While many argue the so-called “Metaverse” hasn’t gone mainstream yet, that has not deterred Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who this week announced 2 brand new products: the Quest 3 Virtual Reality (VR) Headset and a pair of Ray-Ban smart glasses.
The announcements were made at the Meta Connect Developer conference last week, a 2-day event centered on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality.
Zuckerberg is continuing the push for VR with the Quest 3, a sizable piece of hardware that will fit over a person’s whole head. This contraption is comparable to a pair of ski-goggles, and many say this is the barrier stopping Meta and VR in general from being adopted by the general public. A phone in the hand is more convenient than a machine obscuring your field of vision.
The Meta CEO was quick to espouse his belief that the future will be a blend of the physical and digital worlds.
“The physical world around us is amazing. One of life’s great joys is being able to go outside and explore. Our industry has been building up this digital world alongside it. People say, ‘The digital world isn’t the real world,’ but we really think the real world is a combination of the physical world we inhabit and the digital world we’re building,” Zuckerberg said at the conference.
According to the company, Meta Quest 3 isn’t just VR, but a “mixed reality,” meaning it isn’t an all-encompassing visual experience. It will allow users to see the real world a little more as part of the experience.
Meta has spent billions in the last few years investing in the ‘metaverse,’ and it’s showing in their new hardware. The Quest will be slimmer and lighter than the previous model, as can be expected when products advance in updates.
The device was made available Oct. 10, with a base-model cost of $500. This includes 128 GB of storage. A 512-GB option will cost $650.
For those seeking a less all-consuming tech experience, perhaps check out the new collaboration between Meta and Ray-Ban.
These AI-powered glasses will allow users to snap photos, record videos up to 60 seconds and livestream, among other utilities. The videos capture in 1080p HD and photos in 12 megapixels.
This is not the first partnership between the two cultural giants, but these shades have an upgraded processor with longer battery life, up to 36 hours.
They’re customizable as well with over 150 different frame and lens combinations. The microphone and speakers in each allow for communication with a built-in AI chatbot.
Research has shown smart glasses are becoming more popular, especially among Millennial and Gen-Z buyers.
The starting price for the 2nd Gen Meta Ray-Bans will be $299, with availability beginning Oct. 17.
The close proximity of release dates shows that Meta is confident in both of these products to serve their niches within the community, with the Ray-Ban partnership possibly offering a gateway into the mainstream with their sleek design.
