Popular tech analyst Marques Brownlee has shared his theory about how companies like Meta Platforms Inc. META have been spending tons of money to develop VR headsets like Quest 3 and gadgets like Ray-Ban’s Meta Smart Glasses so that they can figure out which of these technologies will first get to the mark where it will transform the way we digitally interact.
What Happened: In his latest video, MKBHD said that the tech giant is hedging its bets with Meta’s investments in VR and smart glasses. On the other hand, its rival in the AR/VR space, Apple, is gearing up to release its first-generation mixed-reality headset, Vision Pro, in 2024.
The bigger picture, however, is the trajectory toward a future with computers on our faces.
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Brownlee foresees an evolution in wearable tech, where annual progress will transform our digital experiences unimaginably.
He put Meta Quest 3 on one side of the spectrum and Ray-Ban’s Smart Glasses on the other and said, “So, VR headsets are racing to get smaller and smaller and smart glasses and racing to get better and better tech, and they are both basically racing towards each other. And companies like Meta are spending tons and tons of money to develop these things, to figure out which strategy will hit first.”
MKBHD also delivered deeper into the technological upgrades of both the devices:
The Quest 3: A Step Closer To The Future
Brownlee said, “In previous VR headsets, it felt like pass-through was an afterthought.” The Quest 3 changes that with dramatically improved pass-through technology, offering an intuitive setup and a seamless virtual and real-world blend.
The new sensors, RGB cameras, and the LiDAR sensor make setting up your VR environment a breeze. It also enhances the experience with low latency, higher-resolution screens, comfortable design, and the ability to use hand gestures instead of controllers.
He compared the Quest 3 to its predecessors and Apple’s headset, pointing out that it’s “better than Quest Pro but not as good as Apple Vision Pro.”
Ray-Ban’s Meta Smart Glasses: A Glimpse into Simplicity
In 2023, Meta is at a stage where they pack a 12-megapixel camera, voice-activated commands, and some nifty features. “This is about as much tech as you can fit in a normal-looking pair of glasses in 2023,” says Brownlee, adding, “without it starting to look weird with the current tech we have.”
The glasses capture first-person pictures and videos, offer a voice assistant, and can handle simple tasks. While they might not replace your smartphone, they’re surprisingly capable as a “little computer on your face.”
However, there’s an apparent downside — battery life. Ray-Ban’s Meta Smart Glasses don’t pack a large battery, with Brownlee noting that they can be depleted in under two hours with extensive use.
Meta’s Is Investing In Both But What About Others: Brownlee said that the current question is which technologies will witness mass adoption first? This is a pressing query that tech companies must address before diving into investments.
He said Meta’s approach is notable as they’re investing in VR headsets and smart glasses, potentially securing a winning position in this technological race.
However, Snapchat has been focusing solely on smart glasses and may continue to do so. Similarly, Apple has taken the path of headsets with Vision Pro and appears to be planning to downsize and refine its technology year by year.
Watch the complete video here:
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