Unquestionably, the Meta Quest 3 is going to be the linchpin at the Meta Connect 2024. Tested and confirmed by many tech savvies, Meta Quest 3 is acclaimed to be the best VR/AR headset of the time. Let’s dive to see what makes Quest 3 the greatest VR headset.
We’ll start from what we see and then move to what we hear and then to what’s beyond our senses!
What do we see?
Meta claims that the visual interface (the visor) is 40% slimmer than any headset it released to date. This makes it a lot slimmer compared to its predecessor Quest 2. Testers who have tried both models testify the same as well.
With the slimmer design coming in, Quest has become more inclusive and light-hearted! (at least to those who wear glasses!). Users can now adjust the facial interface for more space with the two black buttons inside the headset. Besides these buttons, there is a new IPD wheel for adjusting the distance between the lenses. Cool right?
Pancake Optics
The use of pancake optics or pancake lenses has made the set more comfortable to wear. It has given Quest 3 a much better display resolution too. These lenses function by layering thin lenses to reproduce images in a smaller space.
Display
Now, let’s talk about the display in Quest 3. The headset comes with a new display known to be the 4K+ Infinite Display. The display got its name as the two LCDs are combined for 4K resolution. And you know what? Each eye has a resolution of 2,064 x 2,208 pixels, with 25 pixels per degree (PPD) when in virtual reality. It has a pixel density of 1,218 pixels per inch (PPI). (The Meta Quest 2 has only a resolution of 1832 x 1920 per eye).
One can easily notice that the colours are more vibrant in Quest 3 compared to Quest 2. The displays have a 90Hz refresh rate. If needed, the developers can go up to an experimental refresh rate of 120Hz for a greater experience.
Meta Quest 3 Graphics
The graphics are exceptional too though it is criticized for not matching with a PC VR headset output. But when it comes to video passthrough, you will also agree with this shortcoming. PPD drops from 25 to 18 and you will notice a lower fidelity in your surroundings. But this will not affect your gaming. The AR holographic overlays continue to keep up their visually stunning look in passthrough.
Touch Plus Controllers
Quest 3 has Touch Plus controllers that fit perfectly in your hand. They don’t look that different except for the absence of the tracking ring from the Quest 2. We infer that they might have borrowed the ringless look from Touch Pro. Even if they do not have a tracking ring, the Touch Plus controllers still manage 6DoF tracking.
Besides, the Touch Plus controllers in Quest 3 boast TruTouch Haptics. This enables resistance when using the controllers for better feedback and immersion.
Meta Quest 3: Direct Touch
There is hand tracking to navigate the Quest 3’s screens. Meta has dubbed this feature ‘Direct Touch’. You can switch to hand tracking by double-tapping the sides of your controllers and setting them down.
What do we hear?
Meta has stated that the audio range for the Quest 3 is 40% louder than the Quest 2. It also produces 3D spatial audio with enhanced clarity and bass. So, you don’t have to crank up the volume as it is more than enough. If you are concerned about your privacy and others’ peace of mind, you may connect a pair of wired earbuds through the 3.5 mm headphone jack. While gaming, the spatial audio helps in spotting the enemies.
More about Meta Quest 3
Meta Quest 3 is powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor. You are also entitled to get an 8GB of RAM. Quest 3 is also a ticket to a ton of games; in fact, you can play the games on Quest 2 better on Quest 3. Native Quest 3 games like Assasin’s Creed Nexus give you an immersive experience. The overall battery life is rated for 2.2 hours of average use. This may vary depending on the device usage and settings.
How to set up Meta Quest 3?
It is easy to set up the Meta Quest 3. JPower on the headset and it will guide you through the process. This includes pairing the Quest 3 with the Meta Quest app on your phone. You can also connect the headset to your home Wi-Fi network using a QR code on your phone.
Pricing & Availability
The Meta Quest 3 is available for purchase from Meta’s web store and select retailers. The one Quest 3 model with 128GB of storage costs $499 / £479 / €549 / AU$799. If you are greedy for storage, you should go for the other model with 512GB. It costs $649 / £619 / €699 / AU$949.
Also Read: Meta Connect 2024: Unveiling the Quest and the Best from the Metaverse
