Meta (formerly known as Facebook) has decided to discontinue its high-end Quest Pro mixed reality headset to focus solely on more affordable VR/AR experiences. The decision comes after the Quest Pro got mixed reviews upon its launch. With Apple’s Vision Pro on the horizon, Meta has decided to focus on making more affordable headsets, including the Quest 3.
The Rise and Fall of Quest Pro
Meta launched the Quest Pro last year as a professional XR headset. It came with a semi-open design for mixed reality applications and high-quality Touch Pro controllers. It had the largest lenses available in a standalone VR/AR headset at the time. But there were some shortcomings as well. Among them, we can mention poor pass-through and an uncomfortable headband. These were the main reasons keeping it from becoming a top-of-the-range headset. Potential buyers were also put off by the initial starting price of around $1,500.
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Faced with competition from its own Quest 3, which promised significant improvements, Meta slashed the Quest Pro’s price from $1,000 to $500. However, this was not enough to save the headset. Meta has reportedly warned suppliers that it will not buy any more Quest Pro components, and manufacturer Goertek will only produce units until stocks run out. Plus, it has no successor in the works.
Apple’s Vision Pro showed who is the king and buried Meta’s ambitions. Despite its higher price tag of $3,500, the Vision Pro attracted interest from buyers intrigued by its capabilities, raising doubts about Meta’s high-end approach.
Meta’s decision to discontinue the Quest Pro is part of a larger shift in the company’s VR/AR headset focus. The company plans to prioritize lower-cost headsets, as evidenced by the upcoming Meta Quest 3. The Quest 3 is slimmer than its predecessor, with higher resolution screens, a more powerful processor, and mixed reality capabilities.
According to reports, the Quest 3 will have the same high-quality lenses as the Quest Pro. This upgrade should make the Quest 3 a superior XR headset.
It will come on 27 September 2023.
