Meta has launched the Quest 3S, its latest virtual reality headset, at the Connect event in Menlo Park, California. Priced at $299, the Quest 3S is positioned as a more affordable option compared to its predecessor, the Quest 3, which launched in 2023 at $499. Available from October 15, the Quest 3S is designed for a range of applications, from watching movies and running fitness apps to gaming and multitasking. With improved functionality, Meta aims to compete with high-end devices like Apple’s $3,499 Vision Pro.
In addition to the Quest 3S, Meta showcased a prototype of its augmented reality glasses, Orion. The device represents the company’s latest efforts to bring AR technology closer to mainstream use. Orion features a tethered design connected wirelessly to a small puck, and it utilizes a wristband to capture neural signals, allowing users to control the glasses with their thoughts. Although not yet available to consumers, the Orion prototype reflects Meta’s commitment to developing advanced AR glasses that could redefine how users interact with digital information in the real world.
The Quest 3S introduces several new features, including enhanced “passthrough” technology. This feature uses external cameras and sensors to display live, real-time video inside the headset, enabling users to see and interact with their surroundings without removing the device. A dedicated button for quick access to passthrough mode has been added, making it easier to switch between virtual and real-world environments. Meta also emphasized the headset’s ability to run multiple apps simultaneously, showcasing demos where users could operate up to six apps, such as YouTube, Amazon Music, and a browser, on floating screens within the headset.
Alongside the Quest 3S, Meta announced a price reduction for last year’s Quest 3, dropping the 512GB version from $649 to $499. The Quest 3 offers more advanced lenses and a higher resolution display compared to the Quest 3S. Meta also revealed plans to discontinue the Quest Pro and Quest 2 headsets, marking a shift in the company’s product lineup as it focuses on more accessible VR experiences.
In addition to hardware updates, Meta introduced new features for its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. These enhancements include capabilities like QR code scanning, photo-based information extraction, and even translating text from images directly into the user’s ear. These features, set to roll out later this year, reflect Meta’s ongoing efforts to integrate AI-driven functionalities into everyday wearables.
During the event, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reiterated his vision for VR and AR technology, describing it as an essential part of the company’s strategy to prevent competitors like Apple from dominating future hardware platforms. The advancements in both the Quest 3S and Orion prototypes showcase Meta’s commitment to creating immersive, user-friendly devices that can transform how we interact with both the virtual and physical worlds.
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