This week, as 91 Mobile keenly observed, the upcoming Meta Quest 3S leaked on the internet again via an FCC filing, which showcased several elements regarding the hotly anticipated MR headset.
While the leaks are slim, when combined with other recent unofficial details, the information paints a clear picture of the device ahead of Meta’s flagship technology showcase later this month.
According to the FCC Radio Test Report, the Meta Quest 3S will have dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth connectivity capabilities. The report also details a unique controller input device codenamed Rubby.
Meta is close to releasing a new XR product to the public, as indicated by information regarding Meta’s Quest 3s device leaking via a Dekra certification. Although details about the Meta Quest 3s here are also limited, some specifications include a Fresnel lens system, full-colour passthrough, and 256GB of storage.
Furthermore, reports on social media platforms like Reddit and X feature images and minor details of the upcoming Meta Quest 3s MR headset. Leaked details suggest that the headset will include specifications such as a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR Gen 2 chipset, a single fast-switch LCD with a resolution of 1832 x 1920 per eye, a refresh rate of 90/120 Hz, fresnel lenses with 3-position IPD/IA adjustment, a Meta Quest 2-style glasses spacer, 4 IR tracking cameras, two 4MP RGB passthrough cameras, 2 IR illuminators, inside-out body tracking, and Touch Plus controllers.
MR Headset Speculations Run Wild
Auidences are very much excited about Connect 2024. Unlike previous years, 2024 is proving to be a foundational year for increased competition for Mark Zuclerberg‘s firm.
While competition in XR has been historically intense, legacy firms like Pico, Varjo, HTC VIVE, and countless others have created a healthy space for AR/VR/MR head-mounted devices in years past.
However, in 2024, many significant technology providers announced their first steps into the space. Most notable is Apple, with its Vision Pro device, which brought new interest and investment to the immersive industry from enterprise to consumer. While the adoption curve for Vision Pro is slow, background characters like Samsung and LG are also approaching the headset market.
With such significant players entering the scene, pundits should expect Meta to wow audiences during Connect 2024 and cement its legacy as a leading XR vendor. While Meta is appearing to prep the Quest 3s ready for the 2024 holiday season, the firm could easily be prepping accompanying device announcements. While not all device announcements will come to market this year, Meta does enjoy showcasing the research its Reality Labs are doing today to create devices for tomorrow.
Reality Labs is clearly very busy. Last month, many rumours circled the XR research division leading to Connect 2024.
Recently, there have been reports that Meta has decided to cancel a prototype for a new product that competes with Apple’s Vision Pro. Speculation suggests that this cancellation may also affect a prototype model called ‘La Jolla,’ which was expected to be similar to the upcoming Quest Pro 2. It seems that Meta scrapped the La Jolla prototype due to the high cost associated with using OLED display technology, similar to what Apple uses in their Vision Pro device.
Despite these reports, there is still hope for Meta. Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, provided insights into the company’s XR device research and development.
In a social media post, Bosworth noted that the report prototype cancellation shouldn’t worry fans of the Quest portfolio. He stated:
Just your regularly scheduled public service announcement: we have many prototypes in development at all times. But we don’t bring all of them to production. We move forward with some, we pass on others. Decisions like this happen all the time, and stories based on chatter about one individual decision will never give the real picture.
Meta is facing further leaks to confirm what a Meta Quest 3 successor may look like. According to insiders speaking to The Information, Meta is working on “Puffin,” a controller-less MR headset ready for everyday use.
Like the Vision Pro, the prototype uses user tracking for spatial interactions. Moreover, the reports suggest the device will be incredibly lightweight, weighing only 110 grams.
Meta is quietly working on an AR device to match its Quest 3s device. Perhaps Meta is cancelling additional MR headsets to focus on the rising smart glasses market. Reports indicate that Meta will unveil details about the long-awaited Orion, a forthcoming pair of AR smart glasses, at Connect 2024. Meta has gradually released this information to the public over the years and is likely aiming to make a significant impact during the year of the Apple Vision Pro.
The path forward is becoming more apparent. Meta recently posted a job listing for a Business Development Manager at its Reality Labs division. The listing specifies that the role will involve assisting with the company’s global launch deals and supporting an AR product roadmap.
Moreover, Meta controversially announced the discontinuation of Spark, its renowned AR content creation and development suite for distributing AR content on Meta’s umbrella of social media services, to pursue the AR smart glasses dream.
At Meta Connect 2024, the company will showcase its latest digital solutions from its social media and XR portfolio on September 25-26, 2024. Connect is an event where Meta historically reveals in-depth insights into its XR roadmap, among other things. Meta has not yet disclosed many details about the event, but it’s expected to feature various sessions, technologies, and speakers, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
