Introduction:

The virtual reality (VR) market is about to witness a clash between two tech giants as Meta Platforms Inc., formerly known as Facebook, prepares to release its highly anticipated Meta Quest 3 headset. This move comes in response to Apple Inc.'s upcoming entry into the VR industry, which is expected to be a game-changer. In a hands-on review conducted by renowned tech journalist Mark Gurman on [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2023-05-28/meta-quest-3-real-life-hands-on-how-it-compares-to-apple-mixed-reality-headset-li7h3suy), he explores the capabilities of the Meta Quest 3, shedding light on its potential to compete with Apple's offering.

The Battle for VR Dominance:

As the XR (extended reality) landscape continues to evolve, Meta remains the leader in the XR realm, blending augmented and virtual reality. However, Apple's imminent foray into the VR market sets the stage for fierce competition between the two tech giants. This rivalry may mirror the dynamic seen in the smartphone industry, where Apple's iPhone dominates the high-end market. At the same time, Android thrives in the more affordable segment with its open platform.

Segmentation and Market Dynamics:

Apple's entry into the VR space is expected to cater to the high-end market, with headsets priced above **£2,000**. In contrast, Meta is poised to dominate the more affordable segment. Interestingly, Apple's involvement in popularising XR could benefit Meta, as it leverages the buzz generated by Apple to cater to consumers who cannot afford top-of-the-line models.

Meta Quest 3 Unveiled:

The Meta Quest 3, codenamed Eureka, promises significant advancements in VR technology. Gurman's hands-on experience with a prototype version of the headset reveals several noteworthy features. The Quest 3 stands out with its lightweight and slim design, providing a comfortable fit for extended use. The new fabric sides and redesigned head strap contribute to an improved ergonomic experience compared to its predecessor, the Quest 2.

Enhanced Hardware and Design:

Meta has made notable changes to the front of the Quest 3. Instead of a plain grey face, the headset features three vertical pill-shaped sensor areas. Each pill includes a colour video pass-through camera, allowing users to view the real world seamlessly without needing clear lenses. Adding a depth sensor significantly improves the Quest 3's ability to perceive the user's surroundings.

Immersive Experience and Performance:

Gurman notes that the Quest 3's visuals and VR displays offer a similar experience to the Quest 2. However, rumours suggest a slightly higher resolution. Two areas demonstrate significant improvements: video pass-through for mixed reality and overall device performance. The dual RGB colour cameras in the Quest 3 provide more accurate colour representation during video pass-through, delivering a more lifelike rendering of the real world. The device's interface navigation and app launching are noticeably faster, thanks to the second-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chip.

Content and Gaming Advantage:

While Meta is yet to find the "killer app" for its headsets, the company has a head start in offering top-flight games built specifically for VR. Apple aims to challenge this advantage by providing access to a vast library of iPad apps and offering tools for easily converting iOS and iPadOS software into XR titles. Despite lacking face and eye-tracking capabilities, the Quest 3 retains the successful combination of hand remotes and in-air hand tracking that has been popular among users.

The Quest 3's Pricing and Outlook:

Meta has yet to finalise the pricing for the Quest 3, but industry insiders anticipate it to be higher than the Quest 2's **£400** price point. The Quest 2 may continue to be available at a lower price. However, the review suggests that the Quest 3, priced around **£500**, could provide a compelling option for consumers, considering its features and affordability compared to Apple's offering.

Conclusion:

As the stage is set for a showdown between Meta and Apple in the VR market, the Meta Quest 3 enters the arena as a formidable competitor. Boasting improved hardware, enhanced video pass-through capabilities, and a vast content library, the Quest 3 aims to capture consumers' attention seeking an immersive XR experience. While Apple's headset is set to dominate the high-end market, Meta's focus on affordability and innovation positions the Quest 3 as a strong contender for the holiday season. With XR technology gaining traction among consumers, the Meta Quest 3 has the potential to impact the VR landscape significantly.

**Disclaimers**
[Talha Sonmez](https://twitter.com/Roekaine) is the Founder & CEO of Stock Checker.
Images used in this article belong to Meta, respectively.