The Meta company has been working and investing in virtual reality (VR) viewers for several years. Initially acquiring Oculus and later internally designing its own headsets, Meta Quest, oriented towards mixed reality. The new viewer, Meta Quest 3 , presents improvements both from a software and hardware point of view, let’s see the features together.
Meta Quest 3 and Mixed Reality
Compared to Meta Quest 2 , released in 2020, the new version of the Meta headset presents improvements from both a software and hardware point of view. With Meta Quest 3 there is complete integration of Mixed Reality , a technology that the company had already begun to introduce in the previous viewer.
Mixed Reality
Before delving into the Meta Quest 3 product, let’s briefly clarify what Mixed Reality is . Mixed Reality
or Mixed Reality (MR) is a technology that merges the real world with the virtual one. This technology is called mixed because it contains digital elements of both Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). In other words, Mixed Reality allows you to use both technologies in the real world.
The pass – through and Mixed Reality
Quest 3 features two RGB cameras , one on each side of the viewer, which are equipped with 18 PPD (pixels-per-degree) and therefore offer 10 times higher resolution than that of Quest 2.
Furthermore, thanks to pass-through technology already present in previous models of Meta viewers, the spaces and depth around the user are mapped and projected accurately, allowing you to move freely in the space around you and at the same time interact with virtual and augmented reality.
Software improvements and news
In addition to mixed reality, Meta has made improvements to software and hardware aspects of the product. The main software improvements are:
- graphics resolution and loading times;
- 3D audio;
- direct touch.
Infinite 4K display and faster loading times
The Meta Quest 3 headset features two displays , one for each eye, with a resolution of 2064 x 2208 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz. Thanks to the optical stack of Meta’s Infinite Display, the graphics are of the latest generation . Furthermore, the field of view has been expanded to 104° horizontally and 96° vertically, which allows you to extend peripheral vision in virtual worlds.
The Quest 3 uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip , a processor optimized for virtual and augmented reality. This guarantees exceptional graphics, faster scene loading and more defined details . Thanks to this technology, the user will have the impression of being able to interact with virtual contents, whether it is a film, a game or a video game.
Even more immersive 3D audio
The new headset offers an incredible sound experience thanks to the speakers integrated with 3D spatial audio, a technology that Meta has already experimented with its previous headsets Quest 2 and Quest Pro. Compared to these models, the sound of the Quest 3 is more powerful and rich, with a 40% increase in quality and bass. Thus, the user can feel an integral part of virtual reality, whether it is a movie or a game.
Direct Touch
The direct touch functionality allows the user to use their hands instead of using the touch controller. The 2 RGB cameras and 4 IR cameras allow tracking of the hands , their orientation and the positions of the fingers. Simply use hand gestures to tap, scroll, navigate and play.
Hardware improvements and new features
The hardware part has also been slightly improved:
- customizable head strap . The strap is soft and adjustable for every head size. Furthermore, the upper central band now features a Y shape, which allows for a more secure and comfortable fit;
- Touch Plus controller for realistic experiences. Unlike Quest 2, the new Meta headset does not have rings on the controller, allowing for more natural movements. Furthermore, with TruTouch technology, tactile feedback is given, immersing the user in the game;
- Pancake optics : the choice of pancake optics allows the profile of the viewer to be reduced by 40%, making it thinner and lighter. Furthermore, Quest 3 introduces a side wheel to adjust the distance between the lenses, improving the experience of using the device.
Meta Quest 2 or Meta Quest 3?
Both Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3 are designed for the general public , used for example for gaming and everyday life. Quest 3 features improvements in terms of graphics, a new generation processor and is faster at loading content, plus it has a lighter design.
The Mixed Reality present in Quest 2 is more limited as the pass-through offers images in black and white and at a lower quality, however in Quest 3 this aspect is improved, the pass-through and the depth sensor combine to perfectly represent the space around the user.
Quest 3 is already available online and has a higher price than Quest 2. All the hardware and software improvements have made Quest 3 a little more expensive than Quest 2. In fact, the new headset starts at a cost of €549.99, while Meta Quest 2 starts at €349.99.
Video presentation Meta Quest 3
To learn more about the Quest 3 headset, watch Meta’s presentation video:Play
Application development for Meta Quest: who to contact?
Airlapp is a company that deals with Augmented Reality , Virtual Reality , Mixed Reality and other similar technologies, made up of a team of professionals who have been operating in the sector for many years and able to offer a range of cross-skills suitable to guarantee the maximum quality standards for each solution created.
If you are looking for a company that develops Meta headsets, get in touch with Airlapp and find out how to realize your project!
