Meta Quest 3 mixed reality headset launched ahead of Apple’s Vision Pro

At the Connect conference held by Meta on Wednesday, Meta unveiled the Quest 3, the highly anticipated successor to the widely popular Quest 2 mixed reality headset. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, had initially announced the Quest 3 earlier this year, shortly before Apple's unveiling of its Vision Pro headset. While some specifications were revealed at the time, Meta provided additional details and showcased the device's remarkable features at the conference. Powerful Hardware and 'Passthrough' Capability The Quest 3 is equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset and boasts 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth and efficient performance. One standout feature of the new headset is the inclusion of 'passthrough', which enables users to see their real-world surroundings while wearing the headset. By simply double-tapping on any part of the device, users can transition from a fully immersive virtual experience to an augmented reality view, where virtual elements are overlaid on top of their actual environment. Enhanced Visuals and Audio Meta has made significant improvements to the optics of the Quest 3. The introduction of the 'pancake' lens optical stack not only enhances image clarity and resolution but also reduces the overall profile of the headset. The Quest 3 features a 4k+ 'Infinite Display' with a resolution of 2064 × 2208 per eye, offering a 30 percent improvement in visual resolution compared to its predecessor. Meta claims the device delivers an impressive 25 pixels per degree and 1,218 pixels per inch, providing the best resolution across the entire Quest lineup. Additionally, the audio capabilities of the Quest 3 have been enhanced. The headset offers a 40 percent increase in audio range compared to the Quest 2, ensuring a more immersive and engaging auditory experience. Furthermore, Meta focused on comfort, implementing a thinner design and improving weight distribution for maximum user comfort during extended use. Price and Availability The Quest 3 is priced at $499.99 for the 128GB version and $649.99 for the 512GB model. Both models are currently available for pre-order through the official Meta Quest website, with shipping expected to commence on October 10, 2023. Also watch: Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro launched with Wear OS: Check price, availability, specs, and features