Meta Quest Pro dead | ENBLE

Meta Quest Pro dead | ENBLE

Meta’s Quest Pro: A Short-Lived Journey in the VR/AR World

Image: Tracey Truly

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, had set its sights on the metaverse, but its journey into the virtual and augmented reality space seems to be slowing down significantly. A recent report from The Information reveals that Meta has a limited supply of material for VR/AR headsets and will only produce devices as long as it has the capacity¹. Unfortunately, this means that the Quest Pro, which was less than a year old, will be discontinued, dampening the hopes of a potential Quest Pro 2.

The Quest Pro, touted as the first of its kind, didn’t receive the warm reception Meta had anticipated. Reviewers considered it an expensive device, appealing only to early adopters². Despite Meta’s change in direction, with Apple’s announcement of the Apple Vision Pro, a VR headset that costs $3,500 and is set to launch in 2024, it remains to be seen if Apple can deliver on its promises³.

Critics have been quick to point out the flaws in the Meta Quest Pro. The device was criticized for its excessive weight, awkward fit, cheap materials, and underperforming software⁴. With a price tag of $1,500, many felt that it simply wasn’t worth the investment, resulting in Meta ultimately lowering the price to $1,000⁵.

It is unclear whether Meta plans to reintroduce the Meta Quest Pro after observing the reception of Apple’s Vision Pro. Notably, Meta had previously shifted its focus away from the metaverse in favor of artificial intelligence and more recently launched the Threads social media platform to compete with Twitter⁶. However, this doesn’t mean that Meta has given up on VR entirely. The Quest 3 is still slated for release later this year, indicating that the company still sees value in virtual reality⁷.

While high-end mixed-reality headsets may currently be off Meta’s radar, the company’s foray into the VR/AR world is far from over. Only time will tell what future products and innovations Meta will bring to the digital realm.

Image: Alan Truly

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and media, industry giants like Meta are constantly seeking to innovate and capture the market’s attention. The Quest Pro may have been a misstep, but it serves as a reminder that even the most prominent players can stumble on their journey.

References:

• Meta
• meta quest pro
• VR