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Meta held its Meta Connect conference yesterday, revealing many announcements. Here are the highlights that caught our attention.
Meta Quest 3S: Farewell to Quest 2 and Quest Pro
The first announcement, unsurprising due to leaks in recent weeks, is a new virtual and mixed reality headset. The Quest 3S is a “light” version of the Quest 3, offered at a lower price ($300, compared to $500 for the Quest 3), equipped with the same Snapdragon XR Gen 2 processor and 8GB of memory.
However, it only has 128GB of storage (which can be expanded to 256GB for an additional $100), and the display resolution is 1,832 x 1,920, compared to 2,064 x 2,208 for the Quest 3.
Another notable compromise: to keep costs down, Meta uses Fresnel lenses rather than the pancake lenses that made the Quest 3 much more compact and lighter than the Quest 2.
These limitations are understandable to maintain a lower price point. And that’s where the Quest 3S shines: an affordable price, making virtual/mixed reality accessible to a broader audience.
At the same time, say goodbye to the Quest 2 and Quest Pro, as these products are being discontinued. Pre-orders for the Quest 3S have already started, with an official launch scheduled for October 15.
Horizon OS: Moving Toward a Revamp
Meta also announced a revamp of Horizon OS, the operating system available on its headsets. This is good news, as the current user experience isn’t always optimal, particularly in terms of menu customization and app management.
Meta promises a more user-friendly interface, though we’ll have to see it to believe it. Furthermore, Meta is explicitly aiming to attract developers, emphasizing the technical tools that will be offered, including the ability to create Horizon OS versions of existing Android apps, and the Meta Spatial SDK, which will enable developers to build applications utilizing 3D and spatial management.
Hyperscape: The Rise of Gaussian Splats
Mark Zuckerberg also revealed a feature he calls Hyperscape, a way to share real-world spaces that can be explored through VR headsets.
In practice, based on the examples shown, the technology used is Gaussian splats, not photogrammetry. Meta assures users that they will be able to capture their own scenes using a smartphone.
A demo for Quest with a few examples is available, but only in the U.S. The mobile app to create scenes has not yet been launched.
This announcement seems significant, as it confirms the democratization of Gaussian splats technology.
A New Open Facial Interface
Lastly, a minor but noteworthy piece of information: Meta is launching a new facial interface accessory to replace the foam cushion that rests on the face.
Its unique feature is that it’s open on the sides, allowing light to pass through. While this is generally avoided in virtual reality, it makes sense in three contexts:
- Mixed reality, which blends virtual content with the real environment.
- Fitness apps and physically intense games, to prevent fogging. The protection is also removable and hand-washable.
- This open system may be better suited for VR beginners, as it reduces the feeling of confinement, potentially making VR/AR experiences less intimidating for the general public (e.g., in museums).
The only downsides are its price ($40) and its incompatibility with the Quest 3S (there is a breathable interface, but it is not open). Durability is also a concern, as the design seems less sturdy than the standard Quest 3 protection. Time will tell how it performs in practice.
