Mixed reality is the next frontier of computing, and two tech giants are competing to dominate this space: Apple and Meta. Both companies have recently announced their latest headsets that can deliver both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences: the Apple Vision Pro and the Meta Quest 3. But which one is better for you? Here are some key factors to consider before you make your decision.
The first and most obvious difference between the two headsets is the price. The Apple Vision Pro will cost a whopping $3,499, making it one of the most expensive consumer electronics products ever. It will also ship in early 2024, meaning you’ll have to wait a while to get your hands on it1.
The Meta Quest 3, on the other hand, will start at $500, which is much more affordable and accessible for most people. It will also launch later this year, giving it a head start over Apple’s device.
The Apple Vision Pro looks like a sleek and futuristic device, with a curved visor that covers the user’s eyes and ears. It has a high-resolution display that can project lifelike images and sounds onto the user’s field of view. It also has a powerful processor that can run complex applications and games without lag or overheating1.
The Vision Pro also has a unique feature that sets it apart from other headsets: an external screen that shows the eyes and expressions of the wearer from inside the device. This allows for more natural and social interactions with other people, as well as enhanced privacy and security1.
The Meta Quest 3 looks similar to its predecessor, the Quest 2, but with some improvements. It has a larger and sharper display that can switch between AR and VR modes. It also has improved cameras and sensors that can track the user’s movements and environment more accurately1.
The Quest 3 also comes with two controllers that can be used to interact with the virtual world. The controllers have haptic feedback and finger tracking, making them more immersive and intuitive than before
The Apple Vision Pro is compatible with a range of Apple services and devices, such as iCloud, Apple Music, Apple TV+, AirPods, iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Users can access their content and apps through a virtual interface that resembles the iOS home screen. They can also interact with Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, to control the headset and get information1.
One of the most impressive features of the Vision Pro is its ability to create realistic holograms of people and objects that can be placed in the user’s environment. For example, users can have a face-to-face conversation with a friend who is miles away, or play a game with a virtual character that reacts to their actions. Users can also manipulate and edit these holograms with their hands or voice1.
The Meta Quest 3 is compatible with Meta’s own platform and services, such as Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, Horizon Workrooms, Horizon Venues, and Spark AR. Users can access their content and apps through a virtual interface that resembles the Facebook home screen. They can also interact with Hey Facebook, Meta’s voice assistant, to control the headset and get information1.
One of the main features of the Quest 3 is its ability to connect to Meta’s vision of the metaverse, a shared virtual space where people can socialize, work, play, learn, and create together. Users can explore various worlds and experiences created by Meta or other developers, as well as create their own using tools like Spark AR or Horizon Worlds
The Apple Vision Pro and the Meta Quest 3 are both impressive devices that offer different approaches to mixed reality. The Vision Pro is more expensive and exclusive, but also more innovative and elegant. The Quest 3 is more affordable and accessible, but also more familiar and mainstream.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and use cases. If you want to experience the cutting-edge of mixed reality technology and don’t mind paying a premium for it, then you might want to wait for the Vision Pro. If you want to enjoy a variety of mixed reality content and join the metaverse community without breaking the bank, then you might want to go for the Quest
