• By Vikas Yadav
  • Mon, 26 Aug 2024 07:37 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Meta Quest headsets are among the popular choices when buying an immersive mixed-reality headset. To improve this headset portfolio, Meta is reportedly planning to launch a new MR headset, which could be cheaper than the Meta Quest 3. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Meta is said to host its Connect conference on September 25 and September 26. At the event, the company could showcase this cheaper trim.

As per Gurman's Power On newsletter, Meta Connect 2024 will likely focus on AI. Further, the event could witness the introduction of mixed-reality headsets and smart glasses. Meta may introduce a new MR headset dubbed "Quest 3S". However, Gurman added that the company has discussed several monikers internally.

Also Read: Meta Is Cancelling Plans To Launch Its 'High-End' Apple Vision Pro Headset Rival, Suggests Report; Here's Why

The entry-level unit could sit in the $300 to $400 price range, about $100-$200 cheaper than the Quest 3, which retails for $500. According to the journalist, the company may sell the controllers separately in some models. The Quest 3S could cost about one-tenth of Apple's Vision Pro. Among other big reveals is tipped to be the preview of the AR glasses as a prototype product labelled 'Orion'.

This AR glasses project could be an attempt to create a wearable that is lightweight and comfortable on the eyes for extended periods. Plus, Meta could showcase AI features for its Ray-Ban-branded smart glasses, along with new colours and styles. In 2025, Meta reportedly aims to introduce an AR-like screen into these glasses.

Also Read: Meta Opens Quest OS To Third-Party Developers, Hardware Makers; ASUS, Lenovo To Develop MR Headsets

Meanwhile, Meta has reportedly paused works on a Vision Pro rival, codenamed La Jolla. While the launch was anticipated for 2027, the project was sacked due to the high cost of MicroOLED screens, which could have scaled the headset's cost to over $1,000, and Meta was not ok with this, The Information noted. You can read more on this affair here.