Meta has opened pre-orders for the world’s first mass-market mixed-reality headset, Quest 3, which will hit shelves on October 10.
At the Connect conference, Meta introduced its newest virtual reality (VR) Quest 3 headset and smart glasses, developed in collaboration with Ray-Ban.
The tech company sees Quest 3 as a gamer-friendly tool that merges virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). The new device has a feature that shifts between VR and AR, using passthrough cameras to display your real-world environment.
The headset’s price varies based on storage capacity. The starting price is $499.99 for the 128GB version, while the 512GB model retails for $649.99.
Quest 3 is powered by Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip. The new processor doubles the headset’s graphics power, positioning it at the top of Meta’s product lineup.
The VR/AR device also features a 4K Infinite Display resolution for the optics and display, almost 30% higher than Quest 2’s. In addition, users receive 25 pixels per degree and 1,218 pixels per inch to achieve the best VR experience.
Pancake lenses equip Quest 3, providing a 40% slimmer optical profile than its predecessor without compromising visuals. The thinner profile also allows the device to be fitter and more balanced.
Apple and Meta VR Headset Rivalry
Apple’s Vision Pro headset is being challenged by Meta’s recently launched devices, including Quest 3 and the Ray-Ban smart glasses.
The iPhone maker unveiled its mixed-reality Vision Pro in June, which developers meticulously made for seven years. However, Apple’s headset’s starting price of $3,499 stood at a costly range.
The company expects to release its new VR to the market early next year.
Tech analysts believed Vision Pro may not be able to outperform Meta’s products by sevenfold, but it could bring unique perspectives to the market.
Meanwhile, Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses focus on making users’ lives easy. For instance, while wearing the glasses, users can take photos and videos, make calls, or start a livestream.
