As an avid technology enthusiast, I was extremely excited to try out VUZ – Live 360 VR Videos, a program designed for the Apple Vision Pro. The hype surrounding the app, boasting the undeniably captivating tagline, “Real world experience in 360°,” certainly piqued my interest. The premise of being able to experience the world’s biggest immersive premium content library and virtually travel from the comfort of my home was immensely appealing.
Upon launching VUZ, the interface greets users with an opening splash screen that doesn’t consume much device storage space, making it accessible for a wider audience. Navigating through the app was relatively intuitive, with categories nicely arranged to capture one’s immediate interest, whether it’s sports, entertainment, travel, or even influencer content. The versatility offered by the app is commendable as it allows users to control what they see by simply tapping their fingers or, if they have an appropriate setup, using hand gestures.
The immersive VR technology indeed makes you feel like an active participant rather than a mere spectator. Whether you’re watching a concert, a sports event, or a travelogue, the 360° videos provide an almost visceral experience. Streaming both live and recorded videos worked well with and without a VR headset, ensuring that the app is adaptable to various user preferences. This versatility significantly enhances user accessibility.
A particularly noteworthy aspect of VUZ is its interactivity. The inclusion of features that allow interaction with celebrities, YouTubers, and influencers via voice notes or audio rooms is a fascinating addition that adds a personal touch to the experience. This functionality enriches the overall engagement, making users feel part of an exclusive community.
However, the app is not without its drawbacks. Some users have reported encountering bugs. One significant issue appears during the selection of interests—after you have set your preferences, the application does not allow easy changes to these settings, which can be frustrating if your interests evolve over time. Moreover, some users have experienced crashes, particularly during live events, which detracts from the promised seamless experience.
Customer support, unfortunately, seems to fall short of expectations. There are troubling accounts of users subscribing specifically to watch live events and then being unable to access the promised content. In one notable instance, a user reported an inability to view a live concert despite having paid for it, and faced unresponsive customer service when seeking a resolution. Such experiences are concerning as they highlight potential issues with the app’s reliability and customer service efficacy.
For users inclined towards ad-free experiences with unlimited 360° content access, VUZ offers a VIP subscription with various plans—monthly, quarterly, and yearly. Benefits of this subscription include exclusive access to live events with multi-camera angles, a 10% discount on select merchandise, and a points system that can be used within the app. Despite these attractive perks, some users have reported unauthorized charges and difficulty unsubscribing, which raises further concerns about the subscription management process.
Overall, VUZ has an impressive range of content categories that cater to various interests, such as VR sports, entertainment, concerts, art, cars, travel, and more. When it works as intended, the app is indeed a marvel, offering unparalleled immersive experiences that can make you feel as though you’re traveling the world or attending exclusive events right from your living room.
However, the presence of bugs, occasional crashes, and unsatisfactory customer service cannot be overlooked. For an app that promises so much, the execution must match its ambitious vision. Until these issues are rectified, potential users may want to approach with cautious optimism. For those who are willing to navigate its current shortcomings, VUZ provides a glimpse into the future of entertainment and virtual reality.
