Meta unveils VR headset 'Quest 3' ahead of Apple’s WWDC event

• The Meta Quest 3 is coming this fall for $499.
• Meta Quest 3 is powered by a Qualcomm chipset.
• It will be available in 256GB or 512GB of storage options.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has officially announced The Meta Quest 3, set to release this fall at a price of $499. This new headset boasts several upgrades compared to its predecessor. Notably, it features a sleeker design, with its thickness reduced by 40%.

It is also equipped with a new Snapdragon chipset, providing enhanced capabilities for both virtual reality and mixed reality experiences. This announcement from Meta precedes Apple's upcoming WWDC software event, scheduled for next week. Reports suggest that Apple will unveil its own long-awaited face computer during the event.

Over the past few months, Apple has been engaging with app developers, aiming to incentivize them to create experiences for what the company perceives as a groundbreaking platform. If the rumors are true, this would mark Apple's first major hardware product launch since the introduction of the Apple Watch in 2015.

Meta Quest 3 release date

According to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the release of the Meta Quest 3 is planned for this fall. Further information is set to be unveiled at the Meta Connect conference scheduled for September 27.

Based on this, it’s reasonable to speculate that the Quest 3 may either be released on September 27 itself or open for pre-orders with a subsequent release shortly thereafter. Considering that the Meta Quest 2 was launched on October 13, 2020, an October release for the Quest 3 appears to be a logical possibility.

Meta Quest 3 specs

During Zuckerberg's Instagram-based announcement of the Meta Quest 3, specific details about the headset's specifications were not extensively covered. However, there are several key points worth noting from his Instagram announcement.

Firstly, the Quest 3 will come with a base storage option of 128GB, and there will also be an additional storage option available for users who require more space. The exact details and pricing for the additional storage option remain unclear, but it wouldn't be surprising to see models with 256GB or 512GB of storage.

The second major upgrade confirmed for the Quest 3 is the utilization of a next-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. Although the specific chip hasn't been revealed, it is expected to be customized for the Quest 3. What has been officially confirmed is that the Quest 3 will deliver twice the graphics performance, resulting in higher-quality visuals for VR games and experiences.

While specific specifications regarding resolution and refresh rate were not disclosed, it is speculated that the Quest 3 may have a resolution of either 4,128 by 2,208 pixels or 2,064 by 2,208 pixels per eye. These resolutions would not only take advantage of the increased GPU power but also offer an improvement over the Quest 2's resolution of 1,920 by 1,832 per eye. The initial refresh rate is expected to be 120Hz, but it wouldn't be surprising if the Quest 3 reaches 144Hz in certain VR games or through post-launch updates.

One notable enhancement is the inclusion of High-fidelity color Passthrough, allowing users to see the real world around them in full color through the headset. This is in contrast to the monochrome Passthrough seen in devices like the PSVR 2. By leveraging machine learning and spatial understanding, the Quest 3 enables wearers to interact with both the virtual and real worlds simultaneously, opening up limitless possibilities for exploration.

Meta Quest 3 design

Meta has undertaken a comprehensive redesign of the Meta Quest 3, focusing on improving every aspect of the headset. While maintaining the overall aesthetic of the Quest 2, the Quest 3 has undergone a remarkable transformation. It is now 40% slimmer, featuring a sleek and streamlined profile.

At the front of the headset, a striking arrangement of three pill-shaped cameras/sensors are prominently displayed. The head strap has also been upgraded with an improved flexible material, ensuring enhanced comfort during extended usage.

One notable addition to the Quest 3 is the presence of a flexible mesh surrounding the lenses. This innovative design element suggests that adjusting the inter-pupillary distance (IPD) for a personalized fit could be easier than ever before. There are even rumors circulating that the IPD adjustment might be motorized, allowing users to set it precisely with a simple press of a button.

In summary, the Quest 3 showcases a more refined and ergonomic design, making it a sleek and comfortable headset to wear even during prolonged periods of use.

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