Mark Zuckerberg has it all figured out: unlike the PS5 Pro, Meta’s next product will be much more affordable

JVTech News Mark Zuckerberg has it all figured out: unlike the PS5 Pro, Meta’s next product will be much more affordable

As the virtual reality market continues to evolve at a rapid pace, Meta is preparing to make a big splash with the launch of its next headset, the Quest 3S. By taking a more aggressive pricing approach than some of its competitors, Meta seems to be aiming to appeal to a wider audience by making its new product much more accessible.

The Quest 3S is expected to retail for between $300 and $400, a strategy that is clearly geared toward consumer accessibility. According to multiple sources, the affordable model would replace the Quest 2, while still carrying over some of the Quest 3’s innovations, including the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip and mixed reality capabilities with color switching. However, to keep costs down, the Quest 3S is expected to use Fresnel lenses and a single display similar to those of the Quest 2. This would allow Meta to offer a product that still performs well, but at a much more attractive price point than the high-end models on the market.

This pricing policy contrasts sharply with that adopted by some of Meta’s competitors. Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, seems to have understood that to democratize VR, it is necessary not only to offer quality products, but also affordable prices.

In addition to its price, the Quest 3S benefits from a thoughtful design that is based on recent leaks and information from various sources.

While Meta has yet to officially announce the headset, there are several clues that suggest its launch is imminent. The headset was spotted in the background of a video posted by Meta’s CTO Andrew Bosworth, and official renders have even been found in the Meta Quest Link app files. Additionally, Chinese manufacturers are already selling accessories for the Quest 3S, further supporting the idea that it’s coming soon.

The Quest 3S is expected to be unveiled at Meta Connect 2024, scheduled for September 25-26.

The specs known so far show a device that borrows some of the flagship elements of the Quest line, while focusing on the essentials to keep the price low. The use of Fresnel lenses and a single display, straight from the Quest 2, helps keep costs down without sacrificing too much quality of experience. On the other hand, the integration of the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, already present in the Quest 3, ensures solid performance, especially for VR gaming and mixed reality applications.

This combination of technology and smart concessions shows that Meta is targeting a broader audience, especially users who want to enter the world of VR without spending a fortune. Meta’s strategy also relies on the continuous improvement of its VR ecosystem. By launching the Quest 3S, the company hopes to build on the success of previous models while expanding its audience. Accessories and content dedicated to mixed and virtual reality are also expected to play a key role in the adoption of this new headset.