Meta’s annual Join convention is nearly right here, and in case you’re eager about new {hardware}, you are in luck.
Whereas a big portion of the convention will seemingly give attention to the corporate’s AI efforts, not less than two gadgets ought to debut: a brand new Quest headset and new good glasses.
Additionally: Why Meta’s Ray-Ban Smart Glasses are my favorite tech purchase this year
First up, in case you’ve been on the fence about making an attempt out the Meta Quest 3 and the latest $25-a-month deal wasn’t enough, excellent news is coming: a extra inexpensive, slimmed-down model of the Quest 3 is on the best way.
The Quest 3S will reportedly run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, the identical one which runs the Quest 3. It’ll have a pair of fast-switch LCD screens with 1832 x 1920 decision and a 120Hz refresh charge. The outside is getting a slight retool, with a triangle-shaped collection of “spider-eye” lenses.
The 3S will price $299.99 for the 128GB base mannequin, with totally different bundles out there. A since-deleted Amazon web page confirmed a starter bundle, a streamer bundle, a consolation bundle, and a rechargable bundle. Meta’s largest benefit over Apple’s Vision Pro up to now is the price difference, and this new machine solely widens that hole. The bottom 3S is not less than $200 off the worth of the Quest 3.
Leaked photos present it is likely to be a bit bulkier than the Quest 3, and the lenses on the 3S is likely to be nearer to what was on the Quest 2, however it seems to be a strong center floor between the three and the two, and a really attractive choice in case you’re trying to make the AR/VR leap.
Meta’s different huge {hardware} announcement will reportedly be a preview of its in-development augmented actuality (AR) good glasses. Glasses aren’t new territory for Meta, because it has partnered with Ray-Ban to produce smart glasses — however these aren’t AR.
Additionally: Meta Quest 3 review: The VR headset most people should buy in 2024
The plan for this 12 months’s Join convention appears to be for Meta to indicate off new Meta AI software program that may energy the present Ray-Bans, introduce a number of new coloration choices and types for the Ray-Bans, and showcase a prototype of its eventual AR glasses, internally often called “Orion.”
Meta Connect 2024 will happen September 25-26.
