Meta has made a significant announcement regarding its latest virtual reality headsets, the Quest 3 and the Quest 3S. This launch represents a pivotal development in the rapidly evolving landscape of technology.
Launch Details of VR Headsets
During its Connect event in Menlo Park, California, Meta officially revealed the upcoming release of the Quest 3S, priced at $299. This new headset is notably more affordable than its predecessor, the Quest 3, which retails for $499. The Quest 3S will hit the market on October 15. As a result, this makes it an attractive option for consumers looking to dive into virtual reality.
Meta Competing in the VR Market
Meta’s strategy positions the Quest 3S as a full-fledged computer. As a result, it aims to compete directly with Apple’s $3,499 Vision Pro headset. In addition, the company launched it earlier this year. Alongside this announcement, Meta showcased a prototype of its fully augmented reality smart glasses, called Orion. However, these will not be available for commercial sale.
Success of the Quest Line
The Quest VR headsets have achieved remarkable success, becoming the bestselling devices in the virtual reality market. The company has shipped millions of units. Additionally, this is largely due to their competitive pricing compared to other VR options. Despite this commercial success, Meta has yet to create a cultural phenomenon or establish a robust mainstream software ecosystem within the virtual reality space.
Meta Investment in VR Technology
Meta has invested over $65 billion into its hardware initiatives, including the acquisition of Oculus in 2014. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has defended this substantial spending. Thus, they frame it as a strategic move to prevent tech giant Apple from monopolizing future hardware and software developments. There is strong anticipation among VR developers that Apple will enter the market with innovative applications.
Insights on Quest 3S
A representative from Meta explained that the “S” in Quest 3S stands for “start.” Additionally, it indicates that this headset will help users begin their journey into virtual reality. The Quest 3 will feature several exciting capabilities. Further, it will include a mode for in-flight use and a large movie theater experience within the headset. Thus, these parallel features are available in Apple’s Vision Pro.
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With these new offerings, Meta aims to solidify its place in the competitive virtual reality market. However, it will expand accessibility and functionality for users.
