Rumors have been circulating about Meta Quest 3 Lite, a finances mannequin meant to switch the Quest 2, the world’s most widespread VR headset. Meta will inevitably take away the Quest 2 from its lineup quickly because it launched 4 years in the past.
Meta launched the Quest 3, a VR headset with blended actuality options, in October 2023, and in case you imagine the rumors, it could possibly be planning so as to add a brand new low-cost mannequin to the lineup quickly.
The primary rumors of the Quest 3 Lite appeared on WeChat in October 2023, citing unnamed sources who claimed Meta may value the entry-level mannequin as little as $199.
If true, Meta may provide an entry-level Quest 3 Lite that sells with out controllers. Meta has glorious hand-tracking expertise that runs properly even on the Quest 2. A Quest 3 Lite with the efficiency increase of a more moderen processor might grow to be Meta’s first hands-only VR headset.
Whereas a rising variety of VR video games help hand monitoring, a big majority of the a whole lot of titles within the Meta app retailer require controllers. Whereas Apple’s Imaginative and prescient Professional is a hands-only VR headset, I believe it’s unlikely Meta would attempt to promote a Quest 3 Lite that lacks controllers.
Meta Quest 3 Lite may very well be "Meta Quest 3S"
u/LuffySanKira on Reddit claims they have been proven these graphics in what was probably a Meta Consumer Analysis Zoom assembly.
I can't confirm them, however I CAN confirm Meta does suggestions periods like these. pic.twitter.com/DjkZnVMP6b
— Luna (@Lunayian) March 16, 2024
Extra lately, leaked promoting suggests Meta’s subsequent VR headset could possibly be referred to as the Quest 3s. Redditor LuffySanKira posted the photographs however quickly deleted them. Luna shared the graphics on X.
On the left, you see the alleged Quest 3s, sporting a triangular association of passthrough cameras and sensors. On the appropriate, the Quest 3’s blended actuality sensors seem in three vertical strains. Primarily based on the render, the Quest 3s seems to be extra just like the Quest 2 with a thicker physique and extra angular design. The Quest 3 has a slimmer physique and rounded, capsule-like form.
Some doubt arose concerning the authenticity of the photographs, however these could possibly be early mockups primarily based on prototypes. If a Quest 3s does arrive this yr, Meta might make the announcement as early as June, just like the Quest 3, or maintain the information till the Meta Join occasion in October.
In case you imagine in its authenticity, the only picture accessible of the supposed Quest 3s does reveal a number of particulars. There’s a point out, in French, of two configurations: the bottom mannequin might have 128GB of storage with the choice of a 256GB mannequin.
The show decision could be the identical because the Quest 2’s, 1832×1920, whereas the Quest 3 incorporates a sharper 2064×2208 pixels per eye. The graphic doesn’t present controllers, however there’s a Beat Saber brand, a recreation that requires quick motion and so far, doesn’t help hand-tracking.
Combined actuality in coloration appears probably. A processor that’s sooner than the Quest 2’s is for certain. The lenses is perhaps the a lot clearer pancake selection, however lower-cost Fresnel is feasible.
I anticipate the Quest 3s or Quest 3 Lite to start out at $299, identical to the unique Quest. It’s a pleasant, inexpensive value, in step with gaming consoles.
Whereas these rumors and leaks have been attention-grabbing, there’s motive to take them with a grain of salt. What obtained my consideration, nevertheless, is that Meta lately dropped the Quest 2’s value for the second time within the final three months. The $299 VR headset fell to an attractive $249 in January. Now, the Quest 2 has plummeted to its lowest value ever, promoting for $199.
The 256GB model of the Quest 2 is out of inventory at Meta, so this is perhaps a clearance sale on the 128GB Quest 2 to make means for a brand new finances mannequin.
The Quest 2 remains to be an amazing VR headset, and the $199 value is unbeatable if the $500 Quest 3 appears too costly. Meta’s CTO, Andrew “Boz” Bosworth, has promised the Quest 2 will proceed to obtain help for 3 years after Meta stops promoting the system.
A whole lot of video games and apps help the Quest 2, and Meta help will final into not less than 2027. It would stay on our checklist of the most effective VR headsets till it’s offered out. In case you’ve been on the fence about shopping for a VR headset, this is perhaps time to get a traditional Quest 2 at its lowest value ever.
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