The highly-anticipated Meta Quest 3 VR headset has finally hit the market, and it’s already making waves as one of the most exciting XR headset releases of 2023. With a legacy of groundbreaking virtual reality technology, Meta’s latest offering promises to take fitness enthusiasts to new heights of immersive workouts.
Price and Storage Options
At launch, the Quest 2 was available starting at $399 for the base model with 128GB of storage, and a higher-storage variant at $499 with 256GB of storage. The base-storage Quest 3 is now available at $499, and we can expect a higher-storage variant priced at $599.
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Enhanced Camera Technology
One of the standout features of the Quest 3 is its camera system. The official specs page lists two RGB cameras with 18 PPD, but it’s likely that additional cameras are used for depth sensing and tracking. The most exciting aspect is the confirmation of color passthrough, offering a significantly improved visual experience compared to the monochrome passthrough of the Quest 2. This suggests a strong focus on mixed reality applications for the Quest 3.
Design Updates
The Quest 3 retains the familiar soft head strap from the Quest 2, but notable changes include a repositioned USB port and updated camera placement. There are now six cameras in total, with two on the sides for tracking and four positioned closer to the center of the headset in rounded-corner camera islands. Inside the center island lies a depth sensor, potentially enabling exciting mixed reality features.
Charging and Weight
New pins on the bottom of the Quest 3 hint at compatibility with the Quest Pro’s charging dock, promising faster and more convenient charging. Additionally, the Quest 3 is both thinner and lighter than its predecessor, weighing in at less than 500 grams, making it a more comfortable option for extended VR fitness sessions.
Impressive Display Specs
The Quest 3 boasts “infinite displays” with a resolution of 2064×2208 pixels per eye, offering a sharper and more immersive visual experience. The default refresh rate is 90Hz, with an experimental 120Hz feature for smoother motion. The field of view (FOV) is 110° horizontally and 96° vertically, and users can adjust the IPD (Inter Pupillary Distance) between 58mm and 71mm for enhanced comfort.
Advanced IPD Adjustment
The Quest 3 introduces a more intricate IPD adjustment method, featuring a wheel located on its bottom left side. While the specific IPD range hasn’t been officially confirmed, users can expect improvements over the Quest 2’s 58-68mm range, allowing for a better fit and more comfortable experience.
Next-Generation Controllers
The Quest 3 controllers resemble those of the Quest Pro, offering enhanced functionality and intelligence. Hand tracking is supported, as well as upper body tracking, allowing for recognition of micro gestures. This means a more sophisticated and immersive interaction experience.
Compact and Modern Controller Design
Notably, the Quest 3’s controllers have a more compact design without the large plastic rings found on the Quest 2 controllers, which contained LEDs. Despite these changes, the button layout and placement remain consistent. The Quest 3 controllers still use replaceable AA batteries, a cost-saving measure, but the headset itself has various advanced features to compensate.
In conclusion, the Meta Quest 3 is set to redefine fitness and immersive experiences with its advanced features, improved visuals, and enhanced tracking capabilities. As it becomes available to fitness enthusiasts and VR enthusiasts alike, it’s sure to be a game-changer in the world of virtual reality fitness.
In the coming days, we’ll be thoroughly testing the new Quest for VR fitness and putting our units through their paces, so stay tuned for our in-depth reviews and insights on how this groundbreaking headset transforms the world of fitness and immersive experiences.