Meta’s New Quest Pro Headset, Mixing Real & Virtual Worlds, Makes Debut
Last Updated on: 12th October 2022, 01:06 pm
The Meta Quest Pro virtual reality headset is set to hit shelves on October 25th, and according to CEO Mark Zuckerberg, it’s going to be a pretty expensive affair. The device, which is marketed towards developers and gamers, will cost $1,500 and come with a number of new features and technologies, such as an advanced mobile Snapdragon computer chip.
The Quest Pro also contains improved touch controllers that contain embedded sensors, allowing for better hand tracking. Additionally, new lenses for improved reading experiences have been added, as well as a number of other new features.
One of the main purposes of the Meta Quest Pro is to be used in cases of severe car crashes. For example, it will be able to detect changes in air pressure caused by airbags deploying, motion sensors, and GPS. If a crash is detected, the phone will then send out an alert to the driver and/or passengers.
VR & AR Headsets
The new headset contains some mixed-reality features that can blend elements of the virtual world with the physical world. Zuckerberg has touted that as an important feature in the creation of the metaverse, which refers to digital worlds that people can access via VR and AR headsets.
Many amusement parks ask people to leave their phones behind before going on a ride. The BBC has approached Apple for comment. However, if after 20 seconds the user does not respond, the phone automatically calls emergency services, giving the location of the incident. It also sends a message to a user’s emergency contacts if they have them.
Users concerned that a scream-filled trip on a high adrenalin ride might trigger a false alert from their phone can turn the feature off if they wish, or put the phone into airplane mode.
Meta announced its new Quest Pro headset, which will let people experience both real and virtual worlds at the same time. The headset, which is set to debut later this year, is a product of Meta’s partnership with Microsoft.
CEO Satya Nadella appeared during the online event and discussed a partnership with Meta intended to bring some of his company’s work-collaboration apps to Quest VR devices. Some Microsoft apps that people will be able to access with a Quest device include the Team’s chat app, the Microsoft 365 suite of work software, and the company’s Xbox cloud gaming service.
“You will be able to play 2D games with your Xbox controller projected on a massive screen on Quest,” Nadella said. “It’s early days, but we’re excited for what’s to come.”
Meta shares were down about 4.5% in midday trading to $127.85, underscoring a muted response from investors about the new VR headset.
