that a feature to remove individual objects without resetting the whole scene would be a beneficial addition.
One of the more enthusiastic reviews compares the enjoyment of A Bunch of Things to that of playing with LEGO. The app allows for the creation of floating scenes within playgrounds, providing a relaxing virtual building experience. It’s described as curiously fun and safe for people of all ages, making it an excellent choice for family entertainment.
Some users have pointed out a slight discrepancy between the app’s promotional material and the actual content available. Specifically, there appears to be a lack of human models, which were showcased in the video—only animals and trees are available for now.
The technology underpinning A Bunch of Things is lauded for its excellent use of the Apple Vision Pro, with many calling it a must-have app. It provides a unique and delightful experience that integrates seamlessly with spatial diagram visualization. However, users have noted a few areas for improvement.
For instance, while objects adhere well to floor surfaces, the ability to do the same with walls would enhance the experience. The current object highlight method, which involves looking directly at an object, can be somewhat disruptive. Introducing a pinch-to-highlight feature or a mode toggle could improve user experience. Additionally, the inability to remove individual objects is seen as inconvenient, and users have expressed a desire for this functionality to be integrated. The option to move all objects at once is praised, but resizing them in bulk would add another layer of flexibility.
The app allows users to close the main window without exiting entirely, but there is no straightforward way to bring the window back without navigating through the apps page or restarting the app. This minor usability issue could be addressed in future updates.
While A Bunch of Things is a free app, offering a delightful array of objects to decorate one’s space, many users would welcome a paid version with enhanced features. The development team is commended for creating such an engaging and charming experience, particularly in the early stages of Apple Vision Pro’s lifespan. There is no doubt that with continued updates and refinements, A Bunch of Things has the potential to become a staple app for Apple Vision Pro users.
