The Meta Quest Pro is the first of a new line of high-end VR and mixed-reality headsets from Meta (which was previously demoed under its code name, Project Cambria). The term “Pro” is overused in the computer sector, but Meta believes that the Quest Pro will be used by professionals, while the Quest 2 will remain for casual gaming.
The Quest Pro is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 1 processor, which was introduced today. It offers 50% better-sustained performance than the XR2 inside the Quest 2 and 30% better thermals. The new CPU is combined with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage (up from 6/128GB on the Quest 2).
The Pro replaces the Fresnel lens with “pancake” optics, which reduces the device’s depth by 40% while maintaining tack-sharp sights. According to Meta, the Pro enhances sharpness in the center view by 25% and in the peripheral vision by 50%.
In addition, the headset is designed to leave a portion of your peripheral vision unobstructed so that you remain aware of your surroundings. The bundle includes partial light blocks for a realistic VR experience.
The Quest Pro also has new displays, including two LCDs with quantum dot technology and local dimming. The 500 backlight LEDs are controlled by custom hardware, which, when paired with sophisticated software, increases contrast by 75%. The new displays contain 37% more pixels per inch and 10% more pixels per degree than previous models, as well as a 30% wider color spectrum.
The Pro is built from the ground up for mixed-reality applications. It features ten cameras, five looking out and five looking in, each of which is a color camera with four times the resolution of the Quest 2. (which used monochrome cams). This allows for more precise scanning of your surroundings, as well as full-color passthrough and eye and expression monitoring (more on that in a bit).
Passthrough allows you to set up virtual monitors all around you while keeping a clear view of your physical keyboard and mouse. Allowing architecture designers to construct 3D models and place them around the area for a virtual preview of a remodel is another such use case.
The cameras that peer in follow your eyes and face in order for your virtual avatar to mirror your expression. This is disabled by default, and the tracked data is never sent outside of the headset.
The Quest Touch Pro controllers are included with the Meta Quest Pro. They contain internal sensors that allow them to follow themselves (before, the headset did this), so you can even use them behind your back. They’ve also been improved in terms of ergonomics and haptic feedback.
A charging dock is also included in the basic selling package (combined with a 45W USB-C adapter). This can charge both the headset and the controllers at the same time (the controllers now have rechargeable batteries).
The Meta Quest Pro will be available for $1,500 beginning October 25, roughly four times the price of the Quest 2. Pre-orders are available via the Meta Store in all countries where Quest products are offered. The headset will also be available via Amazon in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and France. If you prefer physical retailers, you can pick one up from Best Buy in the United States and Canada, Argos, and Currys in the United Kingdom, and FNAC and Boulanger in France.
By the way, the Quest Touch Pro controllers are Quest 2 compatible. Later this year, they will be available for separate purchases for $300.
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