The virtual reality landscape is about to shift as Meta prepares to unveil its latest offering in the Quest lineup. Recent FCC certifications hint at the imminent arrival of the Meta Quest 3S, a more budget-friendly alternative to the high-end Quest 3.
What We Know So Far
- Codename and Certification: The device, codenamed P97, has passed through FCC and Dekra certifications, a crucial step before public release.
- Potential Launch Date: September 25, 2024, during Meta Connect, is the most likely reveal date for the Quest 3S.
- Key Features:
- Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset (same as Quest 3)
- Color passthrough cameras for mixed reality experiences
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth support
Balancing Performance and Affordability
While aiming to lower the entry cost for next-gen VR experiences, the Quest 3S is expected to make some compromises:
- Display: Likely to use a lower-resolution, single-panel display similar to the Quest 2
- Optics: May retain fresnel lenses instead of the Quest 3's improved pancake lenses
 |
|---|
| Exploring the balance between performance and affordability in virtual reality with the Meta Quest 3S headset |
Pricing Speculation
The Quest 3S is positioned to fill the gap left by the discontinued Quest 2, which was last sold at $199. While the exact price point remains unknown, it's expected to be significantly more affordable than the Quest 3's $499.99 price tag.
What This Means for VR Enthusiasts
The introduction of the Quest 3S could make advanced VR and mixed reality experiences more accessible to a wider audience. This move by Meta may help accelerate VR adoption and expand the ecosystem for developers and users alike.
As we await the official announcement, it's clear that Meta is committed to offering a range of VR solutions to cater to different budget levels and user needs. Stay tuned for more details as we approach the potential September 25 reveal at Meta Connect 2024.