Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, says the company’s new $1,500 virtual reality headset is entering the trough of disillusionment. This puts the new Meta Quest Pro which goes on sale on October 25, at next to zero.
However, Zuckerberg continues to believe that the metaverse will be the next iteration of computing after the smartphone. But it will take a long time. He told The Verge in an interview that it’s not going to be until later this decade when metaverse gadgets like the QuestPro will be fully mature.
Meta describes the Quest Pro as the first in a new line of advanced headsets built to expand the possibilities of virtual and mixed reality. The device’s lenses fold light over several times, reducing the size of the headset while showing sharper visuals. The headset is powered by a new, curved battery on the back – making the device more balanced and ergonomic. Its high-resolution outward-facing cameras capture 4x as many pixels as Meta Quest 2, making Quest Pro Meta’s first full-color mixed reality device.
Meta, contrary to Zuckerberg’s take, is selling the metaverse VR headsets now. It expects technologists and software developers to invent compelling reasons to purchase one. The Meta Connect developer conference highlighted the lack of compelling software and use cases to make users feel like they need to run out and buy one. The new headset failed to bring Meta an iPhone moment. And this is happening as Meta’s primary business – Facebook and Instagram apps – experience crushing headwinds. The firm is losing at least $10 billion a year trying to force the metaverse into existence as Zuckerberg warns of waning interest in Meta’s concept.
