Meta reveals AI personalities, Meta Quest 3, and smart glasses.
Meta reveals AI personalities, Meta Quest 3, and smart glasses.
Meta Unveils Quest 3: A Leap in Mixed Reality Headsets
Meta (formerly Facebook) recently held its highly-anticipated product showcase for 2023, and the star of the event was their new headset, the Meta Quest 3. This groundbreaking device aims to be the first mainstream mixed reality headset and boasts a range of exciting features that outshine its predecessor, the Quest 2.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Quest 3 is its external cameras, which enable full color passthrough. This means that users can seamlessly blend augmented reality elements into their surroundings, creating a truly immersive experience. But that’s not all – the Quest 3 also runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, making it the first consumer device to do so. According to Meta, this chip delivers double the performance of the Quest 2, resulting in higher resolution visuals and a larger depth of field. The screen and lenses have also undergone significant upgrades, further enhancing the overall visual experience.
In addition to its technical advancements, Meta has also made some design improvements to the Quest 3. The new controllers have done away with the strange tracking rings and now employ new sensors for tracking. This not only improves accuracy but also enhances the overall comfort and usability of the device.
While the showcased games and experiences were somewhat underwhelming, Meta did make an exciting announcement for gaming enthusiasts. In December, Xbox Cloud gaming will be coming to the Quest 3, allowing users to enjoy a broader range of games without the need for a TV or monitor. This expansion into non-VR gaming is bound to appeal to a wider audience and further solidify Meta’s position as a leader in the industry.
But the Quest 3 wasn’t the only highlight of the event. Meta also unveiled their next-generation Ray-Ban smart glasses. These glasses offer major upgrades compared to their predecessors, the Ray-Ban Stories. With a 12-megapixel camera capable of recording 1080p 60 fps video, the Meta smart glasses meet the minimum standards expected in 2023. They also introduce a second frame called the Headliner, alongside the iconic Wayfarers. The glasses now come in a range of stylish semi-transparent colors and offer the option to add polarized lenses or prescription glass. Furthermore, users can now livestream footage while tethered to their phones, providing a new level of flexibility and convenience.
In a surprising move, former Microsoft executive Panos Panay was revealed as the new head of Amazon’s Devices and Services division. Panay, who oversaw the Surface devices and Windows 11 development at Microsoft, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. This appointment has sparked speculation about the future of Amazon’s hardware offerings, particularly in relation to the Alexa and Echo teams.
Meanwhile, Logitech has teamed up with Playseat to introduce a foldable racing cockpit chair. Priced at $299, the Playseat Challenge X provides a convenient and comfortable solution for racing simulation enthusiasts. Compatible with Logitech’s G wheels and driving force shifters, this innovative chair can be easily folded up and stowed away when not in use.
Lastly, Disney+ has announced its plans to crack down on password sharing, starting with their Canadian users. To prevent unauthorized account sharing, Disney+ will soon restrict access to accounts outside of the primary personal residence unless additional fees are paid. This move aims to address the issue of password sharing while ensuring that customers adhere to the terms and conditions of their subscription.
Overall, Meta’s product showcase for 2023 unveiled some exciting developments in the world of technology and entertainment. With the Quest 3 pushing the boundaries of mixed reality, next-generation smart glasses from Ray-Ban, and notable industry appointments, it’s clear that the future holds even more innovative and immersive experiences for consumers. As technology continues to evolve, it’s an exciting time to be a consumer in this rapidly advancing digital landscape. Let the adventures begin!
