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If you’ve been following Apple’s Vision Pro in the year or so since it was launched, you’ll know we’ve seen an almost endless supply of reports claiming that the mixed reality headset is in trouble and selling poorly. If that’s the case, it’s clear that Apple needs to do something about it.
Yet, that might not be so easy. Remember when the Apple Watch first launched to a collective “meh” from the world? Even the original iPhone wasn’t a runaway success. But as Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman puts it in his latest Power On newsletter, these devices had solid foundations that just needed tweaking for them to become the great products they are today. The Vision Pro, he contends, needs a far more drastic overhaul.
According to Gurman, Apple has a few ideas on how to do this, and it’s clear that the company has to do something. But reading the reporter’s account of Apple’s internal ideas and debates, I’m left thinking that only a couple are what the Vision Pro needs right now. Here’s what Gurman says Apple is considering doing:

Keep things mostly as they are. The company would release a second-generation Vision Pro, but also launch a cheaper version made with more affordable materials.
Remove the headset’s onboard computer and external battery and instead shifting many of the Vision Pro’s functions to the iPhone. This would bring down the Vision Pro’s cost and weight, and likely improve battery life.
Create a set of smart glasses that lack augmented reality (AR). These would be akin to Meta’s collaboration with Ray-Ban and would be like “AirPods on steroids,” in Gurman’s words.
Develop a set of AirPods Pro with external cameras that interpret the world for you. “This would essentially be the smart glasses path — but without actual glasses,” says Gurman.
Finally, Apple could launch a standalone set of AR glasses with all the tech packed into the device. This is the “holy grail route,” but isn’t close to being ready.

Looking at these options, we can forget the third, fourth and fifth ideas, as they’re too far off in the future. If the Vision Pro really is struggling as much as the reports suggest, Apple needs a fix as soon as possible. Otherwise, it could end up repeating the mistakes of another recent Apple product.
The HomePod mistake
John Velasco / Digital Trends
Right now, the problem is that there’s only one Vision Pro model, and it’s expensive. At $3,499, it’s hardly an impulse buy, and that kind of outlay sets an incredibly high bar for Apple to convince people to purchase one. Right now, it seems that Apple is struggling to do that.
I can’t help but feel that there are strong parallels here with the original HomePod. There was only one model of Apple’s speaker when it launched, and while its quality was fantastic, its price was more expensive than that of the competition and, ultimately, more than most people wanted to pay. There was no cheaper option, and this undoubtedly affected Apple’s sales.
Later, Apple brought out the HomePod mini. It sold so well that Apple dropped the original HomePod entirely, leaving only the mini model in the lineup until the company brought back the regular HomePod with a lower price. Apple found its footing eventually, but not offering a more affordable device was clearly the wrong call.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends
Apple is making the same mistake with the Vision Pro. Don’t get me wrong, the Vision Pro is an incredible product: it’s undoubtedly one of the best mixed reality headsets in terms of tech and overall quality. But it’s hurt by the lack of a cheaper option in the range.
It could be that Apple is afraid of diluting the Vision Pro brand with a cut-price model. But we’re not talking about a product that costs $350 here — the Vision Pro is 10 times that. The risk of alienating customers is high. For most people, the choice is to either cough up $3,499 for a device that few would consider essential or go without one entirely. Apple is taking a huge risk here, and judging by the reports, it’s not working.
But let’s not be rash — I don’t believe there’s a need to permanently drop the Vision Pro. But it desperately needs a cheaper sibling device to give people an easier way into the ecosystem. In other words, the Vision Pro needs its own HomePod mini, something that provides a great experience for most people without requiring you to remortgage your house.
Thankfully, there are plenty of reports that Apple is actively working on exactly this kind of device. Here’s hoping it makes an appearance soon and gives the Vision Pro the reset it so urgently needs.

https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/apple-vision-pro-fix-cheaper-model/

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NUP Condemns Attack on Headquarters by NRM Funded Alien Skin and Gang

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The National Unity Platform (NUP) has condemned an alleged attack on its headquarters in Kavule, Makerere, reportedly orchestrated by controversial singer Alien Skin and his associates. According to a statement released by the party, the incident occurred in the early hours of the morning at approximately 3:15 a.m.
The statement alleges that Alien Skin’s group unlawfully entered the party’s premises, threatened the security guard on duty, and vandalized the walls with provocative graffiti. NUP expressed deep regret over these actions, describing them as reminiscent of tactics used by individuals deployed in the past to destabilize efforts for political reform in Uganda.
“It is regrettable that these brothers have learned nothing from those who the regime and other detractors have used against the people in the past, including Sipapa, Sobi, Zebra, Kitatta, among others,” the statement read.
The party noted that such incidents tend to spike as Uganda approaches elections, suggesting that certain groups are allegedly being used to derail the opposition’s agenda through acts of provocation and violence.
NUP urged Alien Skin and his associates to reflect on their actions, warning that history has repeatedly shown how individuals used to disrupt political struggles often face repercussions and lose public favor over time.
“The struggle for a better Uganda cannot be derailed by such antics. We call upon all Ugandans to remain vigilant and united in the face of intimidation and provocation,” the statement concluded.
This attack has sparked widespread condemnation from opposition supporters and human rights activists, who see it as part of a broader campaign to stifle dissent in the lead-up to elections. Meanwhile, calls for accountability and an impartial investigation into the incident are growing louder.
Alien Skin has yet to comment on the allegations, and efforts to reach him for a statement were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
NUP STATEMENT
This morning at 3:15am, a team led by musician Alien Skin attacked the National Unity Platform Headquarters at Kavule. They violated the premises, threatened the security guard on duty and used graffiti to draw provocative things on our walls. It is regrettable that these brothers have learnt nothing from those who the regime and other detractors have used against the people in the past, including Sipapa, Sobi, Zebra, Kitatta, among others. It is sad that each time we’re approaching elections, there is always a group willing to be used to engage in crimes against the people. We hope they will do some introspection before time catches up with them.

NUP Condemns Attack on Headquarters by NRM Funded Alien Skin and Gang

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NUP : Museveni Apologist Alien Skin and Gang Target Uganda’s Main Opposition Party Head Officers

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The National Unity Platform (NUP) has accused popular musician Alien Skin of leading an attack on its headquarters in Kavule early Saturday morning.
“This morning at 3:15 a.m., a team led by musician Alien Skin attacked the National Unity Platform Headquarters at Kavule. They violated the premises, threatened the security guard on duty, and used graffiti to draw provocative things on our walls,” read the statement issued by NUP.
NUP released a cctv video footage showing Alien Skin’s gang emerging from three cars to attack the party’s offices.
The party condemned the attack, describing it as a recurring tactic used by detractors to destabilize opposition activities, particularly during election periods.
Drawing parallels to controversial figures associated with past political violence, NUP stated:
“It is regrettable that these brothers have learnt nothing from those who the regime and other detractors have used against the people in the past, including Sipapa, Sobi, Zebra, Kitatta, among others. It is sad that each time we’re approaching elections, there is always a group willing to be used to engage in crimes against the people. We hope they will do some introspection before time catches up with them.”
Incidents
The alleged vandalism comes just weeks after Alien Skin and his entourage were accused of storming Nsambya Hospital.
In that incident, hospital operations were disrupted, and staff reportedly faced threats and intimidation, sparking widespread condemnation.
Alien Skin was jailed over the violence meted out against doctors at the hospital before being released on bail.
Alien Skin, once celebrated for his contribution to Uganda’s music industry, has increasingly been linked to politically motivated aggression.
While Alien Skin has not responded to the allegations, the incident has reignited debate about the role of artists in Uganda’s politics.
Authorities have yet to comment on the matter, but pressure is mounting for a swift and transparent investigation.
As the 2026 general elections approach, incidents like this raise concerns about the political climate and the potential for heightened tensions in the coming months.

NUP : Museveni Apologist Alien Skin and Gang Target Uganda’s Main Opposition Party Head Officers

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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice

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A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.

Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice

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