While Meta’s Reality Labs division has many projects up its sleeve, including the release of a first pair of smart glasses in 2025 and a first pair of augmented reality glasses that should create the event in 2027, it’s mostly information related to the Meta Quest 3 that interests us here. According to The Verge reports, the successor to the Quest 2 is aiming for release this year and will be twice as thin and twice as powerful as the current model, while “a bit more” than the requested $ 400 for the Quest 2 (450 euros with us since the price increase).
Other important information, especially for a very discreet manufacturer on the subject, Mark Rabkin would have confirmed that the company has sold almost 20 million Quest since the launch of the range in May 2019. An impressive figure, especially when you look at it. up to 5 million PS VR (last figure communicated by the manufacturer in January 2020), underlining the potential of autonomous and wireless VR (which does not require a console or PC to operate).
Insufficient commitment?
But if Meta is in a hurry to release a Quest 3 just three years after the release of Quest 2, it’s for good reason. According to the vice president himself, the Quest is struggling to hold on to the most recent buyers. “Right now, we’re in Quest 2’s third year. And unfortunately, the new cohorts coming in, the people who bought it last Christmas, aren’t as engaged as those who bought it before.“, he would have explained to the employees who attended the presentation.
This disappointing level of retention adds to the biggest challenge facing Meta with the release of the Quest 3, codenamed Stinson, which is convincing the public to turn to this new model, which will be priced higher than that of a Quest 2 which has not already been given. “We need to prove to people that all this power and new features are worth it“, launches the manager. Note that features present on PS VR2, such as foveal rendering and eye tracking, do not appear to be on the Quest 3 program, no doubt due to the concessions required to ensure wireless and autonomous operation.
On the other hand, Meta wants to emphasize the dimension of mixed reality. Indeed, the helmet would have been designed to be worn while easily performing all sorts of everyday tasks around the house. Psychologically prepare yourself for promotional images showing a Quest 3 wearer drinking coffee while looking happy. A total of 41 new applications are said to be ready to accompany the launch of Quest 3, including mixed reality experiences that will showcase what the gear is capable of.
Ventura, an entry-level helmet for 2024?
Speaking of Matos, Meta is not afraid to flood the market as there is already talk of another helmet expected in 2024. Codenamed Ventura, the aim of this model will be to present the most attractive price of the virtual reality market, while embedding as much power as possible. The Xbox Series S of VR headsets, in a sense.
- Also read | John Carmack leaves Meta and ends his adventure in VR
