Based mostly on the leaks and rumors it appears more and more probably that Meta is engaged on a less expensive model of the Meta Quest 3 – anticipated to be referred to as the Meta Quest 3 Lite or Meta Quest 3s.
It’s not but been confirmed, however the gadget is anticipated to be a extra inexpensive model of the Quest 3 – at a value nearer to the Quest 2 – that will see the Meta totally part out its last-gen VR {hardware}. The trade-off can be the system wouldn’t have all of the capabilities of the Quest 3 – probably sporting lower-resolution shows, much less RAM, a worse chipset, or dropping combined actuality help (although that final level appears unlikely).
Whereas we’re not convinced the gadget will look exactly like what’s been rumored so far, because the saying goes: the place there’s smoke there’s hearth. The truth that a number of impartial leaks have come out suggests Meta is unquestionably engaged on one thing.
We’ve collected the newest information and rumors right here so this web page can function your one-stop store for all issues Meta Quest 3 Lite. As we be taught extra concerning the system we’ll be sure you replace the web page and preserve you within the loop with all the newest data.
Meta Quest 3 Lite: Newest information
We’ve seen not one, however two distinct Meta Quest 3 Lite leaks – one render called the Meta Quest 3 Lite and one with extra particulars that the leaker called the Quest 3s.
The Oculus Quest 2 was additionally at a file low value ($200 / £200) as a part of this 12 months’s Amazon Spring Sale, following a permanent price cut to $249.99 / £249.99 / AU$439.99 earlier this year. This might be an indication Meta and retailers try to shift inventory forward of the last-gen system being phased out earlier than a Quest 3 Lite launch.
Meta Quest 3 Lite: Worth
Because the Meta Quest 3 Lite isn’t but official – that means Meta itself hasn’t confirmed (or denied) its existence – we are able to’t say for sure how a lot it’ll value or when it will likely be launched.
However based mostly on rumors and former Meta {hardware} releases, we are able to make some reasoned predictions on what the gadget may cost and after we may see it in motion.
Worth-wise, we are able to fairly anticipate it’ll value across the similar as Meta’s last-gen headset, given the Lite is billed as a super-affordable mannequin meant to totally change the Oculus Quest 2. It’ll definitely value lower than the Meta Quest 3.
This might probably see it launched at round $299 / £299 / AU$479, which is the place the Quest 2 began life. Actually, we’d be greater than a bit disillusioned if it was costlier.
Meta Quest 3 Lite: Launch date
As for the Quest 3 Lite’s launch date, Meta often likes to launch new {hardware} in October. Nonetheless, it’d determine to combine issues up with this budget-friendly gadget to keep away from complicated it with its essential line Quest and Quest Professional traces.
We predict the Quest 3 Lite might be introduced and launched as a part of this 12 months’s Meta Quest Gaming Showcase, which must be round June based mostly on earlier years.
If Meta sticks to its typical {hardware} launch schedule, although, then a launch after this 12 months’s Meta Connect – which we anticipate will land in September or October – might be on the playing cards.
In fact, this assumes the Meta Quest 3 Lite even launches in any respect.
Meta Quest 3 Lite: Specs and design
Up to now we haven’t heard many specs for the Meta Quest 3 Lite. The principle leaks up to now have been renders exhibiting off its attainable design.
😶🌫️nonetheless pancake? https://t.co/Kr1EmRRjpd pic.twitter.com/4zHpuqeXFzMarch 15, 2024
These leaks recommend it’ll be bulkier than the Quest 3, probably as a result of the Lite would undertake the fresnel lens system utilized by the Quest 2. This makes some sense as fresnel lenses are cheaper, partly as a result of the choice pancake lenses require brighter shows. Nonetheless, contemplating pancake lenses lead not solely to a slimmer headset design but in addition higher picture high quality (and we’ve seen low-cost headsets just like the Pico 4 use pancake lenses) we’d be shocked if Meta did not use them within the Lite.
One of many leaks went into extra detailed specs, suggesting it’ll have 128GB or 256GB of storage (as a substitute of the 128GB or 512GB within the Quest 3) and 1,832 x 1,920 pixel shows (one per eye). One thing appears off concerning the leak, although, by way of the property shared and the included data that might assist establish the leaker (which looks like a nasty concept for anybody making an attempt to keep away from the wrath of Meta’s well-funded authorized staff).
Meta Quest 3 Lite may very well be “Meta Quest 3S”u/LuffySanKira on Reddit claims they had been proven these graphics in what was probably 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
As such, shade us skeptical in the case of the small print highlighted within the put up.
Meta Quest 3 Lite: Software program
Assuming the Meta Quest 3 Lite has the identical or comparable mixed-reality capabilities because the Meta Quest 3, we anticipate it’ll have entry to all the similar software program – which is to say, all the things obtainable on the Quest platform’s Retailer (and lots of different video games and apps obtainable by means of sideloading through third-party digital storefronts).
If it has considerably worse specs – such because the Quest 2’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 chipset – there could also be some software program that launches sooner or later that will be unique to the total Quest 3. However we anticipate the Quest 3 Lite would use a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 so, hopefully, this gained’t be a difficulty.
We’ll have to attend and see what Meta broadcasts.
Meta Quest 3 Lite: What we wish to see
As for what we wish to see from the Quest 3 Lite VR headset – acknowledging that its lower cost will necessitate decrease specs than the Meta Quest 3 correct – our excellent setup would boast the identical Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset and 8GB of RAM because the Quest 3, although 6GB of RAM just like the Quest 2 is, admittedly, much more probably.
Storage choices would begin at 64GB – as frankly, you don’t want lots of cupboard space for VR apps, particularly in case you’re prepared to obtain and delete them as mandatory – and the shows can be a decrease decision than the Quest 3. A leak urged the 1,832 x 1,920 pixels per eye possibility, and contemplating that is what’s utilized by the Quest 2 it does make some sense.
Pancake lenses look like a simple win from a design and image-quality perspective (particularly if Meta opts for poorer shows), and mixed-reality passthrough that’s a minimum of as high-quality because the Quest 3 can be a should.
Past this, one rogue cost-cutting measure may see Meta scrap or change its Quest 3 controllers. Nonetheless, given how a lot builders have emphasised to us the significance of VR handsets having an ordinary design, and the truth that many Quest titles don’t help hand-tracking, this could be a step too far.
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