Meta has announced that it will release the new Meta Quest 3 in the fall of 2023. It will be 40% slimmer than its predecessor Meta Quest 2, and use the new Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon chipset. The Meta Quest 3 will provide mixed-reality experiences and has improved video pass-through capabilities and it will be selling at $499.

I do not have any VR headset at this moment and based on my research Meta Quest 2 is the most popular VR headset in the market right now. The price is also very affordable for me and Meta has dropped its price to $299 from June 4, this year 2023.

Should I buy the Meta Quest 2 now or wait until Quest 3 is released in the market?

In order to come up with my decision, here are some concerns I wish to look at:

Meta Quest 2 vs Meta Quest 3

1) Specification

• The new Meta Quest 3 will be 40% slimmer than the existing Meta Quest 2 design. This will be easier to mount on my head, especially if I play games for long hours.
• The new headset will use Qualcomm’s next-generation Snapdragon XR2, likely to be an Adreno 730 GPU, with 2.4 teraflops of power. This implies that the processor can handle 2.4 trillion floating-point calculations every second, which signals a faster performance.
• The strap that comes with the Meta Quest 2 is not very comfortable. Many users suggest buying the Elite strap which will cost you an additional US$59.99 to increase balance and support.
• The 3 IPD (Inner Pupillary Distance) sensors for the Quest 2 are residing inside the Goggles, making it difficult to adjust according to the distance between your eyes, without taking the headset down. Meta has announced that the new Quest 3 will put them outside at the bottom of the headset, making it easier for users to make adjustments.
• Quest 3 will come with a new controller, using haptics technology called TruHaptics. This will enhance our interactions with the virtual world. It will be powered by 2xAA batteries.
• The new headset Quest 3 will use Pancake lenses, just like Quest Pro.
  This feature will deliver increased visual sharpness over the Quest 2’s lens design.
• The existing Quest 2 LCD display resolution is 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye. Its refresh rate is only 60Hz. Meta will upgrade the resolution by 30% (i.e. 2064 x 2208) for the new Quest 3, and increase the refresh rate to 120Hz. This will allow more images to display per second and show a smoother movement, resulting in a much better user experience.
• The FOV (field of view) of Meta Quest 2 is too narrow, only 89deg C which is not sufficient to cover all the vision.

2) Price

• Meta has announced that the price for Quest 3 will be priced at US$499 for the 128GB version. The price for other storage options is unknown, and whether there will be a 256GB option like Meta 2 is yet to confirm.
• With the announced improved features and performance, US$499 seems to be okay for most VR enthusiasts as compared with what Apple Vision Pro has priced (US$3,499, a huge price to pay).
• Meta has dropped the price for Meta Quest 2 to US$299 for the 128GB version. For the 256GB, it will be priced at US$349. This is within my budget for a new VR headset to start with, and I should be able to get one cheaper if I look for a used set.

3) Availability

• Quest 2 is currently available in many places. You can get it at Amazon online store from here -> Meta Quest 2
• For Quest 3, Meta will announce the availability date during their Connect Event on September 27th this year 2023. We do not know the actual release date of the product, either by the last quarter of this year or early next year 2024. For some countries in Asia, it may be later than in the USA and only available in mid-2024.
• The demand for Quest 3 is expected to be higher than the supply. Therefore, it could be a long wait for me to get one.

4) Support like games, software

• Quest 2 has a catalog of more than 500 VR games. This huge catalog allows many VR enthusiasts to play their favorite games like Beat Saber, The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, and others, at any time.
• Will Quest 3 is compatible with all these games? We shall wait for Meta to announce more detail during the Connect Event.
• Meta constantly provide software update to its hardware devices. The latest release note’s Build 55.0 is available from June 21, 2023. This v55 will enable higher clock speeds for the CPU and GPU for all Quest Pro and Quest 2 headsets. As a user, you will experience smoother gameplay and a more responsive user interface.

What Can I Do With The Meta VR Headset

1) Playing VR games

• I was fascinated by those games played on VR headsets. Game like “Until You Fall” allows you to face off against all sorts of enemies. I can imagine my youngest daughter Lovelene will love this game very much since she loves to watch all kinds of monsters.
• The Climb 2 is the ultimate rock-climbing game made exclusively for VR. It can be scary when you do the climbing and look down from the height. Seem very challenging and I am eager to try it on a VR headset.
• If you like military-simulation VR games, Onward is the one you should play. Personally, I like VR shooter games and those Realistic weaponry and combat mechanics will push my survival and combat skills to the limit.

2) Learn about VR technology

• With Apple announcing the Vision Pro in June 2023, I expect the interest and technology for the VR industry to change rapidly. I would like to start getting myself equipped with the latest development, especially the new mixed reality. The new Meta Quest 3 will provide the opportunity for me to experience the new MR technology.

3) Apps Development

• Meta has a Developer center to design, build, and launch your VR application. You can find the latest documentation, tools, and support and get the essential desktop companion tool that streamlines your Meta Quest development.

4) Others like Web browsing and Movie streaming

• You can browse the internet from the app in the universal menu. Here is the YouTube Video showing you how to access the internet using the Meta Quest VR headset.
• If you reside in the USA, you can watch movies from Peacock in VR on Meta Quest 2. Just subscribe to Peacock and it will give you access to your favorite shows like NFL football and 50 more always-on channels.

What Is The Future Trend Of VR

The future of VR technology is exciting, with potential trends that could revolutionize the way we interact with digital content and each other. Here are some potential trends for the future of VR:

1. Increased adoption in various industries: VR technology is already being used in industries such as healthcare, education, training, architecture, and tourism. As VR technology continues to mature, its applications will expand, and more businesses and industries will adopt it.
2. Mainstream adoption: With the rise of standalone VR headsets like the Meta Quest 2, more people are experiencing VR for the first time. As VR technology becomes more accessible, it’s likely that it will move from a niche market to a mainstream audience.
3. Improved hardware and software: Advances in hardware and software technology will result in VR headsets with better resolution, wider fields of view, and improved tracking and input systems. Additionally, there will likely be improvements in the software used to create VR experiences, allowing for more rich and immersive content.
4. Social interaction and collaboration: VR technology has the potential to bring people together in virtual environments for social interactions and collaborative work. Platforms like VR Chat and Mozilla Hubs are already enabling users to meet and interact with others in virtual spaces, and this trend is likely to continue.
5. Integration with other technologies: VR technology can be combined with other emerging technologies, such as augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI), to create even more immersive and engaging experiences.
6. Virtual tourism: As travel restrictions and concerns for the environment increase, VR technology can provide an alternative means of exploring the world. Virtual tourism could enable users to visit locations they may not otherwise have access to and provide a new way to experience travel. During COVID 19 period, the use of VR in virtual tourism can be seen in many parts of the world. This trend is likely to continue.
7. New applications: As VR technology evolves, new applications will emerge in areas such as entertainment, sports, and retail. For example, VR technology could enable fans to experience live events from the comfort of their homes or provide a new way to shop for products online.

In summary, the future of VR technology involves increased adoption in various industries, mainstream adoption, improved hardware and software, social interaction and collaboration, integration with other technologies, virtual tourism, and new applications that we have yet to imagine.

What Not To Do With A VR Headset

Using a VR headset can be an immersive and exciting experience, but there are some things you should avoid doing to ensure your safety and prevent damage to the equipment. Here are some things NOT to do with a VR headset:

1. Don’t use it for extended periods of time: Using a VR headset for long periods can cause eye strain, headaches, and nausea. Take regular breaks and limit your usage to recommended time limits.
2. Don’t use it while driving or operating heavy machinery: Using a VR headset while performing tasks that require your full attention, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, can be very dangerous and increase the risk of accidents.
3. Don’t use it in unfamiliar or hazardous environments: Using a VR headset in environments that are unfamiliar or hazardous, such as near stairs or a swimming pool, can increase the risk of injury or damage to the equipment.
4. Don’t share your headset with others: Sharing your VR headset can spread germs and bacteria, and other users may accidentally damage the device or change your settings.
5. Don’t ignore physical surroundings: VR headsets can immerse you in a virtual environment and make it easy to forget your physical surroundings. Be aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re in a public space, to avoid accidents.
6. Don’t expose it to extreme temperatures or moisture: Exposing your VR headset to extreme temperatures, humidity, or moisture can damage the equipment and reduce its lifespan.
7. Don’t modify the headset: Modifying the VR headset, such as opening it up or altering its components, can damage the equipment and void the warranty.

In summary, to ensure your safety and prolong the life of your VR headset, avoid using it for extended periods of time, don’t use it while driving or operating heavy machinery, don’t use it in unfamiliar or hazardous environments, don’t share it with others, be aware of your physical surroundings, don’t expose it to extreme temperatures or moisture, and don’t modify the headset.

My Conclusion

The Meta Quest 2 is a great VR headset that offers an affordable price point, a high-quality VR experience, and an excellent range of games and apps. By getting now, I can start exploring the world of VR and getting familiar with the technology.

When can I start ordering the Meta Quest 3 is still unknown and the features are not finalized. By the time the Quest 3 releases, I may have already gained significant experience with the Quest 2 and be in a better position to decide if the upgrade is necessary. Additionally, the higher price point of the Quest 3 makes me think twice about getting it.

Overall, purchasing the Quest 2 now is a great way to get started with VR while staying within my budget.

Click the below link to get the Meta Quest 2 today:

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