Meta Quest 3 – The Next Generation Mixed Reality Headset

The advancement in digital technology like computer graphics, sensors, and wearable devices allows users to experience digital content more realistically and dynamically. Virtual reality and other immersive experiences can take you to magical places. Meta Quest 3 is a new mixed reality headset developed by Meta, it was unveiled on June 1, 2023, and released on October 10, 2023. When compared to its predecessor, which is 3 years old, the Meta Quest 3 is a beast.

What is the Meta Quest 3?

It is the next-generation mixed reality headset, which is more comfortable, slimmer, compact and provides high resolution with a stronger performance. The Quest 3 is priced at $499 for a 128GB model and $649 for 512GB.  The standout feature of Quest 3 is it allows users to transition between the virtual and real world.

The upgrades of Quest 3 from “Quest 2” include enhancements like a Qualcomm chip, better screens, and “pancake lenses” for crisper photographs. While using an app, users can access the “passthrough” mode which lets them see the outside world by simply double tapping any section of the headset.

The Design

Meta Quest 3 is packaged in a compact-looking box. The bundle comprises the headset, a foam facial interface that comes pre-installed, two touch plus controllers that require AA batteries and wrist bands, an 18W power converter, and a USB Type-C charging connection for the headset.

Meta says that Quest 3 is 40% thinner than the previous model whereas its comparison excludes the facial interface which is thicker on Quest 3. The Quest 2 wasn’t the most comfortable headset for long gaming sessions because the facial interface is pressed against your temples and cheeks. The Quest 3 mounts in the same manner as the 2, although it seems less front-heavy because it sticks out from your head an inch less than the 2. The soft head strap is redesigned to be easier to adjust.

In Quest 3, the speakers are also given more momentum. According to Meta, the Quest 3’s audio range is 40% louder than the Quest 2’s, and it generates 3D spatial music with more bass and clarity. If you prefer to use your headphones for more immersive audio, there is a 3.5 mm headphone port.

Features

1. Mixed Reality Functionality

The main feature of Quest 3 is its mixed reality capabilities which are made possible by the full-color video passthrough in the headset. With just a double tap on the side of the headset, you may switch between immersive VR content and passthrough-facilitated AR experiences including holographic overlays

2. Advanced Camera Sensors

Your play space border can now be automatically detected by the Quest boundary feature. Quest 3 can automatically scan the room in 3D, and understand where walls, floors, furniture, and other surfaces are located. This is a major improvement for the smooth operation of mixed reality experiences.

3. Redesigned for Comfort

Quest 3 is more elegant and comfortable than Quest 2, with an ocular profile that is 40% thinner. Quest 3’s touch plus controllers were also entirely rebuilt with a more streamlined and ergonomic form factor. Our controllers now feel more like a natural extension of your hands and take up less space because Meta removed the outside tracking rings due to advancements in tracking technology, controllers are smaller than the previous one and no longer have the big ring.

4. Immersive Content

The Quest 2 library of more than 500 VR games, applications, and experiences is compatible with Quest 3, and even more thrilling new titles planned for release. This implies that Quest 3 will launch with the greatest collection of immersive experiences available worldwide.

5. Lower Price, High Performance

The Quest 3 is the first product to be released using the new XR2 Gen 2 CPU from Qualcomm. It can run games at greater frame rates, higher resolutions, and improved visual fidelity. Ultimately, elements like the user’s VR requirements, the available content, and the budget have an impact on the Meta Quest 3’s performance and cost-effectiveness.

Comparison between Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3

• Meta Quest 3 is significantly more powerful than its predecessor and has twice the graphics power as the Quest 2. The sharpness, clarity of texts, and shapes are superior on Quest 3.
• The Quest 3 is substantially thinner and smaller than the Quest 2 – by 40%. The Quest 3’s closer to your face weight will make the headset feel much lighter and require less effort to prevent your face from tilting forward. The controllers are smaller than the previous one and no longer have the big ring.
• Aside from the technological considerations, storage space is relatively good in Quest 3. This Meta headset comes in a 512GB version, which is plenty to store almost everything you could need.

Wrap Up

Quest 3 raises the bar for mixed reality, immersive gaming, and a mainstream of XR experience. Quest 2 is still the most cost-effective, and Quest Pro is designed with business use cases in mind, featuring face and eye tracking for more genuine self-expression during meetings. To improve the Quest experience, Meta will release new software updates and sell Quest 2 and Pro in addition to Quest 3.