Over the previous few days we’ve been handled to 2 separate Meta Quest 3 leaks – or extra precisely, leaks for a brand new cheaper Quest 3 that’s both known as the Meta Quest 3s or Meta Quest 3 Lite, relying on who you consider.
However whereas the phrase ‘the place there’s smoke there’s fireplace’ can usually ring true on this planet of tech leaks, I’m having a very robust time shopping for what I’ve seen so removed from the 2 designs.
Stepping into chronological order; the primary to drop was a Meta Quest 3 Lite render shared by @ZGFTECH on Twitter.
😶🌫️nonetheless pancake? https://t.co/Kr1EmRRjpd pic.twitter.com/4zHpuqeXFzMarch 15, 2024
It appears an terrible lot like an Oculus Quest 2 with its barely bulkier design – maybe as a result of it appears to make use of the two’s fresnel lens system as a substitute of a slimmer pancake lens system just like the Quest 3 – however with extra rounded edges to match its namesake.
Apparently, it additionally lacks any type of RGB cameras or a depth sensor – which for me is a large purple flag. Combined actuality is the primary focus for XR {hardware} and software program proper now, so of all of the downgrades to make for the Lite, eradicating full-color MR passthrough appears probably the most absurd. It’d be more likely for Meta to offer the Quest 3 Lite a worse show or chipset.
@ZGFTECH did later make clear that they aren’t saying the Quest 3 Lite lacks RGB cameras, simply that their renders exclude them as a result of they will’t reveal extra “in the mean time.” Although as I stated earlier than, I anticipate blended actuality could be a key Quest 3 Lite function, so I’m greater than somewhat stunned this element is shrouded in thriller.
Then there’s the Meta Quest 3s leak. The unique Reddit publish has since been deleted, however copies like this Twitter post stay on-line.
Meta Quest 3 Lite may very well be “Meta Quest 3S”u/LuffySanKira on Reddit claims they have been proven these graphics in what was possible a Meta Consumer Analysis Zoom assembly.I am unable to confirm them, however I CAN confirm Meta does suggestions classes like these. pic.twitter.com/DjkZnVMP6bMarch 16, 2024
Identical to the Meta Quest 3 Lite leaked design, this bulkier headset suggests a return to fresnel lenses. Though not like the earlier mannequin, we see some doable RGB cameras and sensors on the entrance face panel. On high of this, we additionally get some extra particulars about specs – mainly that the cheaper Quest 3 may boast twin 1,832 x 1,920 pixel shows.
However whereas the design appears somewhat extra possible (if somewhat too ugly), the leak itself is setting off my BS detectors. The primary concern is that the shared photographs embrace components of a Zoom name which may make it fairly simple to find out who the leaker is. To see these early designs the leaker possible needed to signal an NDA that will include some type of monetary penalty for sharing the data, and except they’ve zero care for his or her monetary effectively being I might’ve anticipated them to be much more cautious with what they do/don’t share lest they face the wrath of Meta’s well-funded authorized staff.
On high of this, among the promotional property appear somewhat off. A few of them function the unique Quest 3 slightly than the brand new design, among the photographs don’t appear tremendous related to a VR gadget, plus ports and buttons appear to alter positions and elements change shade throughout varied renders.
As such, I’m greater than somewhat unconvinced that this can be a real leak.
I suppose the follow-up query from my skepticism over these leaks is: is a less expensive Meta Quest 3 even on the best way?
Inherently, the thought isn’t absurd. The Quest 3 could also be cheaper than many different VR headsets, however at $499.99 / £479.99 / AU$799.99 it’s pricier than the Quest was at launch – $299 / £299 / AU$479 – and its reasonably priced value level is the central reason the Quest 2 sold phenomenally well.
I’ve beforehand estimated that the Quest 3 is promoting barely slower than its predecessor did on the identical level in its lifespan, so Meta could also be seeking to juice its figures by releasing a less expensive mannequin.
What’s extra, whereas these leaks have particulars that depart me greater than somewhat skeptical, the truth that now we have had two leaks in such a brief stretch of time leaves me feeling like there may be some validity to the rumors.
So whereas we will not but say for sure it is coming, I would not be stunned if Meta introduced a Quest 3 Lite or S. I am simply not satisfied that it’ll appear like both of those leaked designs.
For me, the main focus could be on having a smooth blended actuality machine – which might require full-color passthrough and pancake slightly than fresnel lenses (which now we have seen on reasonably priced XR {hardware} just like the Pico 4).
The price financial savings would then come from having decrease decision shows, much less storage (beginning at 64GB), and having a worse chipset or much less RAM than we see within the Quest 3.
We’ll have to attend and see if Meta proclaims something formally. I anticipate we gained’t hear something till both its Meta Quest Gaming Showcase for 2024 – which is due round June – or this yr’s Meta Connect event – which normally lands round September or October.
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