The term ‘New Quest’ has appeared in the string data within Meta Quest software, and several indicators suggest that it might be referencing the Quest 3 Lite
Just a few months after the launch of Quest 3, there are indications that Meta might be preparing for the release of their next VR headset, possibly a mixed-reality one. A recent datamine, shared by @Lunayian on Twitter, features a “New Quest” device alongside other headsets in the Quest lineup listed in the string.
A few months before the launch of Meta Quest 3, we faced a similar situation where the headset was referred to as the “New Quest” in various data strings and even in the Oculus app, visible to all users for a limited time. During that period, Meta Quest 3 details were extensively leaked, making it almost certain that the headset was on its way. However, this time, we have limited information about Meta’s upcoming headset, except for a few reliable sources confirming its existence.
While some may anticipate that the device in question is the successor to Quest Pro, this is most likely not the case. Although the likelihood of this increased in recent weeks due to Meta’s increased visibility in Codec avatars testing, a feature expected in the Quest Pro successor, and LG Electronics announcing that they could reveal a potential XR device “as early as next year” (And rumor has it that they are collaborating with Meta, presumably on Quest Pro 2), the higher probability is that it is the Quest 3 Lite. Here are the reasons.
Firstly, let’s briefly discuss what we know about Quest 3 lite. Two reliable sources are reporting about the headset, both colliding with each other in some sort. However, the initial indication of the headset’s existence came from Alex Heath’s article, where he revealed information about Meta’s product roadmap obtained from their internal meeting. According to the article, Meta aims to launch ‘Project Ventura’ in 2024, to “pack the biggest punch we can at the most attractive price point in the VR consumer market“, and ‘Project La Jolla’ in 2025, which is set to be the most advanced headset Meta has ever created.
There was a Korean news report that revealed that Meta intends to launch a $200 version of Project Ventura, also known as Quest 3 Lite. The report further mentioned Meta’s plan to release the headset in the first half of 2024, using the same XR2 Gen 2 chipset as Quest 3. It’s expected to feature fresnel lenses and black-and-white passthrough, similar to Quest 2.
Secondly, Mark Gurman, a reputable source for Apple and technology leaks, informed us that Meta plans to introduce “a cheaper mixed-reality headset that looks a lot like the Quest 3 but uses less costly components.” Additionally, he said that Meta aims to provide a version of the headset without controllers, targeting a price of around $300.
While both reports refer to the same device, there are some discrepancies between them. Mark Gurman states that the headset will include full RGB cameras, possibly no controllers, and be priced at $300, while the Korean report suggests a $200 price point with black & white cameras. However, they concur on one aspect – it will be significantly more affordable than Quest 3 and will feature Meta’s latest chipset, marking a substantial improvement over Quest 2. This is particularly noteworthy considering the potential $200 price tag, the lowest Meta has ever offered for a standalone headset.
According to the reports, we can anticipate the release of this headset in the first half of 2024, coinciding seamlessly with the string data discovered by Lunayian.
