Meta launches new mixed-reality headset ‘Quest 3’ starting at $499.99

Rajesh — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 08:00:21 +0000

Announced back in June, Meta has finally launched its new headset, the Quest 3, the successor to the Quest 2. But unlike its predecessor, the Quest 3 is a mixed-reality headset like the Apple Vision Pro. Mixed reality (MR) is a new technology that combines virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Meta calls the Quest 3 the “world’s first mass-market mixed reality headset,” and the company has made a number of improvements to make it worthy of that title. Let’s take a closer look.

Meta Quest 3 Specifications

To begin with, the Quest 3 has two new full-color cameras on the front of the headset that deliver vastly improved passthrough video. This means you can now see your real-world surroundings much more clearly, which is excellent for mixed-reality experiences and finding your way around your playspace.

However, the Quest 3 does not yet fully support augmented reality. Instead, you can double-tap the side of the headset to switch between a fully immersive VR mode or a mixed reality experience, which Meta calls a blended environment.

Meta has also focused on improving the lenses in the Quest 3, which now use pancake optics for sharper, higher-resolution images. This also makes for a slimmer optic profile compared to the Quest 2, which we suppose, will make the headset more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

Likewise, the Quest 3 has a new 4K+ Infinite Display (two displays with 2064 × 2208 resolution per eye), which Meta says offers a 30% improvement in visual resolution over the Quest 2. It is also powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset and packs 8GB of RAM. Meta says the SoC offers doubles the graphics performance over the Quest 2.

In addition to these major improvements, the Quest 3 also has a number of other smaller changes, such as a 40 percent louder audio range than the Quest 2, a more balanced weight distribution, and a new Lens Distance Adjustment Wheel for more precise IPD (interpupillary distance) fine-tuning.

The Quest 3 is also getting new Touch Plus controllers. The new controllers do away with the large tracking ring in favor of infrared sensors that track your position. They also have improved haptics, so you should be able to get more visceral vibrations as you play games.

Meta Quest 3 Price and Availability

The Meta Quest 3 starts at $499.99 for the 128GB version and $649.99 for the 512GB version. Both are available for pre-order now on the official Meta Quest website, and shipping is expected to start on October 10.

The Future of VR is Here: Meta’s Highly Anticipated Quest 3 VR Headset Has Been Unveiled for $499.99

Oğuz Çakır — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 08:47:37 +0000

The competition is heating up in the virtual reality world. Just days before Apple’s expected reveal of its first mixed reality headset at WWDC 2023, Meta has announced its Quest 3 VR headset. This new headset, which boasts a 40% slimmer profile compared to the Quest 2, is set to launch this fall. A 128 GB version will be available for $499.99 and an unspecified price for the 256GB model. Here are the details…

Meta vs. Apple: The Battle for Mixed Reality Dominance

Meta, has been working on virtual reality for a long time. For instance, the company purchased Oculus VR for $2 billion in March 2014. If we consider that this technology still has some shortcomings today, we could say that nine years is quite old. Since then, the social media giant, which has introduced a few headsets and brought the concept of the Metaverse into our lives, now about to face a very strong competitor.

Apple’s mixed reality headset has long been in the news with ongoing leaks. Although nobody has a clear idea of what it will be like, the consensus is that Apple is expected to succeed in this field. As you know, the tech giant is more interested in being the best at doing something rather than being the first. It seems that this situation may have scared Meta a bit, as they suddenly announced the Quest 3 VR headset in a released video.

Quest 3 Features New Design, Improved Performance, and More for an Immersive VR Experience

At first glance, the Quest 3 doesn’t seem drastically different from its predecessor. However, it actually brings significant innovations in both design and technical terms. According to the company’s claim, the headset is more ergonomic, lighter, and equipped with a more powerful processor and higher resolution. This opens the door for a more comfortable and realistic gaming experience. The Quest 3 is also compatible with Quest 2’s games, allowing users to continue playing their favorite titles on the new headset. Meta also announced a price reduction for the Quest 2 starting from June 4th. The 128 GB model will be available for $299.99 and the 256 GB model will be priced at $349.99.

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