Meta’s state-of-the-art Virtual Reality headset technology is poised to be made available soon in the coming year, equipped with multiple remarkable enhancements — and a more expensive cost.
A startling report from The Verge has disclosed that Meta’s Quest 3 headset will be at least twofold as powerful as the prior version. The wearable tech will also be slenderized to twice its former size, with a slightly increased price tag than the current $400 Quest 2.
One of the primary attractions of the modern technology will be its capacity to imitate “mixed reality.” Comparable to the freshly unveiled Quest Pro, Quest 3 will showcase front-facing cameras that permit the apparatus to streams video of the real world. The headset is then able to utilize this video input to create mixed reality, producing an experience that isn’t as immersive as complete virtual reality.
“From the get-go, the team had one guiding principle,” Mark Rabkin, Meta’s VP for VR, expounded to the team during a roadmap briefing on Tuesday. “That when you don the headset, mixed reality should ensure a better, simpler, more instinctive experience. You can navigate through your house with consummate ease, knowing you can observe flawlessly. You can affix anchors and objects to your desktop. You can grab your coffee. You can remain in the virtual world for extended periods.”
Rabkin hinted at the imminent introduction of an advanced “smart guardian” for the Quest 3, allowing users to explore the world around them with more confidence while wearing the headset. The unique mixed reality capabilities of the device is touted as an incentive for customers who may be dissuaded by the steeper price tag.
“Stirring up excitement for [Quest 3] is paramount,” Rabkin declared. “We must demonstrate to the public that all the added capabilities are worth the price tag.”
Alongside Quest 3’s newly-upgraded hardware, an array of 41 innovative apps and games that take advantage of the immersive mixed reality experience will be available, truly showcasing the capabilities of the headset.
Released in 2021, Quest 2 from Meta garnered high praise from Whitson Gordon of IGN, who awarded it a 9/10, citing its wireless technology, ease of use, and competitive price. Unfortunately, it appears that the company has struggled to capture and keep the attention of its users since then.
“At this point in time,” Rabkin shared with the workers, “we are in the third year of the Quest 2 launch. Unfortunately, the recent buyers of the product, who purchased it during the Christmas period, seem to be not as enthusiastic or dedicated to it as those who bought it early on.”
Carson Burton, a freelance news writer for the renowned IGN, can be found on the Twitter platform by his handle – @carsonsburton. He is an avid contributor to the IGN news section, making sure that readers are kept up-to-date with the latest scoops.
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