The battle for the best VR/AR product has commenced, signaling the dawn of a new era. AI war is still there and here we are, jumping on another phase; how technology grows.
Apple has sent shockwaves throughout the tech industry with its groundbreaking spatial computer device, Apple Vision Pro. This extraordinary product not only exceeds the capabilities of a traditional headset (it is not called a headset) but also boasts an array of unimaginable features.
Earlier on, Meta had unveiled their latest AR/VR headset, Meta Quest 3, just days before Apple’s announcement, creating a frenzy in the tech world. The excitement surrounding Meta’s release had barely subsided when Apple dropped their bombshell.
So, if you find yourself contemplating which device to purchase or which one aligns better with your needs, we have meticulously compared and contrasted both technological marvels.
Read Also: WWDC 2023: Apple unveils multi-app 3D engine, Vision Pro, and other product updates
Pricing and Availability
Despite Meta’s introduction of two versions of the Oculus Quest VR headsets and their plans to release the Quest 3 in the near future, the combined prices of these devices may not equal the cost of Apple’s Vision Pro, which is priced at $3,499.
The Oculus Quest 2 and Quest Pro are currently priced around $300 and $999 respectively, and it is anticipated that the Meta Quest 3 will be valued at $499. This significant price difference could potentially act as a deterrent for many individuals, but it could also serve as a marketing strategy employed by both technology giants.
Apple might specifically target tech-savvy VR/AR lovers and businesses with the Vision Pro while Meta might be aiming to cater to the consumer market with their primary Quest line. When comparing the offerings of both companies, the varying prices may just be well-suited for each respective product.
As a VR/AR enthusiast, if you intend to purchase the Apple Vision Pro, you have ample time to save as it is expected to go on sale early next year. Conversely, the Meta Quest 3 is slated to become available later this year.
Battery durability
Both the Meta’s Quest 3 and Apple’s Vision Pro boast impressive battery life, with the former offering up to 2 hours of uninterrupted usage and the latter providing an extended 3 hours of operational time. Apple’s Vision Pro surpasses the Meta’s Quest in terms of versatility, as it features external battery support through a convenient plug-in pack.
In the case of the Quest 2, users have the option to enhance its uptime by utilizing the specialized Elite Strap, which effectively doubles the battery life. However, Meta has yet to fully disclose all you need to know about the battery performance of the highly anticipated Quest 3. Who knows, it might just be an inbuilt battery.
Honestly, the external battery for Apple’s Vision Pro isn’t something to sweat about as an IT pro. If you’re dishing out over $3000 for the device, it’s more like a “look at me, I’m a tech wizard!” moment.
Usage
One fantastic feature of the standalone Apple Vision Pro is its utilization of natural intuitive models such as hand tracking, eye tracking, and voice commands. Unlike regular VR/AR headsets, Apple does not include a controller or motion wand with the Vision Pro.
On the other hand, Meta Quest devices come with controllers that have familiar features like a thumbstick, touchpad, touch-sensitive buttons, and tracking sensors. They are also more compact and smaller in size. Both headsets offer stereo speakers and directional audio, but the Apple Vision Pro goes a step further with built-in audio pods for Spatial Audio support. It also supports the Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad for productivity needs.
Hardware Design
In terms of aesthetics, the Quest 3 claims to be 40% slimmer than the Quest 2. However, it still appears to be a bit chunkier and made of plastic than its competitor. Apple’s Vision Pro is crafted from aluminum and features a 3D display at the front and a digital crown on the side for more control. Although, the Quest 3 has more function buttons on the device than Apple’s Vision Pro.
The Vision Pro, with its sleek and simple design reminiscent of ski goggles, brings a breath of fresh air to headset lovers tired of bulky devices. It features flexible straps for comfortable wear. The Meta Quest 3 on the other hand showcases a three-strap design. and is 40x slimmer than the Meta Quest 2.
The Apple Vision Pro features an innovative external screen view. This unique feature consists of some sort of three-dimensional piece formed laminated glass. Its purpose is to utilize human presence to seamlessly transition users’ focus from the virtual world back to reality. This is something new to the VR and AR headsets world.
In contrast to the Meta Quest 3, the Apple Vision Pro stands out with its additional external screen functionality. The Meta Quest 3, primarily designed for general consumers, lacks an external screen but instead incorporates three pill-shaped holes equipped with camera sensors. It can also offer full-color passthrough, which means it can do mixed reality.
Display features
Meta Quest 3:
- Display Features: Meta Quest 3 introduces an LCD display with two options:
- Resolution (Both eyes): 4128 x 2208 pixels
- Resolution (Per eye): 2064 x 2208 pixels
Vision Pro:
- Display Features: The Vision Pro features two micro-OLED displays with the following specifications:
- Resolution (Per eye): More than 4K
- Total pixel count: 23 million pixels
Both devices use pancake lenses.
Software design
In terms of processors, the Meta Quest 3 will utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chipset, which represents the next generation of processing power. To enhance its tracking capabilities, it will incorporate a four-camera array, including two side cameras, along with a depth sensor.
On the other hand, the Apple Vision Pro is set to leverage the M2 processor for enhanced performance. In addition to the M2 chip, Apple will introduce a new R1 chip specifically designed to handle the data received from the 12 cameras and five sensors.
Meta Quest 3 will run on its own Android operating system packed with a strong library of apps and games available. Apple Vision Pro will run on VisionOS, Apple’s first “spatial operating system” built on the foundation of macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. It has an app library similar to the ones available on iPad and iPhones.
Main purposes and sign-ups
The Meta Quest 3 is specifically designed for gamers, while the Apple Vision Pro sort of caters to productivity and entertainment. Given its focus on exploring the world of 3D reality, the Meta Quest 3 may require some time to gather a wide selection of VR-friendly apps.
Conversely, the Apple Vision Pro offers the convenience of using apps like FaceTime. Despite this, users can still enjoy Apple Arcade games on the Apple Vision Pro.
When it comes to creating avatars, the Apple Vision Pro analyzes the user’s facial features during the sign-in process to generate a 3D avatar resembling the user. For the Meta Quest 3, signing up typically involves creating a Meta account, whereas the Apple Vision Pro may require an Apple Optic ID for authentication.
Finally,
We cannot tell you which product to shoot for because both are really cool. A 2022 report from TomsGuide revealed that the trademarks for Reality Pro and Reality One have been registered. Furthermore, the introduction of a forthcoming product called Vision Pro suggests the possibility of a Pro Version or an enhanced iteration of a Lite version.
We are eagerly anticipating the release of more exciting new products, although some of their features may evolve throughout the year. Just as Meta Quest 3 is shaping a new generation of series, Apple seems to be embarking on a similar path.
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