Meta Releases Entry-Level VR Headset Quest 3S, Challenging Apple Vision Pro?

Meta Releases Entry-Level VR Headset Quest 3S, Challenging Apple Vision Pro?At its recent Connect2024 event, Meta unveiled the highly anticipated Quest 3S headset, an entry-level VR offering aiming to replace the existing Quest 2. The company positions the Quest 3S for movie watching, fitness, and gaming, setting it up as a direct competitor to Apple's similarly priced Vision headset

Meta Releases Entry-Level VR Headset Quest 3S, Challenging Apple Vision Pro?

At its recent Connect2024 event, Meta unveiled the highly anticipated Quest 3S headset, an entry-level VR offering aiming to replace the existing Quest 2. The company positions the Quest 3S for movie watching, fitness, and gaming, setting it up as a direct competitor to Apple's similarly priced Vision headset.

Pricing and Specs:

The Meta Quest 3S headset features a triangular camera/sensor arrangement, incorporating the same color passthrough cameras and TouchPlus processor found in the Quest 3. Pricing starts at $299.99 for the 128GB version and $399.99 for the 256GB model. Compared to Apple's Vision Pro, the Quest 3S offers a more affordable price point, potentially putting significant pressure on Apple's future VR market ambitions.

In terms of specifications, the Quest 3S is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen2 chip, consistent with the previous generation. However, unlike the Quest 3's 2064x2208 per-eye resolution, the Quest 3S maintains the same 1832x1920 per-eye resolution as the Quest 2. Storage options include 128GB and 256GB. The display features a 90/120Hz refresh rate and utilizes Fresnel lenses with 3-step IPD adjustment and a glasses spacer. Users can utilize the Quest 3's TouchPlus controllers but will need to purchase them separately.

Meta's Strategic Shift:

The launch of the Quest 3S signifies a strategic adjustment in Meta's VR market approach. The lower price of the Quest 2, combined with its continued availability after the Quest 3 release, led many users to stick with the Quest 2 instead of upgrading. The introduction of the Quest 3S aims to attract a wider audience with its more affordable price point and serve as a gradual replacement for the Quest 2. Furthermore, Meta announced that following the Quest 3S release, the Quest 3 will only be available in the 512GB version, while the Quest 2 will be discontinued.

AR Glasses Orion Prototype:

In addition to the Quest 3S, Meta also showcased a prototype AR glasses device called Orion. The device comprises three components: the glasses themselves, a "neural wristband" for controlling the glasses, and a wireless computing sphere. Unlike VR headsets, AR glasses enhance the real world rather than replacing it. Orion utilizes a ULED+ micro-projector system to enable full-color content display and window-based spatial positioning. To achieve spatial computing capabilities comparable to VR headsets, Orion features seven cameras for environmental perception. Integrated contextual AI allows the glasses to "perceive and understand" the world around the wearer, enabling them to "predict and proactively meet" related needs.

Meta states that Orion's development took five years. While the glasses weigh 98 grams, heavier than regular glasses but lighter than most mixed reality headsets, offering decent portability. However, this augmented reality (AR) device remains in the prototype stage and has no confirmed production or release plans.

The unveiling of the Meta Quest 3S and Orion signifies Meta's ongoing investment in VR and AR. As technology advances and product prices decrease, VR and AR will likely become increasingly prevalent, transforming our lives in countless ways.