Your Quest 3 questions get answers in Meta AMA
Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth recently answered several questions about the Quest 3 and how it compares to the Quest Pro.
Boz started his Instagram ask me anything (AMA) segment with an easy question about wearing glasses with the Quest 3. The one-word answer was "yes."
That's good news, but prescription lens inserts will continue to be a more convenient solution in the long term. This should give Quest 3 another advantage - besides price - over Apple's XR glasses, which reportedly do not allow glasses under the headset.
Quest 3 controller tracking
A harder question, which was also the most frequent, asked how the Quest 3 controllers are tracked since they lack the Quest 2's rings and the Quest Pro's embedded cameras.
The new Meta Quest 3 controllers bring new features, but they are not a must-have. If you want, you can also use Meta's Touch Pro controller. | Image: Meta
The answer was intriguing. In short, the Quest 3 tracks both the player's hands and invisible infrared LEDs on the controller. By combining these data points through artificial intelligence, accurate tracking is possible without relying on the expensive camera technology of the Quest Pro or the bulky rings of the Quest 2.
A second question about the controllers asked if the Quest 3 would be compatible with the Touch Pro controllers of the Quest Pro. "It sure will," was the quick answer.
Quest 3 FOV and battery life
Two questions with basically the same answer were posed. Battery life will be consistent with that of the Quest 2. That implies about two hours of use.
The field of view (FOV) of the Quest 3 is roughly the same as the Quest 2 (approximately 100 degrees).
Quest 3 weight
Surprisingly, the weight of the Quest 3 is about the same. However, user testing confirms it feels more comfortable, according to Meta's CTO. This coincides with Marc Gurman's recent report about his experience with a Quest 3 prototype.
The new strap design plays a role in that. The fact that the front visor is closer to your face is also a major factor. Boz said this will be noticeable when you turn your head or tilt it forward and back.
Quest 3 vs Quest Pro
Several questions centered around comparing the new Quest 3 to Meta's premium Quest Pro headset.
An interesting question was why the Quest Pro didn't have a depth sensor like the Quest 3. Boz said a depth sensor was planned for the Quest Pro, but Meta decided late in the development cycle that color cameras and infrared worked better for mixed reality.
Removing the depth sensor reduced cost and weight while lowering heat generation. Hot mirrors were added to prevent the headset's infrared cameras from seeing through clothing.
With the Quest 3, using a depth sensor for mixed reality was revisited, and the technique has improved enough to make more sense in the new model.
Boz was quite forthcoming about comparing the mixed reality view, admitting the Quest 3's passthrough view will be better than the Quest Pro's. Meta went a different route with Quest Pro colorization, leaving a noticeable flash of gray when you move your hands quickly.
Before leaving this topic, Boz claimed the Quest Pro's mixed reality is still great, but the Quest 3's will be better.
Comparing Meta's upcoming mid-range Quest 3 headset to the work-centric Quest Pro, Boz quickly clarified that the Quest 3 will be a better VR headset for gaming.
Better graphics performance allows the Quest 3 to display high-resolution graphics without dropping frames.
How thin is it, really?
One of my questions made it into the AMA. I asked, "Is the black portion all facial interface or is part of the Quest 3's body black?" The Quest 3 looks remarkably thin next to a Quest 2.
The Quest 3 is expected to be about 40 percent smaller than the Quest 2. | Image: Meta
Boz clarified that all of that black is the facial interface. Its dimensions are determined by the size of a human face.
Custom headbands for Quest 3
Boz fielded two questions about custom headbands on the Quest 3. He said he loved the idea and thought the interface should be adaptable for that, but was unaware of "plans to do that specifically." The comparison image above shows a similar interface on the sides as the Quest 2, and it would be a very strange choice if the headband won't be interchangeable.
Can Quest 3 use Link?
The Quest 3 will be able to use Quest Link and Boz expressed that PC VR is still important. Meta's CTO went on to describe the Quest 3 as "best in class for all the PC gaming needs." Meta has also confirmed link support in response to RoadtoVR's inquiry.
As the CTO of Meta, Andrew Bosworth could be showing some bias here. We'll know more once we get our hands on a Quest 3 for an in-depth review. Stay tuned.
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