Meta announced the launch of Quest 3, the highly anticipated successor to its best-selling VR headset. Priced at $499, a $200 increase from its predecessor, the Quest 3 boasts improved specifications, including a more potent Qualcomm chip, enhanced screens, and a notable feature called “passthrough,” similar to a feature expected in Apple’s competing Vision Pro headset.
A standout feature of the Quest 3 VR Headset is its ability to offer quick glimpses of the real world outside the headset, reducing the sense of isolation during usage and enhancing overall comfort for extended periods. The “passthrough” functionality is activated by double-tapping any headset part while immersed in an app, seamlessly transitioning from the virtual environment to a view of the real world. Other notable improvements include the introduction of “pancake lenses,” first utilized in Meta’s Quest Pro, enhancing image sharpness and resolution. The Quest 3 VR Headset uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, bringing displays to an impressive resolution of 2,064 x 2,208 per eye, enhancing text readability within the headset. Meta estimates approximately two hours and 12 minutes of battery life for users.
The Quest 3 VR Headset introduces a new headband strap and a slimmer headset design, with improved speakers for better audio quality. The necessary controllers have also been upgraded to provide superior haptic feedback. Meta’s emphasis on “passthrough” sets the Quest 3 apart, allowing live video feeds from external cameras to be displayed within the headset. This feature enhances usability, enabling users to seamlessly switch between virtual and real worlds. It allows users to pause their experience without removing the headset, offering a more convenient and immersive experience.
As Meta unveils the Quest 3 VR Headset, the stage is set for a forthcoming battle with Apple in virtual reality. With Meta’s strong sales history and a focus on gaming applications, the Quest 3 is well-positioned to compete with Apple’s Vision Pro headset, which comes at a significantly higher price point. Meta’s vision of the Quest 3 as a gaming device aligns with its extensive lineup of 500 games and apps, indicating a promising future for VR enthusiasts.
