Meta unveils cheaper $299 Quest 3S VR headset

US Markets
Wednesday, September 25th, 2024 6:02 pm EDT

Meta has introduced the Quest 3S, its latest virtual reality (VR) headset, which is positioned as a more affordable alternative to previous models. Priced at $299 and available from October 15, the Quest 3S is a step down from its predecessor, the Quest 3, which starts at $499. Meta’s strategy is to position the headset as a multitasking device, capable of running VR fitness apps, games, and streaming media, as well as functioning as a computer. This approach is seen as a move to compete with Apple’s high-end $3,499 Vision Pro headset.

Meta has led the market in VR with its Quest devices, but the company is yet to create a significant cultural impact or establish a dominant software ecosystem around virtual reality. Since its acquisition of Oculus in 2014, Meta has invested over $65 billion in its hardware ambitions. CEO Mark Zuckerberg continues to defend this massive expenditure, viewing it as essential to prevent competitors like Apple from dominating future hardware platforms. Despite hopes that Apple’s Vision Pro would create new momentum for VR, sales of the Apple device have been reportedly low, partly due to its high price tag.

The Quest 3S offers several features comparable to Apple’s Vision Pro, such as a mode for airplane use and an immersive movie theater experience inside the headset. It also boasts improved “passthrough” technology, allowing users to see the real world through cameras and sensors while wearing the device. The headset can handle multiple apps at once, enhancing its multitasking capabilities. However, early demos showed some performance issues, such as app crashes and controller malfunctions.

In addition to the Quest 3S, Meta has reduced the price of the Quest 3 and discontinued the Quest Pro, a $999 device that failed to gain traction. Meta has also showcased its ambitions beyond VR headsets. During the event, Zuckerberg introduced the company’s long-term vision for augmented reality (AR) glasses. A prototype called Orion was revealed, representing the first fully functioning prototype of what Meta believes will be the future of VR and AR hardware. This aligns with Zuckerberg’s vision that, within the next decade, AR glasses could overlay computer graphics onto the real world in lightweight, transparent frames.

Meta’s venture into smart glasses, in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, has also seen success. The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, equipped with cameras, speakers, and integrated AI functionality, have sold over 730,000 units in their first three quarters. These glasses allow users to perform actions like taking photos, translating languages, and recalling specific information through voice commands. The partnership between Meta and EssilorLuxottica has been extended to continue developing future iterations of smart glasses.

Zuckerberg’s enthusiasm for smart glasses reflects his broader belief in the future of AR technology. The Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which are fashionable and functional, serve as an early step toward Meta’s long-term goal of creating lightweight AR glasses that can perform a wide range of tasks. Meta AI plays a crucial role in this vision, with new updates to its chatbot allowing users to interact with the system through voice commands. The AI can now respond with the voices of celebrities like Awkwafina, John Cena, and Kristen Bell, adding a touch of personality to interactions.

Meta’s efforts in AI extend beyond VR and AR, with the company launching Llama 3.2, an upgraded version of its AI model. Llama 3.2 can understand both images and text, improving upon its predecessors, which only responded to written prompts. Meta’s advancements in AI come just after OpenAI announced an upgrade to its ChatGPT, including a voice feature for premium users. With these updates, Meta aims to enhance user interaction across its apps like Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

Despite Meta’s ongoing efforts and innovations, the company faces significant challenges. VR and AR technologies are still in their early stages, and the widespread adoption that Zuckerberg envisions is likely years away. Meta’s investment in developing these technologies, both in terms of hardware and software, continues to be a long-term gamble. The Quest 3S, along with future products like AR glasses, represents a critical part of Meta’s strategy to remain at the forefront of this evolving market.

Meta’s focus on AI, AR, and VR has not come without setbacks. While the company has made strides in its hardware offerings, such as the Quest 3S and Ray-Ban Meta glasses, creating a seamless user experience remains a work in progress. Additionally, the competition from Apple and other tech giants ensures that Meta will need to continue innovating and addressing user needs to remain competitive.

The broader goal for Meta is to create an ecosystem where virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence intersect to provide a cohesive user experience. As the company continues to push forward with its hardware ambitions, the future of computing, as envisioned by Zuckerberg, may hinge on the success of these integrated technologies.

In conclusion, Meta’s introduction of the Quest 3S and its continued development of AR glasses and AI functionality underscore the company’s commitment to building the next generation of computing platforms. While challenges remain, Meta’s long-term investment in VR and AR reflects its belief that these technologies will ultimately shape the future of how people interact with the digital world. The Quest 3S, with its competitive pricing and advanced features, positions Meta as a key player in the VR market, even as the company looks ahead to the development of lightweight AR glasses and further AI integration.

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