Meta is expanding its horizons, pun intended, as it creates new features for its VR headsets. The company revealed several Quest 3 headset additions during Meta Connect 2023, including the real-space capabilities of the device.
Virtual Objects in Real Space
Meta's mixed-reality headset is now capable of augmenting objects and widgets in real space. This comes as a step forward as Apple introduced its Vision Pro MR headsets, which can be used to interact with apps in real space as well.
With the new feature, users will be able to customize their space with a library of augments that "interact with the world in ways that physical objects can't," according to Meta Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth. This applies to both 2D and 3D displays.
Bosworth added that upon wearing the headset, it will automatically map the space and understand elements like walls, furniture, and other objects. The device will then make these assets part of the mixed reality experience.
Furthermore, the virtual assets and how they interact with the environment will not be limited to what the user and the device see. The Meta Quest 3 headset is capable of spatially anchoring augments, which means that the objects you place will still be there after you leave them.
Since the virtual objects interact with the environment, users will be able to decorate their space as they please. They can place game trophies on real-world shelves, as mentioned in Tech Crunch, or just generally decorate their space the way they would in the metaverse.
This brings a whole new level to gaming. It won't just be something simple like an augmented board game on a flat surface. For instance, in the game First Encounters, the alien spaceship could come down from the ceiling and land on your actual table.
In a way, it makes it easier for gamers who play virtual games. With the device mapping and considering the objects around the environment, the player won't have to worry about bumping into anything or making an effort to create a space to play.
What Else Does the Meta Quest 3 Offer?
When you purchase the Meta Quest 3 set, you'll be getting the headset with a pre-installed Standard Facial Interface, two Touch Plus controllers with wrist wraps and two AA batteries, and a charging cable with a power adapter for the devices.
With the headset, you'll have access to over 500 immersive games and experiences. These include titles like Assassin's Creed Nexus, and Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord, as well as entertainment and fitness applications.
You'll also be able to open Meta's social apps like Messenger and WhatsApp. All this can be experienced through the headset's 4K+ infinite display. You'll see it more vividly with its new dual RGB camera.
The headset uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, which is twice as fast as the processor used in the Meta Quest 2 headset, the XR2 Gen 1. That means that the apps and games will run more smoothly in the latest release.
