Quest 3 by Meta is the world’s first mass-market mixed reality headset, offering breakthrough features like improved visual resolution, enhanced audio, and advanced mixed reality capabilities. It aims to deliver immersive experiences with its powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 platform and 4K+ Infinite Display.
For those exploring alternatives to Quest 3, options include Quest 2, Quest Pro, Oculus, Meta, PCVR, Rift S, Vive Pro 2, Pico 4, Pico 4 Pro, Pico 4 Enterprise, and PSVR 2.
Quest 3
Allow us to introduce you to the Meta Quest 3, the world’s first mass-market mixed reality headset. Featuring a 30% leap in visual resolution and a powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, it places us solidly in the next evolution of VR.
Quest 3 Top Features
30% increase in visual resolution compared to Quest 2 and a higher-quality infinite display, providing crisp, immersive experiences
Improved audio quality with a 40% louder sound range, providing a more immersive VR environment.
Enhanced design for ultimate comfort and customization, packing groundbreaking technology into a streamlined, lightweight shell
Advanced mixed reality capabilities, perfect for augmented reality applications like board games and fitness training, or interactive experiences with virtual overlays.
Compatibility covers all previous Quest 2 titles, ensuring you don’t miss your favorites while more updated and new titles are on the way.
Feature
Details
Powered by Qualcomm
Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset brings double the graphic processing power of Quest 2.
Redesigned Controllers
Updated controllers provide improved interactivity and feedback
Improved Cameras
Upgraded pass-through cameras and new depth sensor for superior spatial mapping and automatic collision prevention.
Quest 3 Limitations
Higher resolution and louder audio may consume more power, potentially lowering the device’s up-time.
The new slim, smaller design may not be suitable for everyone‘s comfort.
While the device is more accessible, its revolutionary technology and enhanced capabilities may come with a learning curve.
Quest 3 Pricing
The Quest 3 comes in two models: 128GB priced at $499.99 and 512GB at $649.99. Pre-orders are now open for its official launch on October 10, 2023. Early buyers are rewarded with a free copy of Asgard’s Wrath 2, and 512-GB buyers are given a six-month subscription for Meta Quest Plus.
Quest 3 Use Cases
Gaming
With substantial advancements in visual resolution, audio range, and mixed reality technology, Quest 3 elevates gaming to unparalleled levels. Its augmented reality application, superb for replaying board games like Demeo, ensures a more captivating gaming experience.
Fitness Training
The high-quality virtual environment provided by the Quest 3 is excellent for fitness training. It delivers interactive and personal experiences with applications like Xponential+, making exercises far more engaging.
Immersive Experiences
Local variant multiplayer games or sports-viewing with Xtadium highlight the interactive experiences of the Quest 3. Its spatial awareness allows for interactive experiences where virtual elements overlay the physical environment, creating a truly unforgettable mixed reality experience.
Quest 2
Unveiled by Reality Labs, a division of Meta Platforms, Quest 2 is a transformative shift in VR technology that truly augments reality. Rebranded from Oculus Quest 2 to Meta Quest 2 in 2022, this revolutionary headset is a bridge into virtual landscapes.
The Best of Quest 2
High Resolution: An RGB LCD display with an astonishing 1832 x 1920 per eye resolution.
Processor: Powered by Qualcomm’s cutting-edge Snapdragon XR2 that caters to intensive VR tasks.
Storage: Options between 128GB to 256GB of storage to house ample VR experiences.
Refresh Rates: The ability to switch between 72HZ to 120HZ, thus offering smooth frame transitions.
Hand Tracking: Integrated with highly responsive controllers that support hand tracking.
Wirelessly Autonomous or PC-Compatible VR: Choose to venture solo with Quest 2’s stand-alone, Android-based OS, or step into PC-compatible VR landscapes.
Feature
Benefits
Built-in Speakers
Immerse yourself deeper into VR experiences with two built-in speakers. 3.5mm headphone jack also available for private listening.
Quest Store
A conduit into dozens of VR games and experiences, with Meta account integration for ages 10+ on Quest 2 and 3.
Connectivity
USB-C, Bluetooth 5, and Wi-Fi 6 offers seamless connections to your devices.
Quest 2 Downsides
Battery Life: Quest 2’s battery life has room for improvements. It lasts between 2-3 hours between charges.
Storage Limit: Despite its impressive storage capacity, there’s no option for expansion beyond the provided 128GB and 256GB.
Quest 2 Pricing
Meta Quest 2 redefines affordability with two choice models: $299 for 128GB, increasing to $399 for the 256GB variant. Note: The 64GB offering has been discontinued.
Quest 2 Use Cases
Use Case 1: Gaming
With an expansive and immersive resolution, coupled with hand-tracking-enabled controllers, Quest 2 ensures a captivating gaming experience.
Use Case 2: Educational Purposes
Quest 2’s combination of high-resolution display and vivid refresh rates transforms learning into a truly immersive experience.
Use Case 3: Professional Training
The Quest 2, with its impressive built-in speakers and breadth of applications in the Quest Store, proves to be a powerful tool for professional training simulations.
Pico 4 Pro
In the bold and buzzing backdrop of VR hardware, we present to you the Pico 4 Pro—a standalone VR headset tailored to compete with Quest 2’s offerings. Recipient of glowing reviews, Pico 4 Pro marks the first consumer VR foray of ByteDance’s acquisition, Pico Legacy.
Pico 4 Pro Best Features
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 processor: Pico 4 Pro outstrips Quest 2 with a whooping 8GB of RAM.
Compact design: Pancake optics reduce bulk while the 2,160 × 2,160 per-eye resolution offers sharp visuals that supersede buyers’ expectations.
Rear-mounted battery: Allows for a slim and balanced design with a curved battery at the back.
Eye and face-tracking: A feature that offers an immersive and compelling VR experience.
Expected battery life around two hours with plug-in use available.
Backward Compatibility
Compatible with applications from Pico 3 and Pico 3 Pro.
Pico 4 Pro Disadvantages
Limited mixed or augmented reality uses due to lack of explicit design for such functionalities.
Absence of immediate hand-tracking features.
While Pico 4 Pro offers compatibility with Quest 2 software, it has limited number of Quest 3-optimized titles.
Pico 4 Pro Pricing
The Pico 4 Pro begins at €430 for the 128GB model, and for a higher storage option of 256GB, buyers would have to shell out €500. This fiercely competitive pricing undercuts Meta’s Quest 2 in the marketplace.
Pico 4 Pro Use Cases
E-Commerce
With its standalone VR capabilities, Pico 4 Pro enables e-commerce businesses to provide high-resolution, immersive product previews.
Education
Higher educational institutions can leverage Pico 4 Pro’s eye and face-tracking features to create engaging, immersive learning content.
Marketing
Pico 4 Pro’s best-in-class visuals can be harnessed by marketers to deliver stunning promotional content for an engaging brand experience.
Pico 4 Enterprise
Introducing the Pico 4 Enterprise, the latest VR headset specifically tailored for business and enterprise use. Launched by Pico, a trailblazer in VR hardware since 2016, this device is designed to provide a seamless, high-quality, and comfortable VR experience.
Pico 4 Enterprise Top Features
4K Display: Employs a 4K+ display with a resolution of 2160 x 2160 per eye and a refresh rate of 90Hz for high visual fidelity.
Smooth VR Experience: Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2, it ensures smooth VR experiences with minimal lag.
Virtual & Real-world Interaction: Features color pass-through display, enables interaction with real-world without removing the headset.
Wide VR Software Compatibility: Operates on Pico Store platform, supports SteamVR, making a wide library of VR content available.
Comfort and Extended Use: Lightweight, comfortable and designed for extended use.
Eye & Face-tracking:
Offers integrated eye and hand tracking for an immersive experience.
Device Management Software:
Enables organizations to manage the devices seamlessly.
High Processing Power:
Snapdragon XR2 chip ensures powerful processing for smooth VR experiences.
Pico 4 Enterprise Downsides
Not designed for mixed or augmented reality use.
While it can function while plugged in, its battery life is approximately 2 hours, which may not be enough for extended use.
It weighs 586g with the headband, which might be heavy for some users.
Pico 4 Enterprise Use Cases
Use Case 1
The Pico 4 Enterprise is ideal for employees training in larger organizations. Its immersive VR capabilities and high-quality display offer realistic training simulations, improving the efficacy of training sessions.
Use Case 2
Its compatibility with a wide range of VR software makes it perfect for interactive museography. Its color pass-through display facilitates an immersive and interactive user experience.
Use Case 3
With its device management software, it facilitates remote operations and collaboration, keeping teams connected in real-time for crucial projects.
PSVR 2
If you’re walking the technology treadmill, you’d be familiar with the evolution from PSVR 1 to the current contender, PSVR 2. An upgrade in the Playstation virtual reality vista, PSVR 2 promises a more immersive VR experience at a higher cost.
PSVR 2 Top Features
Enhanced Performance: Upgraded pixels from 960 x 1,080 to 2000 x 2040 in PSVR 2 steers the tech towards better performance.
Unhindered Connection: The hassle of external camera and processor boxes is replaced by a straightforward plug into the PlayStation 5.
Built-in Eye-tracking: Paying heed to finer immersive details, PSVR 2 tracks eye movements inside the headset.
Design and Comfort
Add-ons
Sturdy headband, movable lens module and individual lens adjustability makes PSVR 2 a comfortable wear.
Fitted with earbuds for amplified immersion and Sense Controllers for improved handling, PSVR 2 enhances the overall VR experience.
Though slightly bulky, its lightness and personalized fit make up for it.
Renders a vivid display with HDR support along with 4K visuals and engaging haptic feedback.
PSVR 2 Limitations
Hardware Dependency: PlayStation 5 becomes mandatory hardware for PSVR 2 usage.
Limited Gaming: Non-compatibility with previous PSVR titles curtails the number of games available.
Battery Life: Despite the impressive enhancements, the batteries run out quickly.
PSVR 2 Pricing
PSVR 2 holds a sizable price tag of $549.99/£529.99. Moreover, additional accessories like Sense Controller Charging Dock and Pulse Headset come with extra costs.
PSVR 2 Use Cases
Use case 1
For gaming enthusiasts willing to experience high-end VR immersion, PSVR 2 stands as an impressive choice. The hardware prerequisites, however, limit its accessibility to PlayStation 5 owners.
Use case 2
Its sturdy and personalised comfort design coupled with impressive visual and auditory features make PSVR 2 a suitable option for extended VR sessions. However, quick battery drainage can prove troublesome during marathon gaming.
Use case 3
For the ardent PlayStation loyalist, PSVR 2’s promise of exclusive VR titles in future could be a compelling reason to invest, as the pool of available games is currently small.
Quest VR Headset
At the convergence of technology and immersive experience, stands Quest. An offering from Oculus, operating under the expansive Facebook umbrella now identified as Meta, the Quest was wrought with an aspiration for rendering VR a commonplace experience.
Prime Features of Quest
Intuitive Standalone Design – Unfettered from dependency on phone or PC, offering seamless and uncluttered interaction.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 mobile chipset – Ensures smooth, fast-paced experiences supported by 64GB or 128GB storage.
High Resolution Screen – Promises a vivid, immersive display at 1600 x 1440 pixels per eye.
Voluminous Game Library – Access to a rich collection of over 500 compelling VR games and experiences.
Advanced Tracking – Accomplished hand tracking for certain games, coupled with four wide-angle tracking cameras and Touch controllers.
Feature
Benefit
Wireless Design
Disentangled VR experience, portable and convenient
Automatic Space Swap
Adaptable to context, can remember up to five spaces
PC Tethering
Access to more graphically intricate VR experiences
Constraints of the Quest
Battery life – Limited to a span of two to three hours of use.
Advanced Games – Accessible only through PC tethering, thereby necessitating additional accessory.
Quest Pricing
Launching with a price tag of $499.99 for the 128GB variant, the Quest also makes available additional storage options for an extra cost, thereby offering a premium choice for dedicated users.
Quest Usage Scenarios
For VR Gaming Enthusiasts
With a library of 500+ games, the Quest unlocks an expansive world of immersive experiences, inviting players into unfathomed game-realities.
Professional Training
The high-fidelity colour Passthrough and machine learning for spatial understanding can help professionals improve their spatial intelligence or train for specific scenarios.
For VR Beginners
Its user-friendly design and standalone functionality make it an excellent choice for those venturing into the realms of VR, thus initiating a gentle and immersively engaging introduction.
Quest Pro
Step into a new reality with the Meta Quest Pro, a VR/AR headset specifically designed for enterprise users with integrated workflows. Built for professionals, it intertwines the virtual and real world for a truly immersive experience.
Quest Pro Top Features
Snapdragon XR2+ processor, boasting a performance 50% stronger than the Quest 2 model.
High definition vision with 1,920 x 1,800 pixels per eye and a local dimming backlight system. Delivers a color gamut 130% larger than its predecessor.
Mixed reality capabilities, offering a seamless blend of virtual and physical environments.
Sophisticated design—sleek, black, glossy front panel with a professional look.
Redesigned motion controllers– lighter and less cumbersome, featuring rechargeable batteries and charging via cradle.
Feature
Details
Sound System
Two headphone jacks with angled speakers ensure optimal audio experience.
Storage Capacity
A massive 256GB storage for storing high-quality VR/AR content.
Software Adaptability
Equipped with Meta Horizon Worlds and interfaces customized for collaborative work.
Quest Pro Limitations
Unpadded headset that might press against the face, compromising comfort.
Limited consumer-focused software leveraging Quest Pro upgrades.
Quest Pro Pricing
The Meta Quest Pro is priced at $1499.99, approximately three times the cost of the Meta Quest 2, making it an investment suitable for professionals with specific VR/AR needs.
Quest Pro Use Cases
Use Case 1: Enterprise Professionals
The Quest Pro, with its high-performance processing and mixed reality capabilities, provides a powerful tool for professionals looking for a high-quality VR/AR solution.
Use Case 2: Gamers
With an XR2 Gen 2 graphic performance, it presents a superior alternative for avid gamers seeking an advanced VR gaming experience.
Use Case 3: Collaborators
The custom interfaces for collaborative work make Quest Pro an ideal choice for teams working on VR/AR projects together.
Oculus
In the landscape of virtual reality, one name that echoes prominently is Oculus. Founded by Palmer Luckey with the goal of reviving and revolutionizing the VR industry, Oculus began its journey with the introduction of Oculus Rift, a VR headset line that offered an immersive experience at a surprisingly accessible price range. This journey started with the debut of Oculus Rift DK1 in March 2013, which was replaced in 2019 by Oculus Rift S. Oculus VR’s advances in technology not only increased quality but also effectively reduced cost.
Oculus Top Features
Initial headset Oculus Rift DK1 boasted a 90 degrees horizontal and 110 degrees vertical stereoscopic 3D view, providing a highly immersive VR experience.
The headset was designed with a resolution of 1280×800 in total, effectively 640×800 per eye, and featured three-axis gyros, accelerometers, and magnetometers for absolute head orientation tracking without drift.
Successor models introduced an improved 1080p LCD panel, reducing the screen door effect, and the “Crystal Cove” prototype offered low-persistence of vision.
Despite the discontinuation of Oculus Rift line, the vast software library remains compatible with its successor, the Oculus Quest.
Feature
Description
Field of View (FOV)
Oculus headsets boast a FOV more than 90 degrees horizontal, double the FOV of previous VR devices. This broad view adds to the users’ immersion into the virtual world.
Screen Clarity
The Oculus Rift, with its 1080p LCD panel, significantly improved clarity, creating a more convincing virtual environment.
Tracking
Oculus headsets employ three-axis gyros, accelerometers, and magnetometers that ensure accurate head orientation tracking without drift. This offers a fluid VR experience with minimum disorientation.
Oculus Limitations
The line of Oculus Rift headsets was unfortunately discontinued in April 2021.
Upon the discontinuation of Rift S, it brought an end to the Oculus Rift line, leaving Oculus Quest as the brand’s primary VR device.
Compared to some competitors like HTC VIVE, Oculus does not fully allow for free movement, which can limit the scope of the user experience.
Oculus Use Cases
Use case 1: Gaming
One of the foremost use cases for Oculus is within the gaming industry. With its high resolution, rich FOV, and efficient head tracking, Oculus provides gamers a deeply immersive experience into the virtual worlds of their games.
Use case 2: Virtual Tours
Oculus can also be a stellar tool for conducting virtual tours. Be it real estate showcases or exploration of historical sites, Oculus can create an engaging and realistic environment.
Use case 3: Education
In the realm of education, Oculus holds great potential. The immersive VR experience can take learning beyond textbooks, allowing students to visually explore and interact with complex concepts.
Meta
Formerly known as Facebook, Meta Platforms, Inc. is a leading technology conglomerate that has etched an indelible mark in the realm of social media, advertising, and most importantly for our discussion, virtual reality (VR). At the intersection of forward-thinking ingenuity and user-centered design, Meta’s offerings stand as a worthy alternative in the Quest 3 landscape.
Investment in the Metaverse: Shifting the digital frontier, Meta is committed to building an integrated environment, linking all its platforms and services.
Presence Platform for Mixed Reality: A new set of tools enabling interactive experiences on Quest 2.
Subsidiaries
Value Propositions
Novi Financial
Advancements in secure and fast payment options.
Reality Labs
Innovations in AR/VR technology and the metaverse.
Meta Limitations
Data privacy concerns: Meta has faced public scrutiny for its handling of data privacy issues.
Intense competition: With heavyweights like Google’s Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft in this fast-paced industry, Meta must continuously innovate to remain relevant.
Meta Use Cases
Use case 1: Socialization
Through its social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, Meta offers an immersive experience, transforming how we connect and interact with diverse communities globally.
Use case 2: Entertainment
Whether it’s through VR gaming or enjoying a unique visual experience with Instagram filters, Meta’s offerings touch upon various dimensions of digital entertainment.
Use case 3: Business
For businesses, Meta offers a treasure trove of functionality ranging from advertising tools, invaluable consumer insights, to a future potential of conducting commerce in the metaverse.
PCVR
Immerse yourself in the rich and interconnected lineage of the PCVR; brace yourself for a reality where the virtual overrides the real. The momentous contribution of PCVR to the evolution of VR cannot be overstated, especially its pivotal role in bringing VR mass-market accessibility with the release of the Oculus Rift prototype in 2010.
Top Features of PCVR
High-depth Immersion: Interaction with the 3D artificial environment overrides the real-world environment, making gaming and simulation incredibly immersive.
High-end Graphics: PCVR headsets like the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift sport exceptional graphics, providing a visually captivating VR experience unrivalled by standalone VR headsets.
Wide Range of Control Options: Whether you prefer a standard keyboard, mouse, game controller, or motion capture methods, PCVR caters to all.
FEATURE
BENEFITS
AI and Cloud Integration
Ensures the development of a robust and scalable VR ecosystem.
Aligned with 5G
Eases issues such as latency and nausea, which heighten the VR experience.
Application
Extends beyond gaming, strategically employed for training, virtual reality therapy.
PCVR Limitations
Less Mobility: PCVR headsets are tethered to a PC and therefore less mobile compared to standalone VR headsets.
Higher Cost: PCVR headsets generally cost more than standalone VR headsets, which can be a prohibitive factor for some users.
Complexity: The PCVR system is perceived as more complex due to its setup and requirement for a connected PC/laptop.
PCVR Use Cases
Use case 1: Virtual Reality Therapy
PCVR excels when it comes to virtual reality therapy. The closely immersive nature of PCVR allows patients to face and overcome fears in a controlled and supportive environment.
Use case 2: Military Training
VR’s involvement in military training is not simply history but also future. PCVR offers high-quality graphics and profound immersion, making military training safe yet highly realistic.
Use case 3: Entertainment
In the realm of entertainment, PCVR’s encounter with the gaming industry makes fantasies tangible. With its stunning graphics and immersive artificial environments, PCVR turns passive gaming into absolute escapism.
Rift S
Developed by Facebook Technologies and Lenovo, Rift S operates as the successor to the original Oculus Rift with updated features. However, production ceased in June 2021.
With dynamic visual clarity and immersive tracking, Rift S offers intense gaming experiences with Oculus Store, Viveport store, and Steam VR support.
Virtual Reality Experience
Rift S serves as a capable VR headset for simulations and experiences, leveraging its 115° field of view and 2560×1440 resolution display.
3D Modeling and Design
The precise tracking and clear display offer a sound option for professionals or hobbyists in 3D modeling and design.
Vive Pro 2
Immerse yourself in the precise, sharp and immersive world of AR/VR with Vive Pro 2. Pioneered by Ricardo Cabello, it’s a testament to VR excellence, amplified with a 2 month Viveport Infinity membership.
Vive Pro 2’s Key Features
Portability and versatility through integration with three.js, a cross-browser JavaScript library.
3D computer graphics designed for web browsers, eliminating the need for proprietary browser plugins.
Allows GPU-accelerated 3D animations using JavaScript.
Built-in WebGL 2.0 support as of version 118, with backwards compatibility for older versions available.
Experienced development team with over 1700 contributors on GitHub.
Feature
Detail
Animation
Supports a variety of animations including armatures, forward kinematics, morph, and keyframe animations.
Materials
Provides a range of materials like Lambert, Phong, smooth shading, and textures.
Geometry
Offers geometrical features such as planes, cubes, spheres, toruses, and 3D text.
Vive Pro 2 Limitations
Lack of API documentation, which is currently under construction.
Depending on use, the reliance on WebGL 2.0 might pose compatibility issues with older systems.
Vive Pro 2 Use Cases
Use Case 1: Game Developers
With Vive Pro 2, game developers can leverage the device’s library to author complex 3D animations for the browser, accelerating their creation process.
Use Case 2: Digital Designers
Digital designers can experience a design-friendly VR platform, playing with a broad spectrum of light effects and different materials.
Use Case 3: Academic Researchers
The Vive Pro 2 can serve as a powerful tool for academic researchers working on studies related to AR/VR, allowing them to run in-depth simulations and explorations in a precise and immersive environment.
Pico 4
Meet Pico 4, a lightweight, ergonomic VR headset released by ByteDance in 2022. Designed with a perfect balance of comfort, vibrance, and immersive VR experience, the Pico 4 delivers an exhilarating virtual realm in a compact form.
Top Features of Pico 4
A strikingly engineered Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 coupled with a sumptuous 8GB LPDDR4 RAM.
Automatic interpupillary distance adjustment for an enhanced PICO OS 5.0 experience.
A gently contoured visor measuring 163mm x 80mm, lending to an adjustable length of 255-310mm.
Innovative Pancake lenses that significantly reduce glare and enhance image quality.
Two Fast-LCD displays offering impressive resolution over 2K per eye, configured with a 105° field of view.
An innovative SLAM omnidirectional positioning system that brings about precision in headset and controller tracking.
Realistic tactile feedback in the form of Haptic motion controllers.
Ease of Adjustment
Motorized, automatic interpupillary distance adjustment on Pico 4 for added user benefit.
Immersive Experience
360° Stereo speakers with 3D spatial sound for a comprehensive auditory atmosphere.
Accessibility
Available for purchase on platforms like Amazon and XRshop at competitive prices.
Pico 4 Downsides
While Pico 4 offers stunning visuals and overall VR experience, it unfortunately suffers from a limited game library, according to NookGaming.
The use of Pancake lenses, though enhancing image quality, results in a smaller field of view as stated by Wikipedia.
Pico 4 Pricing
Offering a premium stand in VR adventure, Pico 4 is competitively priced at €429, available on platforms such as Amazon and XRshop.
Pico 4 Use Cases
Use case 1
The Pico 4, with its vivid visuals and immersive VR experience, makes it a perfect fit for VR gaming enthusiasts across the globe.
Use case 2
Its proportional design and lightweight make it the ideal choice for businesses and organizations in search of practical yet powerful VR solutions to their evolving needs.
Use case 3
With its advanced tracking and precision, the Pico 4 is a great tool for educational institutions implementing modern VR-based learning methods.
Tiffany Brise
Content writer @ Aircada, patiently awaiting a consumer AR headset that doesn’t suck.
