Introducing Meta Quest 3S: Mixed Reality Experiences at an Unbeatable Price
Posted on September 26, 2024 6 minutes 1178 words
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At Capsule Sight, we are thrilled to bring you the latest developments in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR). Yesterday, at Meta’s Connect developer conference, a groundbreaking announcement was made that is set to make waves in the MR landscape: the unveiling of the Meta Quest 3S, Meta’s most affordable mixed reality headset to date.
The Big Reveal at Meta Connect 2024
Meta’s annual Connect conference has always been a hub for innovation and futuristic tech announcements. This year was no exception. On September 25, 2024, Meta introduced the Meta Quest 3S, a headset that offers the same mixed reality capabilities and fast performance as the Meta Quest 3 but at a more accessible price point. Starting at just $299.99 USD (€329.99 in Europe), the Quest 3S is designed for those new to mixed reality and immersive experiences or anyone looking to upgrade from the original Quest or Quest 2 without breaking the bank.
Meta Quest 3S Joins the Quest Family
When Meta released the Quest 3 last year, it wasn’t just a step up in terms of power; it was a leap into true mixed reality at a consumer-friendly price. The Quest 3 unlocked new genres of experiences, allowing users to blend virtual and physical worlds seamlessly with full-color Passthrough capabilities.
Throughout 2024, Meta has been enhancing the Quest ecosystem, making the Quest 3 even more capable. The Quest 3S benefits from these updates right out of the box:
- Rebuilt Meta Horizon OS: Optimized for spatial computing, offering better support for essential 2D apps like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Improved Spatial Audio and Passthrough: Enhanced contrast and color make for more realistic and immersive experiences.
- Travel Mode: Use your Quest while on the go, with plans to expand functionality to trains and even while lying down.
Meta also has big plans for future updates, including continued improvements to Meta AI on Quest and enabling the “Hey Meta” wake word for voice commands.
Something for Everyone
With the Quest 3S, Meta aims to cater to a broad audience. Whether you’re into gaming, fitness, entertainment, or creative endeavors, there’s something for you:
- Gaming: Access a vast library of thousands of apps and games, including upcoming exclusives like Batman: Arkham Shadow. Games that received Quest 3-specific performance updates will also work on the Quest 3S, providing upgraded visuals and faster load times.
- Fitness: Apps like Supernatural offer immersive workout experiences, with a new group workout mode launching today.
- Entertainment: Turn your headset into a personal cinema with apps like Prime Video, Twitch, YouTube, and Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta). Enjoy Netflix with HD in Browser in the new Theater View, enhanced by Dolby Atmos for immersive sound.
- Social and Creative Apps: Engage with communities in Horizon Worlds’ Music Valley, flex your creativity with tools like Painting VR and Gravity Sketch, or catch live performances from artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Doja Cat.
Technical Specifications
Performance
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 with 8GB RAM
- Graphics: 2x faster GPU processing power compared to Quest 2, providing crisper visuals and smoother performance
- Battery Life: Approximately 2.5 hours with a 4,324 mAh battery
Optics and Display
- Resolution: High-definition with 1832x1920 pixels per eye
- Field of View: 96° horizontal and 90° vertical
- Lens: Fresnel lens with 3-position interaxial adjustment distances (IAD)
- Display: Offers 4.5 times the resolution and color compared to Quest 2
Mixed Reality Features
- Dual RGB Camera: Enables full-color, high-fidelity Passthrough to blend virtual objects into your physical space
- Action Button: Easily switch between Passthrough mode and full immersion
- Hand and Body Tracking: Enhanced capabilities allow for more realistic interactions; you can use just your hands if you prefer
Design and Comfort
- Lightweight Design: Slim profile with adjustable straps for comfort during extended use
- Custom Fit: Comes with a spacer for glasses and supports custom prescription lenses via Zenni MR prescription lenses
- Controllers: Ergonomic Touch Plus controllers with TruTouch haptics for realistic sensations
Pricing and Availability
The Meta Quest 3S is available for pre-order now, with two storage options:
- 128 GB: $299.99 USD (€329.99)
- 256 GB: $439.99 USD (€439.99)
Note: Available storage is less than shown due to existing software. Meta Quest 3S will require certain updates to be installed from time to time, including prior to first use.
Included with Your Purchase
- Batman: Arkham Shadow: Receive this game with your purchase of either the 128 GB or 256 GB headset.
- Meta Quest+ Subscription: Enjoy a three-month trial, giving you access to a catalog of games and two curated titles each month.
- One-Year Limited Warranty: Every Meta Quest headset and in-box accessory comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Price Drop for Meta Quest 3
In addition to introducing the Quest 3S, Meta announced a significant price reduction for the 512 GB Meta Quest 3, dropping from $649.99 USD to just $499.99 USD. The Quest 3 remains the top choice for tech enthusiasts and gamers, offering four times the storage of the baseline Quest 3S and featuring a 4K+ Infinite Display with state-of-the-art pancake lenses and a wider field of view.
The Future of Mixed Reality is Accessible
The Meta Quest 3S represents a significant step toward making mixed reality more accessible to everyone. With its affordable price point and robust feature set, it lowers the barrier to entry for those curious about the immersive experiences that MR can offer.
Meta emphasizes that the Quest 3S is built on a foundation of trust, incorporating new features to protect your privacy and data. As mixed reality continues to evolve, devices like the Quest 3S will play a crucial role in bringing these experiences to a wider audience.
Final Thoughts
The Meta Quest 3S is more than just an affordable headset; it’s a gateway to new worlds and experiences. Whether you’re a newcomer to mixed reality or a seasoned enthusiast looking for a cost-effective upgrade, the Quest 3S offers an impressive array of features and content.
At Capsule Sight, we’re excited about what this means for the future of AR, VR, and MR. We believe that the Meta Quest 3S will help usher in a new era of accessibility and innovation in the mixed reality space.
Stay tuned for more updates, in-depth reviews, and guides on how to make the most of your mixed reality experiences with the Meta Quest 3S.
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Disclaimer: Prices and availability are subject to change. Please refer to the official Meta website for the most current information.
