Source: Metaverse Metaverse
Image source: Generated by Wujie AI
As I walked around the living room, I was capturing little aliens jumping out of the sofa. Like, from behind. And through the wall. The bullets I fired pierced through parts of my home, revealing exotic landscapes in the distance. A small universe spaceship landed on my carpet. Meanwhile, my wife was reading, unaware that she was under attack by aliens.
This could also be your home: Meta Quest 3 headset blends virtual reality and camera video of your daily life, creating mixed reality. This is a trick that many headsets will adopt soon, including Apple's Vision Pro. But Apple's headset is priced at $3,499, while Meta Quest 3 is only $500.
Over the years, I have used many VR headsets, and so far, in my brief time with Quest 3, it is the best VR device I have tried in this price range.
But for you, the situation may be different.
Progressive upgrades are difficult: Are you sticking with your current device, or are you willing to upgrade to a new one? Once, the world of VR headsets felt strange and novel, but now many families I know have Quest 2. Meta has found a way to turn VR into something like a Nintendo Switch game console. Mission accomplished.
Since 2020, Quest 2 has been our favorite and most affordable VR headset.
Quest 3 has improved in many ways: clearer images, wider display, higher resolution, clearer lenses, smaller controllers, better haptic feedback, and it also has mixed reality capabilities.
But for now, its software is not that different, except for a few applications and games.
My intuition is: using Quest 2 is enough for now, but by the middle of next year, Quest 3 may become more interesting. How interesting it will be depends on how many applications and games Meta can release, and how far VR technology can develop.
Mixed Reality: Explosive Growth of Cameras
If you have Quest 2, you can already use its low-quality black and white cameras for some mixed reality: set game boundaries around your room, or map a VR table onto your real table.
Quest 3 has better color cameras and depth sensors similar to the LiDAR sensors in iPhone and iPad. It can scan the room and detect walls, ceilings, and furniture, and map the size of the entire space (or multiple spaces) with a layered grid to use as a game area, and then layer VR graphics on top of what the camera sees.
The effect is different, the color cameras are better than those on Quest 2 and even on the more expensive Quest Pro from Meta (which is now irrelevant except for eye tracking). But they are not as good as what I saw in the Apple Vision Pro headset demo earlier this year.
They are good enough to see what's around you, and you can even squint to read content on your phone or watch.
Quest 3 is the first VR headset equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, which upgrades the graphics card, adds better camera support for mixed reality, and overall improves performance. This is a promising hardware, although it is difficult to say how good it is right now.
The mixed reality effect of layered graphics is convincing, but it is far from perfect. Virtual objects can run "behind" recognized objects and furniture, but sometimes they overlap strangely. You also need a lot of space (and clean walls) to make the mixed reality effect look completely convincing. I had to accept zombies moving on the sofa, TV, and bookshelf.
Quest 3's front cameras/sensors are iconic, and there are also two cameras in the lower corner.
That means you can scan any size space as a play area, and then simply set up mixed reality to browse through cluttered areas, just like I did in the living room.
I'm not worried about accidents, because I can see everything better through the headset.
However, what is its purpose? Oh, that's the question. Currently, there are some interesting but somewhat fancy games that use mixed reality mode, making objects in the game look like they are basically in your room. There are also some creative applications, some of which are still optimized for the lower mixed reality capabilities of Quest Pro, to showcase creative works or for design in your own space.
For example, virtual reality painting can be done on a virtual easel, or applications like Figmin XR allow you to draw in the air. Tribe is a DJ application where you can still see the surrounding environment. The clever PianoVision allows you to learn piano by tapping on the table. Some of these applications can only be operated through hand tracking, which still works but may sometimes have some glitches, or use Quest controllers.
Apple is fully transitioning to the fully mixed reality Vision Pro platform, which has a consistent interface based on eye and hand tracking. Meta is in between virtual reality and hand interaction systems—Quest 3 does not have eye tracking.
Without wearing it, you can't see how good the display is, but the new lenses of Quest 3 are part of why it looks so good
Display: Clear and Bright
The visual effects of Quest 3 may not be amazing, but they are undoubtedly a welcome improvement. The improved resolution of 2,064x2,208 pixels per eye is better than that of Quest 2, PlayStation VR 2, and Quest Pro. They are LCD displays, but they are vivid and clear enough to easily read text and details.
It doesn't have the jaw-dropping "retina" resolution like Apple's Micro-OLED Vision Pro, but it is better than any other mainstream VR headset.
Meta's new, more compact pancake lenses have done something. They are very clear, and the field of view is larger, making it feel less like looking through portholes. This is great for mixed reality. It is also much better for using the headset to use floating virtual displays from the computer (Quest has been able to do this for years). The 90Hz base refresh rate can be increased to 120Hz, which is quite standard for existing VR hardware.
So far, I have found these displays more suitable for gaming and reading text, but not so much for watching movies. Undoubtedly, videos look better, and when watching shows and movies in VR, I prefer Quest 3 over almost any other mid-range VR headset. Immersive 3D movie videos, such as Felix and Paul's Space Explorers: International Space Station Experience (shot in space) or David Attenborough's First Life VR video, look very good.
It's just that for 2D movies, it is still not a "better than a large HDR TV" solution for me. For me, the only VR display that can rival a "movie-quality TV" is Varjo's XR-3 and Apple's Vision Pro demo—only these are devices worth thousands of dollars.
Audio hasn't changed: it still comes out through the speaker holes on the headband, and it sounds good (there's also a headset jack). But when my family and I play VR games in the same room, they can hear my VR game.
Fit and Design: Still Glasses-Friendly
The Quest 3 headset is more compact than the Quest 2, but not as compact as you might imagine. Together, they look a bit similar. They feel similar in weight and both have elastic headbands.
However, the Quest 3 does have advantages. It now has a knob to adjust the interpupillary distance, providing more flexible customization than the Quest 2. It also comes with a black plastic faceplate that can be pulled in and out to adjust the depth for glasses. I like this (it fits my thick-framed glasses, but wide-framed glasses might have issues), but it still feels a bit tight. And pulling out the plastic sides feels a bit awkward and can be difficult at times. Additionally, Zenni offers optional prescription lens inserts for the Quest 3.
The included elastic headband is just right. I've tried Meta's Elite Strap ($70), which fits me better. But the feeling of detaching and attaching the headband is still as awkward as with the Quest 2. Snapping the plastic strap off the arms makes me worry about breaking something, and detaching the black faceplate is also worrisome—I wish it was more seamless and elegant, like attaching a smartwatch band.
Controllers: Same as Quest 2, but Better
The Quest 3 comes with all-new controllers, called Touch Plus controllers. Compared to the Quest 2 controllers, the Touch Plus controllers do away with the plastic ring, making them more portable (and possibly less prone to damage when hitting furniture). However, their grip, button layout, and thumb rest area remain consistent. My 15-year-old will miss his "Beat Saber grip," but he still likes the new feel.
The controllers still use AA batteries (the duration on a single battery use is yet to be determined, but the Quest 2 controllers last a long time). Alternatively, you can opt for special non-contact rechargeable batteries with a charging dock ($130 sold separately). The battery compartment has contact pins inside, providing the possibility for third-party accessories with the same functionality.
Most importantly, the haptic feedback has been improved—the vibration feedback on the Quest 2 controllers was not great.
The feel of the Quest 3 is more nuanced, allowing for better tapping and rumbling, with a more delicate feel. While not as good as the performance of the PlayStation VR 2 controllers, it has made significant progress.
PC Optional, but You Need a Phone
Like other Quest headsets, the Quest 3 is also compatible with PC. This gives it a huge added value, but Meta is clearly transitioning from PC reliance to its standalone software. Apps for mixed reality and other graphical advantages need to come from Meta's own app store.
I will eventually talk more about how it works on PC, but I will limit this review to standalone use. You don't need a PC or game console at all to use the Quest 3, but you do need to pair the headset with a mobile app first. The app is used for managing settings and can stream games locally to parents or friends to see what the person using the headset sees.
By the way, you can capture mixed reality game footage in the mobile app, which is what I did in the review video, a great way to share fun moments with friends.
Accessories and Upgrades: More Storage, Charging Dock, and Straps, but What You Really Need is a Box
The Quest 3 starts at $500 and comes with controllers and a USB-C charging cable. From there, you can spend on upgrades. The base Quest 3 has 128GB of non-upgradable storage, which is enough for most people (so far, VR app download sizes range from a few hundred megabytes to 15GB).
Upgraded versions of Quest apps with better graphics may increase download sizes over time: for hardcore VR users planning to buy a lot of apps, the 512GB storage option might be the best choice at $650. You can delete and re-download apps as needed, just like I do.
Meta's Quest 3 carrying case ($70) is also expensive, but it does a good job of holding the headset, controllers, and charging cable.
I also tested some expensive add-ons: Meta's Elite Strap for $70 tightens and provides an adjustable plastic headband, similar to what the Quest 2 offers. It's good, but the Quest 2 one I tried broke, so I hope this one holds up better.
The $130 charging dock made by Meta utilizes magnetic pins on the bottom of the Quest 3 and provides non-contact charging for the controllers. It's easy to slot in and charge, and I prefer this dock over the one that comes with the Quest Pro.
The Elite Strap ($70) has a rigid plastic strap and rear pad, making it more comfortable for long training sessions.
But what you really need is a good protective case to shield your VR device from dust and sunlight hitting the lenses.
Meta's $70 Large Box option is expensive, but it has enough space inside and does a good job of holding the controllers, and even includes a space for the charging cable.
One of the most unique features of the Quest 3, called "enhanced" mixed reality components, won't be available until next year.
Software: Familiar Quest Apps, with Some Upgrades
My biggest concern with the Quest 3 is how many apps will support its unique features. For most people with the Quest 2, there's no immediate need to upgrade.
The Quest 3 supports all Quest 2 software and runs the same operating system, but so far, I haven't tried too many games optimized for the Quest 3.
I used to love the Sega rhythm game "Samba de Amigo," which performs decently on the Quest 3, but it does add mixed reality elements, integrating the real world into some bonus levels (the floor is filled with lava, and a giant monkey tears the roof off my office). "Red Matter 2" further enhances its graphics, looking just as good as PlayStation VR 2 games.
But highly anticipated titles like "Assassin's Creed: Nixias," "Asgard's Wrath 2" (included with the Quest 3 purchase), and "Stranger Things VR" have yet to be released. And top-tier apps like "Beat Saber" are currently strangely lacking upgrades for the Quest 3.
Additionally, Meta has not made further progress in addressing the challenges of productivity and app connectivity in VR.
Office 365 can run on the Quest, and Xbox cloud gaming is available for 2D games. But Meta's Horizon Worlds, a social platform for everyone, feels messy and doesn't even get prominent placement in the pre-installed apps on the Quest.
The future is still uncertain, but the Quest 3 may be the most affordable ticket to the future
```
In many ways, the Quest 3 feels like a soft launch, or more of an upgrade to a phone or tablet than a "brand-new gaming console." More apps are sure to get upgrades for the Quest 3, and it may develop entirely new features:
Meta has indicated that next year, the device will come with built-in artificial intelligence, and perhaps even better hand tracking capabilities.
Over time, Meta has made significant improvements to the Quest and Quest 2 through experimental software features, and I expect the same for the Quest 3.
The coming year is full of potential for significant changes. Apple's Vision Pro aims to reshape mixed reality computing, although its price is likely out of reach for most. Anticipated mixed reality hardware from Samsung and Google could also drive cutting-edge technology and add support for Google Play software.
Will Meta be at the forefront of future changes? Or has it provided you with a perfect gaming console and a range of useful additional features, such as fitness and work applications? The Quest 3 may be the most affordable mixed reality device for a long time, making it an excellent choice for the curious.
But as the next generation gaming console for families, the Quest 3 has yet to prove itself with enough killer new software, despite its improved display and graphics making it my new top choice.
The Quest 3 may not change your view of VR, but it is certainly a better VR headset.
免责声明：本文章仅代表作者个人观点，不代表本平台的立场和观点。本文章仅供信息分享，不构成对任何人的任何投资建议。用户与作者之间的任何争议，与本平台无关。如网页中刊载的文章或图片涉及侵权，请提供相关的权利证明和身份证明发送邮件到support@aicoin.com，本平台相关工作人员将会进行核查。
