Meta Quest 3 will be released this year and is rumored to be twice as powerful and redesigned compared to Meta Quest 2.

This is our first look at the Meta Quest 3's interface, video pass-through mode, software features, gaming capabilities, and how it compares to Apple's highly anticipated AR/VR headset, said to be announced at WWDC in 2023.

Gurman said the prototype, codenamed Eureka, "feels much lighter and thinner" than the Quest 2; Gurman added that the head strap also "seems a little stronger," with cloth on the sides instead of plastic like the Quest 2

According to Gurman, the visor has three "vertical pill-type sensor areas," two color video pass-through cameras (allowing the user to see what is going on around them without removing the headset), two standard cameras, and the Quest series' first depth sensor. 2 The two tracking cameras are located on the lower front of the headset.

At the bottom of the Meta Quest 3 is a volume rocker and a wheel to adjust the IPD (interpupillary distance) of the headset, which is super convenient considering that with the Quest 2 you had to remove the headset to adjust the IPD. The power button and USB-C port are in the same location on the side of the headset.

"The actual clarity and VR display within Quest 3 feels similar to that of Quest 2, despite the rumored slightly higher resolution," says Gurman. 'There are, however, two areas where I see significant improvement. However, there are two areas where I saw major improvements: video passthrough for mixed reality and faster performance of the device.

While it remains to be seen how the video pass-through will stack up with that of Apple's rumored headset, the dual RGB cameras make it an "overnight improvement over Quest 2. Gurman said he was even able to use his cell phone while wearing the headset. Performance-wise, Quest 3 is said to be upgraded to the next generation Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chipset.

The Quest 3's improved specs could come with a higher price tag, and previous rumors have indicated as much; Gurman noted this point as well.

"Meta has not yet decided on pricing for the device, but those involved in its development believe it may be higher than the Quest 2's $400 price tag," he noted, adding that the company may keep the Quest 2 "at a lower price."

Rumor has it that Meta plans to launch Quest 3 in late 2023, and Gurman said an announcement may come in October. As for Apple, it is likely that the company will unveil its Apple VR/AR headset at WWDC 2023 on June 5.