Meta's Quest 3 VR headset to feature color cameras for immersive pass-through video

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman had the opportunity to test a prototype of the device, shedding light on what users can expect from the upcoming VR headset.

According to Gurman, the Quest 3, codenamed Eureka, boasts a significantly lighter and thinner design compared to its predecessor, the Quest 2. The head strap has been improved and now features fabric on the sides for enhanced comfort and durability.

One of the most notable improvements is the front design, which incorporates an enhanced sensor suite. The Quest 3 features three vertical pill-shaped sensor areas that house two color video pass-through cameras, two standard cameras, and a depth sensor. This is a significant upgrade from the Quest 2, as the inclusion of color pass-through eliminates the need for users to designate play space boundaries.

The headset's front lower sides are equipped with tracking cameras, while the bottom houses a volume rocker and an interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment wheel. The IPD can now be adjusted without having to remove the headset, offering greater convenience and customization options.

Gurman notes that while the visual clarity and VR displays in the Quest 3 are comparable to those of the Quest 2, there are rumors of a slightly higher resolution. The standout improvements come in the form of pass-through for mixed reality applications and overall performance. The addition of dual RGB cameras significantly enhances pass-through capabilities, enabling users to use their phones while wearing the headset.

Furthermore, the Quest 3 features Qualcomm's next-generation Snapdragon XR2 chipset, resulting in faster app launch times and more consistent frame rates in games.

However, the Quest 3 does not include face and eye tracking, a feature available on the Quest Pro. The Quest 3 also lacks controller-mounted cameras, although Meta is exploring alternative methods to improve peripheral tracking.

As for pricing, Meta has yet to finalize the cost of the Quest 3. However, insiders involved in its development suggest that it may be priced higher than the Quest 2's $400.