Why the Meta Quest 3S Feels Like a "2S"
When Meta first introduced the Meta Quest 3S, I couldn’t help but feel that it was essentially a souped-up version of the Meta Quest 2, rather than a true successor. Sure, the Meta Quest 3S boasts improvements like better passthrough and enhanced hand tracking, but the big issue for me was the lenses—or rather, the lack of an upgrade in that area.
During the keynote, when Mark Zuckerberg was going over the product specs, there was a brief mention of the Fresnel lenses, which have been carried over from the Oculus Quest 2 and Meta Quest 2. In my experience, this is a big letdown. Having used both the Meta Quest 2 and the Meta Quest 3, I can confidently say that the lenses are one of the most significant factors affecting comfort and visual quality in VR.
The Importance of Pancake Lenses
The pancake lenses featured in the Meta Quest 3 are a major step forward compared to the Fresnel lenses in the Meta Quest 3S. These lenses drastically improve image clarity and reduce eye strain, which for me, has been a game-changer. The difference is especially noticeable during extended play sessions. With the Meta Quest 2, I often found that after about 30 minutes, my eyes would start to feel strained and even throb, making longer sessions uncomfortable.
But with the Meta Quest 3, I can wear the headset for up to two hours without any of the discomfort I experienced with the Meta Quest 2. I attribute this to the pancake lenses, which fold light more efficiently, reducing strain on the eyes and providing clearer visuals across the entire field of view.
If you’re considering getting into VR for the first time, or if you’re looking to upgrade from an older headset like the Meta Quest 2, it’s worth thinking about the long-term impact on your comfort. While the Meta Quest 3S may come with a more affordable price tag, saving up the extra $200 for the Meta Quest 3 could make all the difference in how much you enjoy your VR experience.
Meta Quest 3S: A Wider Market Appeal
There’s no doubt that Meta has introduced the Meta Quest 3S to appeal to a broader market. Priced at $299, it offers an easier entry point for people who may not want to spend too much on their first VR headset. And for that price, you’re still getting an impressive device with color passthrough, upgraded controllers, and more processing power than the Meta Quest 2.
However, the Meta Quest 3 at $499 delivers a truly premium experience. The pancake lenses, combined with the improved weight balance and premium feel, make it the superior option if you’re planning to spend a lot of time in VR. In my opinion, it’s worth saving the extra money for the better lenses alone. You’ll appreciate it every time you put the headset on.
Meta’s Orion Glasses: The Future of AR?
So that's the Meta Quest 3 vs Meta Quest 3S news, but another note, an exciting development from Meta Connect 2024 was the unveiling of the Orion glasses. While still in the prototype phase, these glasses are packed with impressive tech like holographic lenses and a neural interface. Although the design is still a bit bulky and not ready for prime time, I can see the potential.
Meta seems determined to stay ahead of the curve, particularly when it comes to competing with Apple, who is clearly focused on AR with their Vision Pro. It’s still early days, but the Orion glasses could represent a major leap forward in augmented reality, and I’m excited to see how this space evolves.
AI-Powered Smart Glasses: The Everyday Companion
Another noteworthy announcement from Meta Connect was the update to the Meta Smart Glasses. Initially, I wasn’t too thrilled about the Meta Smart Glasses when they first launched. Sure, they could capture quick videos or photos, but that didn’t feel like a game-changer to me.
However, this latest update has made me reconsider. The Meta Smart Glasses now come with AI-powered features that offer real, practical benefits. They can remember where you parked your car, assist with recipes by recognizing ingredients, and even provide real-time translation while you’re traveling. These new capabilities make the smart glasses more than just a novelty—they’re becoming a useful tool for everyday life.
The translation feature, in particular, is impressive. Imagine being able to travel abroad and have conversations in your native language while the Meta Smart Glasses translate what you’re saying to the other person in real-time. It’s a remarkable leap forward for communication technology, and while I don’t have travel plans anytime soon, it’s exciting to think about the possibilities.
AI Avatars: A New Frontier for Creators
One of the most futuristic and exciting developments Meta introduced is the concept of AI avatars. Imagine training an AI to look, sound, and act just like you. This AI would be able to interact with your audience in real-time, mimicking your voice, tone, and even personality.
For content creators, this is revolutionary. Instead of spending hours responding to individual fans, an AI avatar could handle multiple interactions at once. The avatar would respond to questions, engage with fans, and essentially become your digital twin—allowing you to scale your presence without the time-consuming manual effort.
While it might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, Meta has already made this technology a reality. By training the AI to understand how you communicate, your AI avatar can interact with your audience just like you would. It’s a bold step into the future of social media and content creation, and it will be fascinating to see how creators use this technology to enhance their reach and engagement.
What’s Next?
The Meta Connect keynote showcased how far the company has come in pushing the boundaries of VR, AR, and AI. Whether it’s the Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 3S, Orion glasses, Meta Smart Glasses, or AI avatars, the technology is advancing rapidly, and we’re seeing more and more applications for it in everyday life. While the Meta Quest 3S may appeal to a wider audience due to its lower price point, the Meta Quest 3 is the true premium experience, thanks in large part to the pancake lenses.
For those who are serious about VR or looking to invest in the best possible experience, I’d strongly recommend saving up for the Meta Quest 3. It may cost more upfront, but the benefits in comfort, clarity, and long-term enjoyment make it well worth the investment.
As always, I’m curious to hear your thoughts—what excites you most about the latest Meta announcements? Whether it’s the improved VR headsets like the Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S, the Orion glasses, AI avatars, or Meta Smart Glasses, the future of tech looks bright!
Conclusion: As far as the Meta Quest 3 vs Meta Quest 3s goes, the 3 offers a superior experience thanks to its pancake lenses, making it worth the extra cost over the Meta Quest 3S for those who prioritise comfort and clarity in VR. Meanwhile, Meta's Orion glasses, AI-powered smart glasses, and AI avatars hint at an exciting future in augmented reality and AI-driven tech. What do you think of these developments? Let me know in the comments!