Watch out: The Meta Quest Pro might not be the VR headset of your dreams

Date:
Sun, 30 Oct 2022 13:00:47 +0000

Description:
The Meta Quest Pro is now in people's hands and they're already disappointed it's not the best VR headset for everyone.

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Metas latest VR headset, the Meta Quest Pro, is finally getting into users' hands, and it looks like many arent impressed with the next-generation
device.

Following its October 25 launch , preorders for the Meta Quest Pro a much more powerful and feature-packed device than Metas Oculus Quest 2 are arriving at peoples doors, and users are taking to social media to share
their thoughts.

Unfortunately for Meta, several of the posts weve seen on platforms like Reddit are far from positive, with titles like Quest Pro sucks and Returning the Quest Pro appearing just a day after the device was released. Reading through the posts its clear users share a few key frustrations
related to passthrough and the Quest Pros VR capabilities.

One big upgrade for the Meta Quest Pro is its color passthrough, meaning
while wearing the headset you can see a full-color video feed of the outside world. In theory, this should allow it to better facilitate mixed-reality experiences than the Quest 2's black-and-white passthrough. When we demoed
the headset ahead of its launch, we thought this feature had a lot of potential the mixed reality titles we played were some of the best experiences weve had while wearing a Meta headset but out in the real world the passthrough isnt popular.

Users are complaining that unless youre in a very bright space, the image is far too grainy, especially when you consider youve paid $1,500 / 1,500 / AU$2,450 for the privilege. According to some users, the Meta Quest Pro kinda blows (Image credit: Meta)

Additionally, as we suspected, the Quest Pro isnt the most immersive headset for playing VR titles like the best Oculus Quest 2 games . We didnt get to play any VR games during our brief hands-on time, but we were worried they wouldnt be as immersive as they were using a Quest 2 because of the Quest
Pros design.

Unlike a typical VR headset, which forms a seal around your eyes, the Meta Quest Pro leaves a large gap between the screen and your face so you can see the real world at all times. For mixed reality we thought this was a benefit, but as users have found when youre trying to escape into virtual reality being able to see the real world can be super off-putting. You can buy blinders for the Pro headset to mitigate this issue, but when youre already paying so much for the device, shelling out more for what feels like an essential add-on is a tough pill to swallow.

Its worth noting that other users have had a more positive experience, and
the complaints we referenced above could be coming from a loud minority
rather than the majority of users. Nonetheless, theyre worth paying attention to. Considering the high cost of the Meta Quest Pro you want to be absolutely sure its the best headset for you. By reading through peoples reviews you can better determine if it is indeed what you want to buy, or if youd be better off with one of the other options out there. Analysis: the best VR headset
for you

The Meta Quest Pro does have some strengths. When we tried the headset, we found that its mixed reality experiences were incredibly immersive thanks to its more open design and color passthrough and face tracking did make interacting with other users feel more genuine.

However, its price is rather higher and its focus on mixed reality comes at a cost to its VR experience (unless you purchase the additional add-on that blocks out the real world).

So even though its Metas latest headset, you might find that the Meta Quest Pro isnt the best option for you. Maybe Meta's other headset, the Oculus
Quest 2, would be best for you (Image credit: Shutterstock / Boumen Japet)

If youre after a more budget-friendly VR headset, then right now, youll want to go for the Oculus Quest 2 or Pico 4 . Based on our experience with both devices, the Quest 2 has a slight edge. Despite having worse specs, its software is generally more polished, it has a better selection of games and apps, and its more widely available (the Pico 4 is only available in the UK, Europe, and Asia).

However, if youre in the UK the Pico 4 is one to consider. Its slightly cheaper than the Quest 2 (though the Pico 4 doesnt come with a free game like Beat Saber), and as I mentioned, its slightly more powerful. The software
does let it down, but Pico has made considerable improvements to the device already. With exclusive games like a VR version of Just Dance on its way to the Pico platform, we could see the Pico 4 match and even surpass the Quest 2 in the coming year.

While its not as talked about as the Quest 2, you might also want to consider the best VR headset in terms of raw performance: the Valve Index . Its pricey (costing $999 / 919 / about AU$1,425), and you need a solid PC to run many of its best VR games (setting you back at least another $500 / 500 / AU$750),
but in return, you get a great headset. The image quality and its knuckle controllers help make your VR titles feel even more interactive. This headset offers the best way to play some of VRs greatest games like Half-Life: Alyx . If you have a PC and don't mind wires, the Valve Index could be the best VR headset for you (Image credit: Valve)

The only downsides are that the Valve Index is wired and requires a fair amount of setup and space, thanks to its base stations. But these drawbacks are more than made up for by the Indexs performance.

One other device to consider is the Oculus Quest 3 . Sure, its not available today, but it is coming next year (according to Meta). Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said it will cost $300 to $500, which is about the price of
the Quest 2 right now. We also expect to see the PlayStation VR 2 in 2023, though youll need a PS5 to use it. So If none of the headsets above tickle your fancy theres no harm in waiting a few months and seeing if the next generation of VR devices suits your needs (and your budget) better than whats out there now.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/watch-out-the-meta-quest-pro-might-not-be-the-v r-headset-of-your-dreams/


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