August 4, 2023 (11:55 AM ET): Our Meta Quest 3 rumor hub has received an update with new information about the headset and controllers, based on FCC filings.
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The Meta Quest 2 has been available for quite some time now, and it even underwent a rebrand, transitioning from the Oculus Quest 2 to the Meta Quest 2. However, despite being on the market for only three years since its launch in late 2020, the hardware is beginning to show its age. Enter the Meta Quest 3, the successor to the Quest 2. Meta has officially announced the Quest 3, and here’s everything you need to know about the new VR hardware.
Meta Quest 3: Release Date, Price, and Availability
Meta unveiled the Meta Quest 3 on June 1, 2023. While the next-generation mixed-reality headset is not yet available for purchase, you can sign up now to receive updates. According to Meta, the Meta Quest 3 will offer multiple storage options, though pricing details have only been provided for the base 128GB model, which will cost $499.99. This is $200 more expensive than the launch price of the Quest 2. Meta had previously mentioned that they were aiming for a price range between $300 and $500. Unfortunately, they ended up on the higher end of that spectrum. A solid release date has not been announced yet, but more information will be revealed on September 27, 2023, during Meta’s Connect conference.
Earlier this year, Meta’s Mark Rabkin revealed that the company is working on two additional headsets, including a more affordable variant internally known as Ventura, expected to be launched in 2024. So, if the $499 price tag is too steep for you, it might be worth waiting for the release of the cheaper model next year.
Meta Quest 3: Specs
Meta has not provided detailed specifications for the Quest 3 yet. They have only mentioned that it will feature “our highest resolution display and pancake optics” and a “next-generation Snapdragon chipset.” However, they did confirm that the optic profile will be 40% slimmer, and the controllers will have TruTouch haptics. In the absence of official information, we have to rely on leaks and interviews.
According to rumors, the Quest 3’s resolution may be either 4,128 x 2,208 pixels or 2,064 x 2,208 pixels per eye, marking a 30% improvement over the Quest 2. There are also rumors suggesting that Meta may use uOLED, OLED, or mini-LED displays, with a possible 120Hz refresh rate like the one introduced in the Quest 2 in 2021.
Leaks have indicated that the Quest 3 might feature a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, a significant improvement over the XR2 Gen 1 chip found in the Quest 2. This new chip would provide a substantial boost in performance. The Touch Plus controllers for the Quest 3 have also received approval from the FCC, confirming that they will use one AA battery each and operate on the same 2.4 GHz wireless spectrum as Meta’s previous controllers.
FCC filings suggest that the Meta Quest 3 will support Wi-Fi 6E, offering a higher frequency and reducing interference from other devices. While one storage option will be 128GB, rumors suggest that a 512GB model may also be available.
Meta Quest 3: Features
Like its predecessor, the Meta Quest 3 is an all-in-one headset that eliminates the need for cables or connecting to a console or computer. It will include features such as hand tracking and full-color passthrough. Let’s take a closer look at these features, starting with the design.
Design
Compared to the Quest 2, the Quest 3 is noticeably thinner and lighter. Despite this slimness and reduced weight, the Quest 3 retains certain design elements from its predecessor. One notable change is the addition of a dial at the bottom, which serves as an interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment wheel. CAD images indicate that the headset will have a four-camera array, two side cameras for tracking, and a depth sensor. However, it appears that the necessary parts for eye and face tracking are missing, surprising considering the emphasis placed on these features during Meta’s Connect 2022 keynote.
Meta has also made slight design changes to the Touch Plus controllers, removing the halo used for tracking and relying on in-air hand tracking. The company claims that advancements in tracking technology have allowed for a more streamlined and ergonomic design. Additionally, users will have the option to use the fully self-tracked Touch Pro controllers with the headset.
Performance
According to Meta, the Quest 3 delivers twice the graphical performance of the previous generation Snapdragon GPU found in the Quest 2. Early impressions from Mark Gurman of Bloomberg indicate that while the screen clarity is comparable to the Quest 2, the Quest 3 offers noticeably faster performance thanks to the second-generation Snapdragon XR2 chipset. Users will experience faster app launching, system navigation, and smoother gameplay.
Mixed Reality
The depth sensors in the Meta Quest 3 serve a purpose in mixed reality experiences. According to Meta’s Mark Rabkin, mixed reality is a key focus for the Quest 3. Meta aims to make mixed reality “feel better, easier, more natural.” As part of this effort, Meta has enhanced the passthrough mode, known as “guardian,” which allows users to see their surroundings with improved color fidelity. Machine learning and spatial understanding enable interactions with both virtual and physical objects, making the Meta Quest 3 the first mainstream headset to feature high-resolution, color passthrough. This passthrough mode reportedly offers accurate colors and a lifelike rendering of the real world. The headset may also incorporate environmental meshing, utilizing real-world walls for gameplay purposes.
New Games and Apps
Just a week after the announcement of the Meta Quest 3, Meta held the Meta Quest Gaming Showcase event, where they unveiled 25 games coming to the platform. Some of the highlights include Asgard’s Wrath 2, Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR, Stranger Things VR, Silent Slayer: Vault of the Vampire, and Vampire: The Masquerade — Justice. Stay tuned for more game announcements as further details are expected to be revealed in the upcoming weeks.
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Deepak Sen is a tech enthusiast who covers the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets. His articles provide readers with a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of technology.
