Meta-owned Oculus has launched a high-end VR headset that it believes "will help usher in the next computing platform". It is equipped with LCD displays.

Despite being a high-end VR headset, Oculus has once again chosen conventional LCD displays over self-emitting display technology such as OLED. The two LCD displays use local dimming (500 zones) and a quantum dot film to improve contrast and color, respectively. There are 37% more pixels per inch at 1800x1920 pixels per eye with 90 Hz refresh rate.

- "Meta Quest Pro is the first entry in our new high-end line of devices, and it’s packed with innovative features like high-res sensors for robust mixed reality experiences, crisp LCD displays for sharp visuals, a completely new and sleeker design, plus eye tracking and Natural Facial Expressions to help your avatar reflect you more naturally in VR," announced Oculus.


 Meta Quest Pro. Photo: Meta

It is the first device powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ with 50% more power than the Meta Quest 2, which will remain available as a more affordable option. Quest Pro has 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and 10 high-res sensors (five inside the headset and five outside). It is backwards compatible with existing games and apps.

It switches from Fresnel lenses to "thin pancake optics that fold light several times over, reducing the depth of the optical module by 40%". There are new Quest Touch Pro controllers, too.


The Metaverse
The new Pro headset was introduced as a part of Meta's (née Facebook) mission to build the 'Metaverse', a virtual environment for work, gaming, socializing, and more. The company has reportedly poured billion of dollars into the project but a recent report by The Verge claims that employees are barely using it.

In 2021, Google abandoned its project to develop a VR platform, Daydream, and related VR products. Apple is reportedly developing VR/AR products, the first of which could be unveiled in 2023. Sony is planning to launch PlayStation VR2 early next year for PS5 VR gaming.


 Xbox Cloud Gaming is coming to Meta Quest. Photo: Meta

At the launch event, Microsoft announced that Xbox Cloud Gaming in beta is coming to the Meta Quest Store at an undisclosed date in the future. Among Us VR is also coming to Quest.

The Meta Quest Pro will be available on October 25 for $1500 in the US and €1800 in Europe. The package includes the headset, Meta Quest Touch Pro controllers, stylus tips, partial light blockers, and a charging dock.

Meta Quest Pro – highlighted features
 In the box


PREMIUM COMFORT
World-class counter-balanced ergonomics meets sleek design to create a more comfortable headset.

TRANSFORMATIVE MIXED REALITY
Full-colour mixed reality, with resolution 4X higher compared to Quest 2, lets you work, create and collaborate in the virtual world while staying present in the physical world.

NATURAL EXPRESSION
Real-time expression tracking allows your avatar to mimic your facial expression. Smiles, eyebrow raises, winks and all.

META QUEST TOUCH PRO CONTROLLERS
Includes three cameras and a Snapdragon 662 mobile processor per controller, for 360-degree range of motion in your virtual space. TruTouch haptic feedback, and precision pinch create a more intuitive VR feel.

NEXT-GENERATION OPTICS
You'll immediately notice better visual clarity. We slimmed down the optical stack by over 40% compared to Quest 2 using our innovative patented pancake lens and optics technology, which works by folding light inside the optical module. Advanced VR LCD display technology that provides 37% greater pixels-per-inch. And 1.3X larger colour gamut that provides more vibrant colours to deliver a more engaging VR experience.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE HARDWARE
With great hardware – ten advanced VR/MR sensors, spatial audio, 256 GB storage, 12 GB RAM and a Snapdragon XR2+ processor that delivers 50% more power for better performance.

BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY
Peace of mind comes knowing that you can still access the Meta Quest 2 app catalogue to enjoy all of your favourite games, entertainment apps and more.

MULTI-TASKING MADE EASY
Pop open multiple resizable screens, work on new ideas, stream your feeds or message with friends. With this new superpower, multitasking has never been easier.

COMES WITH CHARGING DOCK
A companion charging dock, with rapid USB-C power adapter, keeps your headset and controllers charged so that when creativity strikes, you'll be ready to bring your ideas to life.

FLEXIBLE LEVELS OF IMMERSION
Accommodated IPD range: 55-75 mm, with continuous IPD adjustment for better visual clarity and less eye strain. From fully open peripheral vision, to partial blocked (included) or fully immersed (accessory) VR immersiveness is no longer a one-size-fits-all.
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