Is Meta Quest 3 A Worthy Purchase?

Meta Quest 3 is a highly anticipated product in the virtual and augmented reality gaming community. It's safe to say that a number of VR gamers are eagerly awaiting its release, but it's important to note that this shouldn't be the only market that Meta targets if they hope to achieve significant growth. While gaming is a popular use for VR/AR headsets, it's not the only thing they should be known for as mixed reality headsets, and it's important for Meta to showcase that if the features are vast. I didn't see this in the product trailer.

One of the most important things to consider when it comes to VR and AR headsets is their usefulness. While some people may be willing to tolerate a headset for the sake of having a good time, many others will not. For VR and AR headsets to truly take off, they need to be useful for more than just gaming. This is especially true when it comes to the higher-end headsets with a higher price tags. Consumers are unlikely to invest in a headset that they will only use occasionally for entertainment purposes.

In addition to gaming, mixed reality headsets have a variety of other potential uses. For example, they could be used in education to create immersive learning experiences. They could also be used in business to deliver training or to create virtual meeting spaces. Businesses may also find creative ways to use the technology to engage with customers or to create new products and services.

The success of mixed reality headsets will require certain factors on both sides, including price, quality, and ease of use. Speaking of VR & AR games, an impressive lineup will mean the difference between the Meta Quest 3 being a worthy purchase for gamers or a buyer beware sticker, but if it were a device that delivered like a PC or a phone then it would give more justification for the purchase.

As Meta Quest 3 prepares to enter the market, it will face competition from other VR and AR headsets, including the Playstation VR 2 and Apple's Vision Pro in 2024. Meta Quests 3 is $50 less than PSVR2.

PlayStation VR 2 | $549

As someone who isn't particularly interested in VR and AR headsets at this time, I'm still excited to see where this technology will go in the future. The potential uses for these devices are vast, and I'm glad to see that they are being supported and developed for the sake of progress in this sector. My curiousity is the highest with Apple Vision Pro, but I run into the same issue of cords and potential discomfort, and I think I would get the feeling of disconnection to the outside world. I would like to try this headset the most to see if my opinion changes, but if an investment were made it would have to be practical because I wouldn't buy it for games only.

A game that I would like to play is Lego's Brick Tales, because it is a perfect addition to the launch lineup, and to be fair it adds to a large catalogue of games, but will the tech and new offerings be enough to usher in new users? Only time will tell.

Meta Quest 3 Information

Release date: October 10, 2023

Price: $499.99 USD | 128GB Version

          $649.99 USD | 512GB Version

Specifications: 4K+ Infinite Display | 2064 X 2208 pixels (per eye)

                         40% increased audio range compared to Meta Quest 2

                         Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 Processor

                         Mixed reality

                         Slim | Ergonomic design | Customizable options

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FTS: Put those headsets on and get ready to broadcast on mobile in... Minecraft!

Mixer Interactivity, Mobile Broadcasting and Windows Mixed Reality Arrives in the Minecraft 1.2.5 Update

What’s happening? Hot off the heels of MINECON Earth, Minecraft takes a deep dive into the world of Mixer Interactivity and Windows Mixed Reality with the 1.2.5 update, graduating from beta today! Players will be able to build, explore and battle mobs from new, creative perspectives, making this update the most immersive yet.

What’s coming in the 1.2.5 update? Quite a few things, actually:

• Native mobile broadcasting and Mixer Interactivity:
  
  • Players on Android ~and~ iOS platforms will gain access to instant, native broadcasting from directly within the game. By pressing the new “broadcast” button in the Settings menu, you can begin broadcasting to streaming services such as Mixer, YouTube, Twitch, Mobcrush and Periscope. If you’re streaming on Mixer, you’ll utilize the power of Faster Than Light technology, enabling you to broadcast with sub-second latency and also co-stream your gameplay with up to three friends.
    
    
  • We’re also introducing native Mixer Interactivity for Bedrock Engine-based platforms! Any Minecraft command can be turned into an interactive button on Mixer, enabling communities to play along with their favorite streamers in real time. Create mazes or puzzles for the streamer to solve, or summon Mobs, pets and zombie spawns – the possibilities are endless. ;)
    
    
• Windows Mixed Reality: Building, exploring and coming face-to-face with monstrous mobs in Minecraft takes on new meaning when experienced with a Windows Mixed Reality immersive headset. Now you can share the adventure with friends playing on mobile, Windows 10 or console, set up your own world with Realms, or join one of the massive player-run servers. Creeping into dark caves inspires even greater trepidation thanks to 3D audio, and Creative mode will take on a fresh perspective. Minecraft will work across all Windows Mixed Reality-immersive headsets and badged PCs.

For the full announcement and more information, check out Minecraft.net!

In Case You Missed It

• We announced the Minecraft 1.2.5 beta last month, which introduced mobile broadcast testing on Android, and interactivity testing on Android, Xbox One and Windows 10.
• MINECON Earth took place last weekend, and it was AWESOME. We also announced a ton of cool stuff during the livestream that you should probably know about, like The Update Aquatic and a new mob. Minecraft.net has the scoop in case you missed it!

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Samsung Odyssey VR Headset... to wait or to buy? That is the question.

The Samsung Odyssey is coming out this fall... along with Windows VR headsets from Dell, HP, Asus and others. Prices will vary along with quality, look and comfort but... are you interested?

This looks bad ass. - Luis D. Lucha | Sdgt Ent

If you're looking to get a VR headset for your Windows 10 PC... first make sure it can handle the hardware through the official Microsoft compatibility app, but also take a step back and find out if it has the content worth buying the hardware for (when it comes to you). Luckily for gamers... SteamVR will be here for us, but even with that in mind... make sure the games are up your virtual alley. If you know what type of VR action you're into, that is.

I think it'll be worth it for the entertainment. - Yang | Sdgt Ent

Not everyone will get a chance to try before they buy, but try to get your eyes on plenty of reviews before you fire off on a specific one. Look out for the quality and make sure its something you can wear for a long period of time and often. Also, look out for the sound quality if it has built-in headphones, to make sure it's not crappy. 

Weigh your options!!! What else can you get, if you're strapped for cash and you have to save up for one of these... then drop the money into one that's worth the money. In other words... avoid the ones that are understandably cheap.

These specific headsets are known as mixed reality headsets (that don't require additional sensors around the home) and... I look forward to the day these things are advanced enough to be wireless, allowing me to walk around my home freely. If I were going to get one this fall, it would probably be the Samsung Odyssey due to the AMOLED screens and the AKG headphones... because the quality needs to be there in order for me to get my actual worth out of it (especially for $499 + tax). The better the quality, the more I can appreciate the experience.

A game has to be... super good to get me back to motion controls. - RkRk | Sdgt Ent

The Samsung Odyssey gives you 2880 x 1600 in resolution, OLED display, 90Hz refresh rate, 110˚ max field view, headphones + dual array mics and motion controllers (the ones you see here). By the way... when it comes to VR controllers, it wouldn't hurt to have some with additional buttons for the purpose of advanced gameplay. Then again... I am completely fine holding a standard game controller while without flailing my arms about.

Samsung Odyssey VR Headset... to wait or to buy? Hmm, depends on if you're content with the cost mainly. There are people that go after the latest tech and want to maximize their experiences, so if you want to get your hands on one... do yourself the biggest favor and enjoy it to the fullest.

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