In an unexpected turn of events, Meta has accidentally leaked details about its upcoming Meta Quest 3S virtual reality (VR) headset, revealing an intriguing new feature dubbed the Action Button.
While Meta has yet to formally announce the existence of the Meta Quest 3S, several leaks and internal references suggest that the device will soon be introduced as part of Meta’s expanding VR product lineup.
The Meta Quest 3S, which appears to be an affordable alternative to the flagship Meta Quest 3, was briefly mentioned on Meta’s own support pages, hinting that the device could launch sooner than anticipated. Here’s what we know so far about the next big VR gadget from Meta.
The Meta Quest 3S: A More Affordable Option
The Meta Quest 3S, previously rumored as the “Meta Quest 3 Lite,” is expected to slot between the Meta Quest 2 and the more premium Meta Quest 3.
Designed to be a cost-effective option for VR enthusiasts, the Meta Quest 3S will likely feature some downgrades compared to the Quest 3 but still offer a solid virtual reality experience for consumers looking for a more budget-friendly device.
The current Meta Quest 3, which is the company’s top consumer-grade VR headset, boasts impressive specs, including high-resolution displays that provide an immersive experience in both virtual and mixed-reality environments.
However, the product is rumored to strip back some of those premium features to lower the price point, while still delivering a worthwhile VR experience for the average user.
The Action Button: A Game-Changing Feature?
The most exciting new detail about the Meta Quest 3S comes in the form of a feature known as the Action Button.
According to information briefly spotted on Meta’s official support pages, the Action Button is designed to allow users to quickly toggle between full virtual reality mode and passthrough mode—a feature that lets users see the real world through the headset’s cameras without taking the device off.
This marks a significant improvement over the existing double-tap feature found on Meta’s current lineup, including the Meta Quest 2 and 3, which serves a similar purpose but lacks the streamlined functionality that the Action Button seems to offer.
The Action Button could make it easier for users to switch between experiences, especially for those who frequently shift between virtual and mixed-reality environments.
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Bystander Signaling Light and Additional Features
Another feature leak from Meta’s support pages reveals that the Meta Quest 3S will inherit the bystander signaling light from the Quest 3. This light indicates to those around the user that they are engaged in a VR experience, providing a subtle visual cue to bystanders.
While the Quest 3S may not boast the ultra-high resolution or performance of the Meta Quest 3, it will likely come with enough key features to appeal to a broad audience of casual gamers, VR enthusiasts, and professionals looking for a lower-cost entry point into virtual reality.
Why Did the Meta Quest 3S Details Leak?
The details surrounding the Meta Quest 3S may have been leaked prematurely as Meta gears up for its annual Meta Connect event, scheduled for September 25-26, 2024. The event is Meta’s premier opportunity to showcase new hardware and software innovations, including the latest in artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality, and mixed reality devices.
This wouldn’t be the first time Meta has inadvertently revealed details about upcoming products before their official announcements. In fact, this has become a common occurrence in the tech world, with companies like PlayStation and Apple also recently grappling with leaks.
Given that the Meta Quest 3 was unveiled at Meta Connect in 2023 and launched shortly thereafter, it’s plausible that the Meta Quest 3S will follow a similar timeline. If this is the case, we could see the Meta Quest 3S hitting store shelves as early as October 2024.
What to Expect at Meta Connect 2024
Meta Connect 2024 is expected to offer deeper insights into Meta’s ambitions for the future of virtual and mixed reality. With the VR market continuing to grow, Meta is betting big on expanding its product lineup to cater to a wider range of users—from casual gamers to professionals and content creators.
In addition to the potential announcement of the Meta Quest 3S, the company may also unveil new software updates, enhanced AI tools, and perhaps even a sneak peek at what’s next for the company’s Horizon Worlds metaverse.
While this product remains unofficial for now, these leaks all but confirm its existence and provide a glimpse into what consumers can expect from Meta’s newest VR offering.
The inclusion of the Action Button and bystander signaling light could make it a versatile and appealing choice for users looking to enter the VR space without breaking the bank.
With the Meta Connect event just around the corner, VR enthusiasts won’t have to wait long to get official confirmation on the Meta Quest 3S. Until then, the rumor mill continues to spin, with the Meta Quest 3S shaping up to be a highly anticipated release in the world of virtual reality.
Stay tuned for more updates on Meta’s growing VR ecosystem as we approach the big reveal later this month!
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