All right, let’s delve into a theory I’ve been considering. We are gradually moving towards a reality where we may live with wearable computers attached to our faces. This isn’t something far-fetched but a potential reality that tech companies heavily beleive in.
Mark Zuckerberg, for one, is a staunch believer that humans are headed towards spending significant time in some sort of metaverse. More so, with the rapid advancements in VR technology, we can’t be too far off.
However, considering the current state of tech in 2023, it’s safe to say that we’re not quite there yet. The VR headsets are quite bulky and obtrusive in their current stage, leaving quite a lot to be desired. The main issue lies with the weight of the components — the computers, pixels, batteries and all, being too heavy for regular, comfortable use. But the general consensus is that with time, we would see major shrinkage in their size, perhaps down to something as inconsequential as a regular pair of glasses.
Taking an example — the Quest 3, which is the latest VR headset from Meta, leans heavily on this size and tech sliding scale. Interestingly, Meta is also concurrently working on smart glasses and even announced their RayBan Meta Smart Glasses recently, also known as the RayBan Stories. These smart glasses only pack a camera, small speakers and a battery due to their limited size but there are many more developments expected in future versions.
VR headsets are amping up their efforts to minimize their size while smart glasses are racing to improve their tech. It’s a race between these two devices to seeing which fills the void first. Companies like Meta are investing heavily in both these verticals to determine the winner.
Reviewing the Quest 3
Let’s explore the latest VR headset from Meta, the Quest 3. This year, Meta took a leap and positioned it as a mixed reality headset. It was a natural transition if the goal was to make VR headsets comfortable and similar to glasses we wear in everyday life.
The earlier versions of VR headsets somewhat felt like a transition into another world which was cut off once you remove the headset. The new version is as immersive as it’s predecessors but offers much superior pass-through. The introduction of more sensors arranged around the headset has made this possible. Other benefits include intuitive setup and surprisingly great accuracy when mapping out the room and usable play area.
So, you might be asking, how good is the Quest 3? It is an improvement over the Quest Pro, although still fewer than Apple’s Vision Pro. But their stereo capability has proven to be good.
Certainly, the future of wearable tech is an interesting run between VR headsets and smart glasses — both heading towards the goal of becoming a part of our everyday lives.
An In-depth Look at the Quest 3 VR Headset
The Quest 3 VR headset sports impressive features that are guaranteed to delight users. It offers vivid experiences presented in almost real-time, making the colours you observe accurate. The design is so ergonomically friendly that users can easily locate and handle the controllers without needing assistance. This enhancement ramps up the overall gaming experience, which is a huge bonus for the headset’s users.
The headset does have a minor distortion with up-close objects and things at the edges of your vision. However, you can’t quite reach the fidelity level required to interact with your phone screen while wearing the headset. So, say, if you receive a text, you’ll still need to remove the headset to read it.
When it comes to comparing the Quest 3 with a more premium, pricier VR headset like the Apple Vision Pro- which I’ve had the fortune of testing thanks to my position- it’s clear that despite being a less expensive alternative, the Quest 3 VR headset fares quite well. From being able to distinctly record experiences on the phone while still in the VR world, to offering excellent resolution in its menu displays and precise controller accuracy, the Quest 3 impressively holds its own.
Innovative Features of the Quest 3 VR Headset
The Quest 3 VR headset comes with high-quality sensors around the exterior, eliminating the necessity for physical controllers. The choice is still yours, however, if you prefer to use controllers for certain games. The hand tracking features on the headset have seen a discernable improvement in intuitiveness and responsiveness, adding to why many consider it as a glimpse of what’s to come in VR tech. Features like the ‘pinch gesture’ used to navigate the digital menu further highlight the advancement in the seamless hand tracking tech.
There are certain limitations though. For instance, typing on a virtual keyboard floating mid-air is quite challenging, mainly due to the lack of haptic feedback. This might require more practice to get used to, as the interaction lacks the tactile experience when your fingers hit the physical keys of a keyboard.
Despite these advancements in VR tech integrated into this headset, its crowning glory remains its superior gaming capabilities. It stands out, whether it’s the games it has inherited from its predecessor, the Quest 2, or the exclusive gaming titles optimised for the new Quest 3. Improved eye resolution, a wider field of view, and enhanced comfort of wear due to improved weight distribution because of the new strap, all contribute to its stand-out position in the gaming VR arena. The next-gen Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chip further boosts these gaming credentials. Unbelievably realistic games like golf, engaging ones like multiplayer ping pong, and classics like Beat Saber, Super Hot, etc., offer a gaming experience worth every penny.
Looking to the Future with the Quest 3 VR Headset
Despite the possibilities that this VR headset opens up, today, you’d essentially want to own it for about a half-hour’s exciting gaming engagement. However, it’s the future potential of such technology that’s genuinely fascinating. The tech within the headset boasting of such immersive capabilities will continue to miniaturise, shaping the future landscape of VR, AR, and overall reality interfaces. This belief is backed by developments like the Meta Smart Glasses, which start at the other end of the tech spectrum, hinting at the exciting crossroad of technology and wearables we are at.
Introduction
Imagine being equipped with a powerful computer comfortably sitting on your face, integrated within a familiar yet unsuspecting pair of glasses. With technology getting more potent and minimalistic over time, your regular looking glasses will house more enhanced capabilities, making them almost indistinguishable from any other pair on the street.
Features
The smart glasses by Meta come with a 12-megapixel camera, accompanied by a mini LED light ring that signals when it’s capturing a picture or video. On top of it, there lies a shutter button for easy access. The glasses, quite incredibly, contain a mini-computer inside them, inclusive of storage, a touchpad at the side, several microphones, and some delicate pinhole speakers directing sound into your ears.
Despite its small size, when connected to your phone and the Meta View app, this device transforms into a surprisingly competent mini-computer. Paired with your phone, through it, you can click first-person pictures and record videos that can last up to 60 seconds. The videos produced are generally admirable, indicating a promising future.
Convenience
But that’s not all. The smart glasses’ voice assistant feature allows you to use phrases like ‘Hey, Meta take a picture’, which triggers a fast response from the built-in assistant. Through it, you can also send and receive audio messages via WhatsApp Messenger and other Meta programmes.
The device’s specialty lies in its ability to work flawlessly with experiences that solely require audio. Consequently, it is persistently connected to your phone via Bluetooth, letting you listen to music effortlessly. The directionality of the speakers ensures minimum sound leakage, maintaining your privacy.
The Meta Virtual Assistant
An interesting element of the smart glasses is the AI virtual assistant. It can answer your queries, from tomorrow’s weather to writing poems, or even drafting an acceptance speech for you, all read to you through the tiny speakers. While it isn’t the sharpest AI assistant out there with limitations, its nuances boast unprecedented convenience.
Other Details
These smart glasses come in two different styles: the headliner and the Wayfarer by RayBan. One clear shortcoming is the battery life. However, that is somewhat made up for by the wireless charging case, acting similarly to earbud cases, providing several charges.
The near future of wearable technology is more than an exciting prospect. It’s an awe-inspiring reality. Picture this — a pair of glasses, your day-to-day ordinary glasses, packed with an impressive amount of tech power and yet maintaining that normal eyewear look. This is what the tech world is moving towards as we dive deeper into 2023.
The impressive features of these high-tech glasses include a recording light on one side, a camera on the other, and an overall symmetrical design typical of regular glasses. This technological feat brings us to an essential consideration — which side will gain mass adoption first?
Companies like Meta are banking on both options, increasing their chances of coming out victorious either way. Snapchat, on the other hand, tried their hand at smart glasses, barely scraping the surface of what could be possible. Apple started their journey with the Apple Vision Pro, promising to shrink and miniaturise it further over the years.
The plans of these giants in the tech industry reflect one thing — the technology that will be on our faces in 10 to 20 years will look dramatically more advanced compared to what we have today, in much the same way that the tech we had ten years ago seems archaic now.
As the conversation draws to a close, there are three highlights. First, for $500, the Quest 3 is an awe-inspiring VR or mixed reality headset that I would readily recommend. Second, Apple’s Vision Pro, set for release in early 2024, is something to watch out for. Finally, irrespective of personal beliefs, the future of technology seems to be heading towards computers on our faces. The speed and investment in this sector are too significant to ignore. As we progress, wearable technology will likely get smaller, more seamlessly integrated, and eventually become a base computer device for us.
What is your take on this? Which side of the fence are you on? Thank you for joining us on this exploration of the future of wearable technology. Until the next exciting tech conversation, peace.
