Recent news suggests a significant collaboration is on the horizon. Meta, previously known as Facebook, is set to join forces with LG to create a new high-end virtual reality headset, positioning itself to rival Apple’s Vision Pro. Maeil Business Newspaper and UploadVR both shed light on this development, indicating that the partnership aims to utilize LG’s technological prowess in various areas.
Key Details:
- Partnership Scope: Beyond the initial talks with LG Display, the partnership now involves a broader spectrum of LG subsidiaries. This ensures that LG will have substantial influence over the product’s creation.
- Manufacturing & Components: LG Electronics takes charge of assembling the new device. Micro OLED displays are to be provided by LG Display, batteries by LG Energy, and other essential parts by LG Innotek.
- Pricing & Release Date: The headset is rumored to debut in 2025, priced at around $2,000.
The Meta Quest Series: A Look Into The Future
Meta’s journey in the virtual reality world isn’t a new venture. The Oculus Rift S bore the branding of Lenovo, the Oculus Go was a collaboration with Xiaomi, and the mobile Gear VR saw a partnership with Samsung. But with LG, things might take a more premium turn.
Speculations and Comparisons:
- New Naming Conventions? While industry experts speculate that the new device might be christened “Meta Quest 4 Pro,” history has shown such predictions can often be off the mark. Based on Meta’s current naming strategies, the name “Quest Pro 2” seems more plausible.
- Product Pricing: The anticipated price tag of $2,000 for the new device is double the cost of the current Quest Pro. This new price suggests a strategic positioning against Apple’s Vision Pro, which stands at $3,499.
- Quest for Every Pocket: Alongside its high-end ambitions, Meta also seems keen to cater to the entry-level segment. There’s a buzz about a budget-friendly Quest releasing in 2024, priced under an astonishing $200. This move, if true, would represent a significant price drop from the current Quest 2 pricing of $299.
Apple Vision Pro vs. Meta’s Quest Series
Apple’s Vision Pro, with its state-of-the-art technology, is undeniably a force in the market. With features like a Micro OLED display boasting a resolution higher than 4K for each eye, 12 cameras, and a multitude of sensors and microphones, it’s a benchmark in VR technology.
The current Quest Pro, in comparison, has a 2K LCD display for each eye and uses a Snapdragon XR2 chip. However, with the potential resources from LG and a higher budget allocation, Meta could bridge the technological gap between the two products.
Technical Breakdown:
- Apple Vision Pro:
- Display: Micro OLED with >4K resolution per eye
- Cameras: 12 cameras with advanced gesture and voice recognition
- Chip: M2 (similar to the latest Macs)
- Meta Quest Pro:
- Display: 2K LCD per eye
- Cameras: 5 cameras with physical controls
- Chip: Snapdragon XR2
Dynamics of the VR Market
The global virtual reality landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, with companies consistently pushing boundaries to offer immersive and innovative experiences. As technology progresses and user demands shift, companies must adapt and innovate to remain relevant in this highly competitive arena.
The Road Ahead for Meta and LG
The strategic collaboration between Meta and LG indicates a robust response to the rising demands and competition in the VR industry. How LG’s branding will feature on the upcoming headset remains a mystery, but given past collaborations like those with Xiaomi and Lenovo, joint branding is anticipated.
In summary, the future of VR technology looks promising with the convergence of software expertise from companies like Meta and the hardware capabilities of giants like LG. Only time will tell if this partnership can reshape the contours of the virtual reality landscape. To learn more about the current state of the VR market and the challenges ahead for these tech giants, visit UploadVR.