According to a new news, Meta plans to release another inexpensive, consumer-centric virtual and augmented reality headset next year. With the launch of more high-end models of Sony , Apple and Meta, this strategy can maintain the company's advantages in the VR/AR field.
YouTube user Brad Lynch claims to leak spec files that might be Meta Quest 3. The device is called "Project Stinson," the file shows, which is less featured than the helmet the company plans to launch in October, which may offer customers a cheaper option. An important detail of
is that the headphones displayed in the Project Stenson file do not include eye or face tracking. Meta CEO O Mark Zuckerberg has confirmed that the model launched in October – possibly called Meta Quest Pro – supports the feature. Sony's PlayStation VR2 will also include eye tracking , which may benefit player input and software performance.
Like Quest Pro, Project Stinson will run on the Snapdragon SoC and have a pancake lens, which is thinner than some of the currently available helmet lenses. The 2023 product will have two six-degree-of-freedom tracking cameras, an array of two black and white and two RGB cameras, a depth sensor, 2 LCDs, mechanical IPD adjustment, a pogo pin connector for charging docks, and a harness similar to the Quest 2.
Stinson sounds like an upgrade to Quest 2 and a more affordable option for Quest Pro, and Meta may be announced and released on October 11th. The Quest 2 is currently the most popular VR helmet, because even after Meta raises its base price to $400, it's still a lot cheaper than the HTC or Valve's kit. The Quest Pro package could cost as much as $1,500, while Apple's mixed reality helmet could put customers over $2,000 when it arrives sometime next year.
Even without eye tracking, releasing a new model that costs only a few hundred dollars will help the Meta continue to stand out from the competition. The Pico 4 -- starting at €429 -- looks to compete with the Meta Quest as well. Sony hasn't announced the price of the PS VR2, but its landing price may be closer to the Quest 2 price than the upcoming high-end model.
