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 doubtless give attention to the corporate’s AI efforts, at the very least two units 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 attempting out the Meta Quest 3 and the latest $25-a-month deal wasn’t enough, excellent news is coming: a extra reasonably priced, 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 price. The outside is getting a slight retool, with a triangle-shaped collection of “spider-eye” lenses.
The 3S will value $299.99 for the 128GB base mannequin, with completely different bundles obtainable. 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 system solely widens that hole. The bottom 3S is at the very least $200 off the worth of the Quest 3.
Leaked photos present it is likely to be a little 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 possibility in case you’re seeking to make the AR/VR leap.
Meta’s different large {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 yr’s Join convention appears to be for Meta to indicate off new Meta AI software program that may energy the present Ray-Bans, introduce just a few new colour choices and kinds for the Ray-Bans, and showcase a prototype of its eventual AR glasses, internally often known as “Orion.”
Meta Connect 2024 will happen September 25-26.