What to expect from Meta Connect 2024: Affordable Quest 3, AR glasses, and more

JULIEN DE ROSA/AFP through Getty Photos

Meta’s annual Connect conference is sort of right here, and when you’re interested by new {hardware}, you are in luck.

Additionally: Why Meta’s Ray-Ban Smart Glasses are my favorite tech purchase this year

Whereas a big portion of the convention will seemingly give attention to the corporate’s AI efforts, no less than two gadgets ought to debut: a brand new Quest headset and new good glasses.

A extra inexpensive Meta Quest headset

First, when you’ve been on the fence about making an attempt out the Meta Quest 3, and the current $25-a-month deal wasn’t enough to tempt you, excellent news is coming: a extra inexpensive, slimmed-down model of the Quest 3 is on the best way.

Additionally: Meta Quest 3S: Specs, features, and everything else we know so far

The Quest 3S will reportedly run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, the identical one which runs the Quest 3. It is going to have a pair of fast-switch LCD screens with 1832 x 1920 decision and a 120Hz refresh charge. The outside is getting a slight retool, with a triangle-shaped sequence of “spider-eye” lenses. 

The 3S will reportedly price $299.99 for the 128GB base mannequin, with completely different bundles out there. A since-deleted Amazon web page confirmed a starter bundle, a streamer bundle, a consolation bundle, and a chargeable bundle. Meta’s greatest benefit over Apple’s Vision Pro so far is the price difference, and this new system will solely widen that hole. The bottom 3S is reportedly going to be no less than $200 decrease than the value of the Quest 3.

Leaked photos present it could be a bit of bulkier than the Quest 3, and the lenses on the 3S could be nearer to what was on the Quest 2, nevertheless it seems to be a stable center floor between the three and the two, and a really attractive possibility when you’re seeking to leap into AR/VR

Sensible glasses enhancements and AR glasses reveal

Meta’s different huge {hardware} announcement will reportedly preview its in-development augmented actuality (AR) smart glasses. Glasses aren’t new territory for Meta, because it has partnered with Ray-Ban to produce smart glasses — however these gadgets do not use AR. 

Additionally: Meta Quest 3 review: The VR headset most people should buy in 2024

The plan for this yr’s Join convention appears to be for Meta to point out off new Meta AI software program that may energy the present Ray-Bans, introduce just a few new coloration choices and kinds for the Ray-Bans, and showcase a prototype of its eventual AR glasses, internally known as “Orion”.

Voice choices, together with celebrities, for Meta AI

In accordance to Reuters, Meta will announce audio capabilities for its AI chatbot at Join this week. Together with a number of generic choices, like most AI assistants have, Meta plans to supply official celeb choices too, together with Judi Dench, Kristen Bell, John Cena, Awkwafina, and Keegan-Michael Key.

Additionally: We found a way to escape Meta AI on Facebook – but there’s a catch

The celeb voices will reportedly launch first within the US and different English-speaking international locations this week throughout all of Meta’s apps, together with Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

Meta Connect 2024 will happen from Sept. 25 to 26.

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