Meta’s annual Join convention is sort of right here, and in the event you’re excited about new {hardware}, you are in luck.
Whereas a big portion of the convention will probably concentrate on the corporate’s AI efforts, a minimum of two gadgets ought to debut: a brand new Quest headset and new good glasses.
Additionally: Why Meta’s Ray-Ban Smart Glasses are my favorite tech purchase this year
First up, in the event you’ve been on the fence about attempting out the Meta Quest 3 and the current $25-a-month deal wasn’t enough, excellent news is coming: a extra reasonably priced, slimmed-down model of the Quest 3 is on the best way.
The Quest 3S will reportedly run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, the identical one which runs the Quest 3. It’s going to have a pair of fast-switch LCD screens with 1832 x 1920 decision and a 120Hz refresh price. The outside is getting a slight retool, with a triangle-shaped collection of “spider-eye” lenses.
The 3S will price $299.99 for the 128GB base mannequin, with completely different bundles accessible. A since-deleted Amazon web page confirmed a starter bundle, a streamer bundle, a consolation bundle, and a rechargable bundle. Meta’s largest benefit over Apple’s Vision Pro thus far is the price difference, and this new system solely widens that hole. The bottom 3S is a minimum of $200 off the value of the Quest 3.
Leaked pictures present it is likely to be a bit of bulkier than the Quest 3, and the lenses on the 3S is likely to be nearer to what was on the Quest 2, but it surely seems to be a stable center floor between the three and the two, and a really attractive choice in the event you’re trying to make the AR/VR leap.
Meta’s different massive {hardware} announcement will reportedly be a preview of its in-development augmented actuality (AR) good glasses. Glasses aren’t new territory for Meta, because it has partnered with Ray-Ban to produce smart glasses — however these aren’t AR.
Additionally: Meta Quest 3 review: The VR headset most people should buy in 2024
The plan for this yr’s Join convention appears to be for Meta to indicate off new Meta AI software program that can energy the present Ray-Bans, introduce a number of new coloration choices and types for the Ray-Bans, and showcase a prototype of its eventual AR glasses, internally often known as “Orion.”
Meta Connect 2024 will happen September 25-26.
