Rediscovering Mixed Reality: A Journey with the Meta Quest 3S
It’s been a while since I last donned a mixed reality headset. My trusty Quest 2 has been gathering dust as my daily computing has shifted to a foldable Android device. However, my recent experience with the Meta Quest 3S at Meta Connect has reignited my curiosity about the potential of virtual reality in my life. Yet, I can’t shake the feeling of queasiness that often accompanies these immersive experiences.
A New Player in the Mixed Reality Arena
Meta recently announced the Quest 3S, starting at an appealing price of $300. This headset is slightly more affordable than its predecessor, the Quest 3, while still operating on the powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 platform. While the Quest 3S offers a lower resolution and a narrower field of view compared to the Quest 3, it still boasts improvements over the original Quest and Quest 2. Meta appears to be targeting users like me—those who may have stepped away from VR for a while but are considering an upgrade. The full-color mixed reality passthrough feature allows for seamless transitions between the virtual and real worlds, making it easier to navigate during my demonstration.
A Mixed Bag of Experiences
Initially, I was excited to dive back into the world of mixed reality. However, as my demo progressed, I was reminded of the discomfort that often accompanies these experiences. About 32 minutes into my session, I found myself feeling nauseous and had to take a break to breathe in the real world.
The tipping point came during my exploration of Horizon World’s Music Valley Experience. Featuring the talented Sabrina Carpenter, the experience drew me in as I approached her virtual stage. The immersion was intense, and I felt as if I was encroaching on her personal space, which was a bit overwhelming.
As I interacted with another avatar who was kind enough to guide me through the virtual playground, we ventured over to a hovering alien spaceship that dispensed music notes. However, I struggled to grab the notes with the joysticks, and it was during this activity that I began to feel the familiar churn in my stomach.
Finding Joy in Other Experiences
Despite the discomfort, I did find success in other aspects of the Quest 3S experience. I enjoyed the beginning of a Celine Dion special on Amazon Prime, where her voice resonated beautifully in the virtual space. I also found tranquility sitting in a field of daisies while watching an 8K, 3D YouTube video. The experience was relaxing, and I even experimented with moving around virtual windows, stacking them haphazardly for fun.
I attempted to play an Xbox game, but unfortunately, the demonstration controller was unresponsive. I did manage to hop into Just Dance, but by that point, my tolerance for the headset was waning.
The Challenge of Motion Sickness
The nausea hit hardest during my time in Horizon Worlds, primarily due to the lack of a stable horizon. In a rocking boat, for instance, having a fixed point to focus on can help equalize your senses. However, I didn’t expect to feel queasy while seated. Moving forward, I think I’ll adopt a more cautious approach: sitting down during my next VR session.
While Meta has made strides in making the Quest more accessible with a lower price point, it still faces the challenge of accommodating users like me who are sensitive to motion sickness in virtual and mixed reality environments.
Pricing and Availability
The new Meta Quest 3S is available for preorder, starting at $300 for the 128GB model and going up to $400 for the 256GB variant. It officially hits the shelves on October 15.
For those interested in exploring the world of mixed reality, the Quest 3S presents an enticing option, even if it comes with a few caveats for sensitive stomachs.
In conclusion, my experience with the Meta Quest 3S has been a mixed bag of nostalgia and discomfort. While the technology continues to evolve and improve, it’s clear that there’s still work to be done in making virtual reality a comfortable experience for everyone. As I contemplate my next steps in the world of mixed reality, I remain hopeful that future advancements will address these challenges, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the captivating experiences that await.