Meta launches more affordable virtual reality device Quest 3S, with further advancements in AI capabilities

Meta announced the launch of Quest 3S priced at $299, the latest virtual reality device from its Reality Labs division, and cheaper than its predecessor Quest 3 priced at $499. The company positions this device as a full-fledged computer, competing with Apple's Vision Pro priced at $3,499 released in February. Additionally, Meta also showcased Orion glasses and Meta AI new features at the event.

More Affordable Quest 3S

Meta has announced the launch of its latest virtual reality headset, the Quest 3S, which is set to debut on October 15th with a base price of $299, lower than its 2023 release, the Quest 3, priced at $499. Meta positions this headset as a multitasking computer, competing with Apple's Vision Pro priced at $3,499, released in February.

According to CNBC report, Meta's previous Quest devices have been the best-selling VR headsets, selling millions due to aggressive marketing and lower prices compared to many competitors, but these efforts have yet to spark a cultural phenomenon or mainstream software ecosystem around VR. Including the acquisition of Oculus in 2014, Meta has invested over $65 billion in hardware development, with its Reality Labs still operating at a loss.

The Quest 3S features many functionalities similar to Apple's Vision Pro, including an airplane mode that allows the device to be used on flights and a mode that simulates a large movie theater.

Meta emphasizes the improved "passthrough" feature, a term used to describe VR headsets using external cameras and sensors to display real-time video inside the headset. The purpose of this feature is to make users feel like they are looking through a window and allows them to interact with the real world while keeping the headset on. Meta has added a dedicated button on the Quest 3S to activate passthrough.

Meta also highlights the multitasking and app-running capabilities of the Quest 3S, positioning it as a computing device rather than just a gaming console.

Founder Mark Zuckerberg stated:

Anything a regular computer can do, Quest can do.

Meta demonstrated the device running up to four applications simultaneously on floating screens, including YouTube, a browser, Amazon Music, and Meta's app store. Meta claims the headset can handle six windows, but the demo experience was not smooth. The Amazon Music app would crash if the button wasn't pressed, the window control options would disappear, and Meta's controller would go to sleep after a few minutes.

Zuckerberg also emphasized their collaboration with Microsoft, allowing users to operate computers directly using Quest in the future.

Meta Augmented Reality Orion Glasses

Meta's augmented reality Orion Glasses were also unveiled, featuring built-in camera functionality and reduced weight to 100 grams. However, the thick black frame prototype revealed will not be sold to consumers initially and will be used internally.

The Orion Glasses will also incorporate AI capabilities, starting with English and Spanish. These glasses will be able to detect when users are looking at Spanish signs and provide translations in their ears. The camera can also scan QR codes and extract information like book titles from captured photos.

Meta AI Introduces Voice Functionality

Meta AI has introduced voice functionality, allowing users to have verbal interactions with Meta AI through Meta's apps. Users will be able to execute operations using voice, such as telling Meta AI to take a photo through conversations with smartphones.

This new Meta AI voice feature, similar to Siri, will roll out next month to users in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand on WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger.

Meta's new chatbot feature is based on their new AI model, Llama 3.2, which can understand images and text, including modifications to images within their apps and selecting different languages during live streams to reach a wider audience for streamers.