Meta Quest 3 Lite: Everything we know so far

Meta, the company behind the popular virtual reality (VR) devices, is generating a lot of expectations with rumors about its upcoming releases: Meta Quest 3 Lite or Quest 3S. Here's everything we know so far about these more affordable devices.

Meta Quest 3 Lite: specs and design

Meta Quest 3 Lite, also known as Quest 3S in some leaks, is presented as a cheaper version of the Meta Quest 3 device. It's expected to maintain a similar design, albeit a bit more robust and less streamlined than its more expensive counterpart. Leaks suggest that this device could use Fresnel lenses instead of the Quest 3's pancake lenses, which is a cost-cutting move, though it could impact the image quality and size of the device.

In terms of specs, the Meta Quest 3 Lite is expected to have a screen resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye, internal storage in 128GB and 256GB options, and to use the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, the same as in the original version of the Quest 3, thus ensuring decent performance for VR applications.

Functionalities and limitations

One of the most talked about aspects is the possible absence of advanced mixed reality (MR) capabilities. Unlike the Meta Quest 3, which includes RGB cameras for color passthrough, the Quest 3 Lite could do without these features to cut costs, focusing exclusively on the VR experience. This would mean that the Meta Quest 3 Lite wouldn't offer the same immersive experience in Mxita reality or space computing apps, which could be a disadvantage for some users.

Release Date & Price

While there's no official release date confirmed, rumors suggest that Meta could announce the Quest 3 Lite in the second half of 2024, possibly around October, coinciding with its annual Meta Connect event.

The speculated price for this device is around $199, which would make it one of the most affordable VR devices on the market, thus appealing to a wider audience looking for a cheap entry into the world of virtual reality.

Conclusion

Meta Quest 3 Lite or Quest 3S seems to be an interesting option for those who want a VR experience at a more accessible price. While some premium features of the Meta Quest 3 won't be present, the Quest 3 Lite option promises a balance between cost and functionality, ideal for users looking to explore VR without a huge outlay.

We'll be keeping an eye out for official announcements from Meta to confirm these details and learn more about this upcoming release.

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