Meta Set to Launch Affordable XR Headset Following Apple Vision Pro Disappointment

by John Nowacky
in $$$, PC, VR
on 26 August 2024

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is redirecting its efforts towards launching an affordable XR headset amid a lukewarm response to the recently debuted Apple Vision Pro. The high price tag of $3,500 and limited content availability have been major deterrents for potential buyers, prompting Meta to reevaluate its strategy.

Rumors suggest that Meta has scrapped its plans for a high-end XR headset inspired by the Apple Vision Pro, a project it had been working on since last year. The primary challenge for Meta was to maintain a price point of around $1,000, which proved to be difficult. However, tech enthusiasts need not despair as a more wallet-friendly alternative is in the works.

According to reliable sources, Meta is expected to unveil the Meta Quest 3S in September. Serving as a more affordable version of the popular Meta Quest 3, this new headset is rumored to be priced between $300 and $400. In comparison, the Meta Quest 3, which made its debut in June last year, starts at $499 for the 128GB model.

Despite speculation that Meta may sell the controllers separately to achieve the lower price point, analysts believe it’s highly unlikely. With the cost of the controllers estimated at $100, such a move would bring the total price close to that of the standard Quest 3, rendering the purported Meta Quest 3S irrelevant. Consequently, it is anticipated that the controllers will be included in the box, allowing for a seamless VR experience.

Mark your calendars for Meta’s Connect event on September 25 and 26, where the Quest 3S is expected to be officially announced. In addition, industry insiders have hinted that Meta may unveil “Orion,” a Google Glass-like AR glasses project, during the same event. These AR glasses are anticipated to differ from the successful Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, but they may share a similar underlying concept.

While the Apple Vision Pro may have failed to live up to the hype, Meta is determined to present a more attractive option to consumers with its upcoming affordable XR headset. Keep an eye out for more exciting developments in the world of virtual and augmented reality.

Facts:
1. The Apple Vision Pro headset has received a lukewarm response due to its high price tag of $3,500 and limited content availability.
2. Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is redirecting its efforts towards launching an affordable XR headset.
3. Meta had originally been working on a high-end XR headset inspired by the Apple Vision Pro but has scrapped those plans.
4. Meta is expected to unveil the Meta Quest 3S in September, which will serve as a more affordable version of the Meta Quest 3.
5. Rumors suggest that the Meta Quest 3S will be priced between $300 and $400, making it significantly cheaper than the Apple Vision Pro.
6. Meta’s Connect event on September 25 and 26 is where the Quest 3S is expected to be officially announced.
7. There are hints that Meta may also unveil an AR glasses project called “Orion” during the same event.

Most important questions and answers:
1. What were the major deterrents for potential buyers of the Apple Vision Pro?
– The high price tag of $3,500 and limited content availability were major deterrents.

2. What is Meta doing in response to the poor reception of the Apple Vision Pro?
– Meta is reevaluating its strategy and working towards launching an affordable XR headset.

3. What is the price range of the rumored Meta Quest 3S?
– The Meta Quest 3S is rumored to be priced between $300 and $400.

Key challenges or controversies:
1. Maintaining an affordable price point of around $1,000 for a high-end XR headset was a challenge for Meta.

Advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages of the Meta Quest 3S:
– More affordable compared to the Apple Vision Pro, with a price range of $300 to $400.
– Expected to come with controllers included, providing a seamless VR experience.

Disadvantages of the Meta Quest 3S:
– Not as high-end as the Apple Vision Pro.
– Exact specifications and features of the Meta Quest 3S are yet to be confirmed.