Tag: Meta Quest 3S

  • Among Us VR Transforms into 3D Game for PC Release

    Among Us VR Transforms into 3D Game for PC Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Among Us 3D is set to launch this year on Steam for PC, with no specific release date yet.
    2. The existing Among Us VR will be rebranded as Among Us 3D, with a new name and logo.
    3. Among Us 3D will feature cross-play between PC gamers and various VR devices, but not with the classic 2D version.
    4. New features in Among Us 3D will include fresh styles, an in-game currency called Stardust, limited-time events, and a new game mode.
    5. A demo of Among Us 3D will be available during Steam Next Fest from February 24th to March 3rd, 2025, but will have limited features and be accessible only to players aged 16 and older.

    If you’ve always had a desire to experience the VR edition of Among Us due to its immersive first-person view but lack a suitable VR headset, you’re in for some great news. Innersloth, the team behind the beloved game, has shared plans to release a 3D version named Among Us 3D.

    Release Information

    While there isn’t a specific release date for Among Us 3D yet, it’s set to launch this year on Steam for PC users. Additionally, Innersloth plans to rebrand the existing Among Us VR, changing its name and logo to Among Us 3D in the next few months. This means players who already have the VR version will notice the new branding upon starting the game.

    Cross-Play Features

    This transformation of the VR edition will enable cross-play capabilities between PC gamers and VR users on devices like the Meta Quest 3S (priced at $299 on Amazon), Steam VR, PlayStation VR 2, and PICO. The classic 2D version will still be available, but it won’t support cross-play with the new 3D version.

    In connection with this announcement, Innersloth has also unveiled a teaser trailer for the upcoming release. Excitingly, the new Among Us 3D will introduce various new features such as fresh styles and cosmetics for the beans, an in-game currency dubbed Stardust, limited-time events, and an entirely new game mode.

    Demo Availability

    Moreover, a demo of the game is set to be showcased during Steam Next Fest. However, it’s important to note that this demo won’t include all the features and modes that will be available when the game officially launches, including cross-play. It will specifically be accessible to players aged 16 and older. The demo will run from February 24th to March 3rd, 2025.

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  • Asus ROG VR Headset Leak: New Details Nearly a Year Later

    Asus ROG VR Headset Leak: New Details Nearly a Year Later

    Almost a year ago, Meta announced that Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft were collaborating to launch virtual reality (VR) headsets that would run on its Meta Horizon operating system. Since then, however, none of these companies have shared any updates. In the meantime, Meta introduced the Quest 3S as a more affordable option in the VR market, while they have also stopped production of the Quest Pro.

    New Developments in VR

    Recently, there have been fresh rumors circulating about Asus’s debut VR headset, which is reportedly codenamed ‘Tarius’. Sources suggest the device will be marketed under the Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand, which Asus has recently expanded with various new gadgets showcased at CES 2025, including the ROG NUC (2025), ROG Zephyrus G14, ROG Zephyrus G16, and ROG Flow Z13.

    Features and Specifications

    The Asus ROG Tarius is expected to feature eye and face tracking technology, a capability not available in Meta’s Quest 3 and Quest 3S (curr. $299 on Amazon). It appears that Asus is working on several prototypes that utilize different display technologies. There are claims that the ROG Tarius may be equipped with Micro OLED panels, recognized for their impressive pixel density and brightness. Alternatively, it’s possible that QD-LCD panels with local dimming could be used, which would likely make the headset more affordable. However, specific release information is still not available at this time.

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  • Apple Vision Pro Launches in South Korea and UAE

    Apple Vision Pro Launches in South Korea and UAE

    Apple has expanded the limited list of countries where its first Vision Pro headset is available, adding two new locations. However, the price remains high, with it costing 4,990,000 won (around $3,585) in South Korea and 13,999 dirham (about $3,812) in the UAE.

    Ordering and Experience

    Customers can purchase the headset either in Apple Stores or through the company’s official website in these new regions. Future buyers will also have access to the same premium testing and fitting experience that is available in other Vision Pro-approved countries like the United States.

    Software Features

    New owners will benefit from visionOS 2 on their top-tier headset. This latest software update enables users to edit “spatial” videos using Final Cut Pro, transform regular photos from devices like iPhones into spatial (or 3D) images, and perhaps most usefully, utilize the headset as an external display for their Macs.

    Sales Outlook

    It remains uncertain if these new features will help improve the Vision Pro’s current slow sales. Meanwhile, the significantly cheaper (and easier to fix) Meta Quest 3S continues to be available starting at $299 on Amazon.

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  • Disney Launches AI and Augmented Reality Innovation Team

    Disney Launches AI and Augmented Reality Innovation Team

    Founded more than a hundred years ago as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, The Walt Disney Company has evolved into a global powerhouse in the entertainment industry. Employing around 225,000 individuals, Disney reported revenues close to $90 billion and a net income exceeding $2.35 billion in 2023. Recently, the company is taking strides forward by creating a division dedicated to new technologies like artificial intelligence and mixed reality.

    New Leadership

    As per a special report from Reuters, “the media giant explores applications across its film, television, and theme park divisions,” thus it’s not surprising that Jamie Voris will head this new division. Voris previously served as Disney’s Chief Technology Officer, overseeing the app development for the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset. This newly formed group is called the “Office of Technology Enablement” and, although it starts with a small leadership team, it is expected to grow to around 100 employees fairly soon, according to a source close to Disney.

    Focus on Emerging Technologies

    Different divisions within Disney have been dabbling in AI and augmented reality for some time, but this new team will concentrate solely on these technologies. One promising area for advancement is enhancing augmented reality experiences in theme parks and even in customers’ homes, thanks to the latest lightweight glasses recently launched by Meta and Snap.

    Market Insights

    In 2023, the AR/VR headset market sold 1.7 million units, with Meta accounting for over 60% of those sales. Competitors include big names like Sony, Apple, and ByteDance, which is the parent company of TikTok.

    The Meta Quest 3S 128 GB, bundled with Batman: Arkham Shadow and a three-month trial of Meta Quest+, is currently Amazon’s top-selling item in the Standalone Virtual Reality Headsets category, moving more than 10,000 units in just the past month. It is priced at $299, which includes free shipping and returns.

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  • Apple Analyst Reviews Vision VR Headset, Smart Glasses, and AirPods

    Apple Analyst Reviews Vision VR Headset, Smart Glasses, and AirPods

    While the market for virtual reality (VR) headsets hasn’t become widely popular, Meta is working to make it easier for people to get into it by offering lower prices. They have just launched the Quest 3S, which is currently priced at $299 on Amazon, and it will begin shipping tomorrow.

    Shift in Focus

    In addition, Quest has shifted its focus from the Quest Pro, which was much cheaper compared to the Apple Vision Pro, which is still priced at $3,499. A recent report from Mark Gurman indicates that Apple is planning to introduce new VR headsets, starting with a more budget-friendly option that might use a chipset derived from the Apple A series.

    Pricing Strategies

    Moreover, Apple aims to eliminate the hardware needed for EyeSight in the Vision Pro, which could lead to a price drop of over 40% between different models. However, this still means that the next Apple Vision headset could be priced around $2,000. To put it differently, Apple’s ‘more affordable’ VR headset could still be over six times more expensive than Meta’s less costly alternative.

    Future Releases

    Gurman also anticipates that Apple will unveil the Vision Pro 2 in 2026, which will have enhanced performance, and follow it up with the release of its first smart glasses a year later. Reportedly, Apple is also thinking about launching new AirPods that come with built-in cameras, which Gurman suggests is a way to make up for the huge investment in the visual intelligence technology used in the Vision Pro. Ultimately, since 2027 is still quite a while away, these plans could change, and some products might even get put on hold for different initiatives.

    Mark Gurman & Bloomberg, Roméo A & Unsplash – Image credits

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  • Meta Quest 3S Launches at Meta Connect for $299 Starting Price

    Meta Quest 3S Launches at Meta Connect for $299 Starting Price

    The highly anticipated Meta Quest 3S MR headset has been officially revealed at Meta Connect 2024. This new headset serves as an affordable option, ideal for those exploring mixed reality for the first time or looking to upgrade from their Meta Quest or Meta Quest 2.

    Specifications and Features

    The Meta Quest 3S is equipped with the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, which is also found in the pricier Quest 3 headset (currently available on Amazon for $649). Unlike the Quest 3, it does not feature pancake lenses; instead, it utilizes Fresnel lenses with a slightly narrower field of view. A significant advantage is that it offers the full color Passthrough functionality similar to the Quest 3, accessible via a dedicated “Action Button” for toggling between passthrough and immersive experiences.

    With a resolution of 1832 x 1920 and refresh rates of 90Hz and 120Hz, the Quest 3S boasts a horizontal field of view of 96° and a vertical field of view of 90°. It includes 8GB of RAM and options for either 128GB or 256GB of storage. The device features a 4,324mAh battery, which, while smaller than the Quest 3’s 5,060mAh battery, still allows for up to 2.5 hours of usage, slightly better than the Quest 3’s 2.2 hours.

    Compatibility and Accessories

    Meta has ensured that the Quest 3S is compatible with several accessories from the Quest 3 lineup, including the Elite Strap, Elite Strap with Battery, Carrying Case, Compact Carrying Case, Link cable, controller-specific Charging Dock, and Active Straps. Additionally, it will come with an exclusive Breathable Facial Interface designed to keep users cool during vigorous gaming sessions or workouts.

    The Meta Quest 3S is now available for pre-order, with a release date set for October 15. The price for the 128GB version is $299.99, while the 256GB version is priced at $399.99. Both versions include a pair of Touch Plus controllers.

    Special Offers

    From now until April 30, 2025, every order of the Quest 3S will include a complimentary copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow, a game exclusive to the Quest 3 and Quest 3S, launching on October 22, 2024. Additionally, Meta will provide a free three-month subscription to Meta Quest+.

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