Oct 14, 2024 4:15:00 PM

Meta Quest 3S: Cheaper, is it nearly as good as the Quest 3?

Explore the new Meta Quest 3S, a more affordable VR headset alternative. Discover if the lower price affects its performance compared to the original Quest 3.

Is Meta Working on the Meta Quest 3S?

The VR market is buzzing with speculation about Meta's upcoming Meta Quest 3S headset, as leaks and rumours about its anticipated release continue to mount. Companies like Meta and Apple are known for keeping their upcoming products under wraps, which only fuels excitement and speculation among tech enthusiasts. The Meta Quest 3S has quickly become one of the most talked-about virtual reality headsets, especially with recent developments hinting at an imminent launch.

Earlier this year, The Verge reported on an internal Meta meeting where the company’s Vice President for VR discussed a new, more accessible headset that is expected to launch in 2024. This announcement generated significant interest, and many believe that the Meta Quest 3S will serve as an affordable alternative in the competitive world of mixed reality headsets.

In May, a slip on the Meta app store identified the Meta Quest 3S by name and suggested compatibility with a VR yoga app. This slip, along with tech enthusiasts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) sharing renders, design concepts, and other insights, suggests that Meta’s reveal of the new virtual reality headset is drawing closer.

A key leak surfaced in September when 91 Mobiles reported an FCC filing for the Meta Quest 3S. The filing confirmed some significant details, including the presence of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 6E, which will enhance performance and ensure fast, reliable connections for seamless VR experiences. These specs further support the belief that the Meta Quest 3S will offer advanced capabilities, possibly including mixed reality features, expanding the headset's versatility for both gaming and productivity.

Moreover, Meta's recent price drop on the Meta Quest 2 has led many to believe that the company is clearing inventory in preparation for the new headset. As the release date approaches, these changes point to the Quest 3S being a competitive, affordable standalone VR headset with something for every type of user.

Speculated Specifications and Enhancements

The Meta Quest 3S is expected to offer several exciting upgrades, making it a highly anticipated device in the VR market. Some rumoured Meta Quest 3S specs include:

Improved displays with higher pixel density, resulting in sharper visuals and clearer text for a more immersive experience.
Fresnel lenses that improve optics and offer a wider field of view (FoV) for a more expansive virtual world.
XR2 Gen chipset for faster performance, better eye resolution, and more power-efficient operation, enabling a smoother experience during both VR and mixed reality interactions.
Enhanced controllers that will likely offer improved tracking, comfort, and precision, essential for virtual reality gaming and productivity applications.
Standalone VR headset features, meaning the Quest 3S does not require a PC to function, making it portable and accessible for casual users.
An updated facial interface and head strap for added comfort during extended sessions, potentially alongside an optional Elite Strap for increased support and balance.
Audio improvements, likely through built-in speakers or compatibility with headphones, ensuring immersive sound quality while playing VR games or experiencing virtual environments.
Compatibility with the Meta Quest Store, which would offer access to a broad range of VR games, applications, and mixed reality experiences.
Higher refresh rate for smoother interactions in VR, along with potential ergonomic upgrades to reduce strain during long use.

What to Expect from the Meta Quest 3S

While many details remain unconfirmed, it's clear that the Meta Quest 3S is set to bring impressive upgrades to the table, including advanced optics, a more comfortable fit, and high-resolution displays. The new headset could become a go-to choice for those looking for an affordable but powerful VR solution.

With fresnel lenses, enhanced controllers, and faster connectivity, the Meta Quest 3S is poised to deliver an unmatched virtual reality experience for gaming, fitness, and productivity. However, some potential drawbacks may include price sensitivity, compatibility issues with older accessories, and the degree of mixed reality functionality when compared to more premium models.

The Future of VR with Meta Quest 3S

In conclusion, the Meta Quest 3S has the potential to revolutionise the virtual reality headset market by offering full specifications that will enhance user experience across gaming, entertainment, and work applications. The combination of affordability, improved optics, and powerful performance could make it a game-changer in the VR industry. As Meta prepares to reveal the Meta Quest 3S, we can expect to see a new era of virtual reality headsets that are both user-friendly and feature-rich, expanding the possibilities of what can be achieved in the world of mixed reality and beyond. Stay tuned for more news and updates as the release date nears, and the next chapter in VR technology begins.

Growing Anticipation for the Meta Quest 3S

Earlier this year, The Verge reported a leaked internal meeting at Meta, where the company’s Vice President for VR revealed plans for a new “accessible headset” set to launch in 2024. This announcement sparked significant excitement, with many speculating that the Meta Quest 3S will serve as an affordable option in the increasingly competitive VR landscape. This aligns with Meta’s strategy of offering standalone VR devices at different price points, ensuring broader accessibility without sacrificing performance.

In late May, a Meta app store leak offered further insight, hinting at the Meta Quest 3S being compatible with a VR yoga app. This, combined with renders and design concepts shared by tech enthusiasts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), suggests that the Meta Quest 3S reveal is fast approaching. As we await official details, it’s expected that the new headset will incorporate Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen hardware, delivering improved performance, along with headset and controller upgrades, and perhaps a more comfortable headstrap for long VR sessions. Additionally, microphone enhancements may lead to clearer communication during virtual meetings or gaming. As the launch date nears, the anticipation continues to build, with many eager to compare the Meta Quest 3S specs to those of its predecessors and competitors.

Key Leaks and Certification Details

In September, 91 Mobiles reported on an FCC filing that hinted at the technical capabilities of the Quest 3S. While the filing did not disclose the complete specifications, it confirmed features such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 6E, critical for seamless and fast connections during gaming and productivity tasks. These features indicate Meta’s focus on creating an immersive experience while retaining the affordability of the device. The potential addition of mixed reality features further solidifies the Quest 3S as a compelling option for both casual users and businesses.

Meanwhile, Meta’s recent price reduction of the Meta Quest 2 likely signals efforts to clear inventory ahead of the Quest 3S launch. For many VR enthusiasts, this move underscores Meta's commitment to innovation, paving the way for a cost-effective, high-resolution headset that could reshape expectations in the VR space.

Speculated Features and Enhancements

The Meta Quest 3S is expected to build on the strengths of its predecessor while addressing several areas of improvement. Key rumoured features include:

Meta Quest 3 compatibility with existing apps and games, ensuring continuity within the Meta ecosystem.
A Qualcomm XR2 Gen chipset for enhanced processing power, graphics, and support for mixed reality applications .
Resolution upgrades with sharper visuals and a wider field of view , ideal for immersive environments.
Camera improvements for augmented and mixed reality applications, as well as inside-out body tracking .
A redesigned head strap and optional Elite Strap for better comfort during extended sessions.
Support for accessories like the Meta Quest Link cable , enabling PC VR gaming.
Integration with the Meta Quest Store , ensuring access to many VR games and applications.

Speculation also points to potential extra storage models, addressing growing demands for storage space as games and applications increase in size. Meta may offer options with expanded storage capacity to accommodate large file sizes and additional apps, making the device suitable for power users and enterprises alike. Enhanced battery life could further improve its appeal as a versatile and standalone device.