Meta Quest 3S: The New Frontier of Affordable Mixed Reality
With the arrival of the Meta Quest 3S, Meta is redefining the mixed reality headset market, offering a powerful and accessible AR/VR experience. Designed as the "budget-friendly" version of the Meta Quest 3, this headset is an ideal choice for those new to Mixed Reality or looking for an upgrade at a lower cost. The Meta Quest 3S promises improved performance, advanced hardware, and a competitive price, bringing this technology into the hands of a broader audience.
Meta Quest 3S: Features and Specifications
The Meta Quest 3S stands out for several key specifications that make it one of the most interesting solutions in the Mixed Reality landscape. Here’s a detailed overview:
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Display and Resolution: The headset uses Fresnel lenses with a per-eye resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels, offering superior graphical quality compared to the Quest 2. The field of view is 96° horizontally and 90° vertically, ensuring a wide view for immersive experiences.
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Chipset and Performance: Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, the Meta Quest 3S offers double the power of its predecessor, the Quest 2. This new generation processor makes AR and VR experiences smoother with reduced load times. With 8 GB of RAM, the headset handles advanced applications and complex games with ease, providing high performance in every situation.
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Battery Life and Memory: The Meta Quest 3S comes in two configurations: 128 GB or 256 GB of internal memory, offering flexibility depending on storage needs. The 4324 mAh battery provides about 2.5 hours of autonomy for gaming or multimedia use, in line with current headset standards.
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Controllers and Tracking: The headset comes with the new Touch Plus controllers, ensuring more precise movements within virtual environments. The 6 degrees of freedom (6DOF) tracking system allows free head and controller movement, providing an immersive interactive experience without the need for external sensors.
Differences Between Meta Quest 3S and Meta Quest 3
The Meta Quest 3S is designed as a more affordable version of the Quest 3, retaining many key features but with some differences that reduce the cost. While the Quest 3 uses pancake lenses for better visual quality, the Quest 3S opts for the more affordable Fresnel lenses, which still offer a great visual experience, though with a slightly smaller field of view.
The design of the Quest 3S is slightly larger and less refined than its “bigger brother,” but still offers improved comfort compared to earlier models like the Quest 2. Meta has also optimized the fastening system, introducing a double strap that provides more stability during use.
Another significant difference is the price: the Meta Quest 3S is sold at €329.99 for the 128 GB version and €439.99 for the 256 GB version, making it more accessible compared to the Meta Quest 3.
Enhanced Mixed Reality with Meta Quest 3S
The Meta Quest 3S excels particularly in the field of Mixed Reality (MR). With a resolution 4.5 times higher than the Quest 2 and the power of the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, users can experience a seamless fusion of the real and digital worlds with impressive clarity. Mixed Reality allows interaction with virtual objects in the physical environment, creating an experience that is both immersive and intuitive.
A major advantage of the Meta Quest 3S is its colocation and multiplayer capabilities, where multiple users can share the same experience in the same physical space. Additionally, the headset uses hand tracking technology, enabling users to interact with the virtual environment without the need for controllers, breaking down generational barriers and making the experience accessible even to those unfamiliar with technology.
Another crucial element is the absence of motion sickness: thanks to the perfect integration between real and digital vision, the Meta Quest 3S minimizes the discomfort many users experience with traditional headsets.
Integration with Windows Desktop
One of the most exciting features of the Meta Quest 3S is its compatibility with Windows 11 PCs, greatly expanding the headset’s usability. Through Meta Link or third-party software like Virtual Desktop, it’s possible to connect the headset to a computer to access advanced VR content and PC VR-specific apps, such as those available on SteamVR or the Meta PC library.
This integration allows the Meta Quest 3S to become a powerful productivity tool, ideal for working in virtual reality environments, viewing documents on multiple virtual screens, or participating in immersive meetings. Access to advanced productivity tools on Windows 11 allows users to make the most of virtual space for multi-monitor setups, enhancing efficiency in work settings.
Thanks to Meta Air Link technology, it’s possible to wirelessly connect to the PC using Wi-Fi to stream content directly to the headset without cables. This solution offers greater freedom of movement during gaming or work sessions. For those who prefer a more stable connection, Meta offers an official 5-meter cable for a wired connection that reduces latency and improves visual quality when using the headset as a PC VR device.
Integration with Windows Desktop makes the Meta Quest 3S a versatile device, capable of moving from immersive entertainment to advanced productivity, offering users a complete and accessible AR/VR experience.
New Apps and Games Coming Soon
Meta has announced that those who purchase the Quest 3S will have free access, for a limited time, to the game Batman: Arkham Shadow. Additionally, new entertainment applications are on the way, such as Prime Video, Amazon Music and Twitch, along with Mixed Reality fitness experiences with Alo Moves XR. Meta is also working on Hyperscape, a technology that will allow the use of photorealistic spaces within the Metaverse, making the experience even more immersive.
Space and Setup
To use the Meta Quest 3S, Meta recommends having a minimum space of 2 meters by 2 meters. Thanks to the advanced tracking system, the headset can detect walls and obstacles, ensuring a safe experience even in small spaces. It is also possible to use the headset while seated, taking advantage of apps and games that do not require large physical movements.
Comfort and Accessories
Comfort has been improved compared to the Quest 2, thanks to the new fastening system and more balanced design. However, for those seeking greater customization, several official and third-party accessories are available, such as the Elite Strap and the Kiwi Design/BoboVR, which can improve comfort for prolonged use. Additionally, the Meta Quest 3S includes a glasses spacer, and the Zenni MR lenses allow the headset to be adapted for those who need prescription lenses.
Price and Availability
The Meta Quest 3S will officially be available starting from October 15 and can be pre-ordered on Amazon. With a starting price of €329.99 for the 128 GB version and €439.99 for the 256 GB version, the Quest 3S offers a perfect balance between power, functionality, and price, making Mixed Reality more accessible than ever.
Conclusion
The Meta Quest 3S represents a great opportunity for users who want to dive into Mixed Reality without investing in a top-of-the-line device. With solid performance, a competitive price, and a wide range of content coming soon, the Meta Quest 3S promises to be the ideal entry point into Mixed Reality and the Metaverse.
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