During a recent announcement, Mark Zuckerberg unveiled the highly anticipated Meta Quest 3 virtual and mixed reality headset. Scheduled for release in the autumn, the Meta Quest 3 will be available in all countries where the previous Meta Quest model is supported, priced at $499.99.
Although the timing of the announcement may seem peculiar, considering the launch is still several months away, it becomes clearer when taking into account the upcoming Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) taking place next week. Speculation suggests that Apple may finally reveal its long-awaited headset during the event.
Hence, Meta’s decision to make this announcement at this time appears deliberate, aimed at garnering attention and seizing some of Apple’s limelight before their own headset reveal.
According to Meta, the Quest 3 offers a significantly higher resolution display compared to its predecessor. It is powered by an advanced “next-generation Snapdragon chipset,” promising more than twice the graphical performance of the previous generation Snapdragon GPU found in the Quest 2.
Furthermore, the Meta Quest 3 incorporates full-color passthrough technology, enabling immersive and high-resolution color mixed reality experiences.
In terms of design, the new headset boasts a sleeker appearance with a “40% slimmer optic profile” compared to its predecessor. The Touch Plus controllers have also undergone a complete redesign. With advancements in tracking technology, the outer tracking rings are no longer necessary, resulting in controllers that feel like a natural extension of the user’s hands.
The Meta Quest 3 introduces TruTouch haptics, previously featured in the Touch Pro, enhancing the overall immersive experience. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the Meta Quest 3 is compatible with the Touch Pro controllers if users choose to purchase them separately, providing them with additional control options.
