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Meta Launches Quest 3 VR and AR Headset, Ahead of Apple's Vision Pro
Updated: Jan 9
[Edited] Meta Platforms, the tech giant formerly known as Facebook, has made a bold move in the virtual and augmented reality market by unveiling its latest lineup of head-worn devices.
The company officially introduced the Quest 3 headset at its annual Connect developers conference, along with second-generation smart glasses developed in collaboration with luxury sunglass maker Ray-Ban.
This launch comes just as Apple is preparing to release its highly anticipated Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, setting the stage for a potential showdown between the two tech giants.
The Quest 3 headset, priced at $500, offers improved performance compared to its predecessor, the Quest 2. It also marks a shift from virtual reality to mixed reality, combining elements of both virtual and augmented reality.
Meta's hardware business is facing a critical moment as it competes with Apple's Vision Pro, which boasts exclusive technology and content, but comes with a much higher price tag of $3,499.
Meta, previously known for its dominance in the VR goggles market, has also faced challenges in selling consumers on the concept of the metaverse – a collection of interconnected online worlds. In response, the company has shifted its focus towards artificial intelligence and other marketable technologies. With the Quest 3, Meta aims to position its headsets as gaming and productivity tools, similar to Apple's marketing strategy for the Vision Pro.
Despite being the industry leader in headsets, holding nearly half of the market share, Meta's hardware division has been a financial burden for the company. The success of the Quest 3 will depend on whether mainstream consumers embrace the product. To broaden its appeal, the Quest 3 allows users to seamlessly transition between virtual reality and mixed reality with a simple double tap on the device's side. The headset features higher resolution, new lenses, a faster chip from Qualcomm, and dual-color pass-through cameras for a more immersive experience.
In addition to the Quest 3, Meta has also unveiled an updated version of its smart glasses in collaboration with Ray-Ban. The new glasses offer improved speakers, better cameras, and come in two styles – Wayfarer and Headliner – with various lens options. Unlike previous iterations, these glasses focus on everyday functionalities such as taking pictures, filming videos, making calls, and listening to music.
As Meta and Apple compete for dominance in the VR and AR market, the launch of the Quest 3 sets the stage for an exciting battle between the two tech giants. The outcome of this competition will not only shape the future of virtual and augmented reality but also determine the direction of the overall tech industry.
Meta Platforms has launched the Quest 3 headset and second-generation smart glasses developed with Ray-Ban.
The Quest 3 offers improved performance and marks a shift from VR to mixed reality.
Apple's Vision Pro mixed-reality headset is set to be released soon, creating a potential showdown between Meta and Apple.
Source: SCMP