Previewing Meta Quest 3 Unveils Prominent Augmentations in Mixed Reality
An exclusive hands-on preview of the Meta Quest 3 showcases enhanced mixed reality capabilities, an automated guardian system, and refined color passthrough.
Renowned for his unrivaled insight into Apple’s products, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg had the privilege of experiencing a prototype of Meta’s Quest 3 before its official release later this year.
Undoubtedly, Meta provided this early access as a gentle reminder to Apple enthusiasts that it reigns supreme as the leader in XR headsets. With an extensive library of games and apps available for owners of Quest 2, Quest Pro, and the upcoming Quest 3, Meta holds a substantial advantage over Apple.
Augmented Reality Advancements in Quest 3
Gurman emphasized the immense strides made in mixed reality as the most notable feature of Quest 3. The forthcoming VR headset is rumored to incorporate three elliptical sensors, two color passthrough cameras on the left and right sides, and a central depth sensor.
In the previous Quest 2 model, monochromatic tracking cameras were repurposed to offer a grayscale mixed reality perspective. Although this clever use of existing technology was commendable in 2020, expectations have soared for this year.
Quest Pro introduced an upgraded hybrid passthrough that merges a stereo grayscale view with a single color camera. The results are satisfactory, occasionally revealing monochrome edges on hands and nearby objects.
Apple’s XR headset is anticipated to boast an astonishingly realistic mixed-reality mode. While Gurman was impressed by Meta’s improvements, he stopped short of being awe-struck, stating, Although I don’t believe the Quest 3’s video pass-through performance will come close to that of the Apple device (which will be equipped with approximately twelve cameras), it represents a night-and-day improvement over the Quest 2.
He proceeded to provide a more detailed account of the mixed reality experience, noting, Thanks to the dual RGB color cameras, the Quest 3’s video pass-through offered more accurate colors and an almost lifelike rendition of the real world. I could even use my phone while wearing the headset, a feat that often feels implausible with a Quest 2.
Undoubtedly, this marks a significant upgrade, surpassing the color passthrough of the Quest Pro.
Depth Sensor in Quest 3
Gurman reveals that the Quest 3 features a depth sensor. Project Cambria (the Quest Pro) was originally designed to incorporate this element, but it was abandoned before production.
A depth sensor enables the VR headset to calculate the distance to objects and generate a three-dimensional map of the play area. Consequently, setting up becomes swift and effortless, even if you relocate.
With room mapping, there is immense potential for mixed-reality games and apps that enable you to interact with your surroundings. Imagine bouncing balls off your walls or table, placing virtual furniture and decor in your physical space, or seeking cover behind a cabinet during an XR shootout.
Further Details on Quest 3
Thus far, Gurman’s depiction of the Quest 3 closely aligns with the CAD renders leaked by Brad Lynch in 2022, which also provided incredibly accurate insights into the Quest Pro. Meta managed to identify the source of those leaks in February, significantly reducing the unauthorized disclosure of information regarding Meta’s future endeavors.
Gurman also divulged several additional upgrades. The controllers of the Quest 3 may bear resemblance to those of the Quest Pro, albeit in a gray hue.
The Quest 3 is purportedly slimmer and lighter. While its price remains undisclosed, it is expected to be a fraction of the cost of Apple’s headset, falling within the range of $400 to $600. Gurman anticipates the Quest 3 to launch in October 2023.
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