With Apple’s highly rumored AR headset still months away, this gives Meta the ideal opportunity to enter the market with its Quest 2 Pro. An analyst’s latest predictions state that Meta’s mixed reality headset is expected to be cheaper than what Apple brings to the table, but that also means not having the best components.
Quest 2 Pro Will Not Rely on Custom Hardware for Video Processing and Will Use mini-LED Instead of micro-OLED
Meta is expected to adopt mini-LED technology for the Quest 2 Pro, along with 2P pancake lenses, for improved visual quality, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Where Apple’s AR headset is rumored to feature micro-OLED, which is costly to make and incorporate, the Quest 2 Pro takes a different direction, which is not a terrible strategy, assuming that it does not compromise the image quality and viewing experience.
The Quest 2 Pro will also support eye-tracking, facial expressions, and 3D sensing, all thanks to the inclusion of a whopping 16 cameras, 10 of which are present on the headset, while three are present on each controller. Extra cameras will enable multiple technologies in unison, allowing for a mixed reality immersion session that includes both AR and VR applications.
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Updates & predictions for higher-end Meta Quest 2 Pro:
1. Reiterating adoption of mini-LED displays & 2P Pancake for marked visual improvements.
2. VR & AR (video see-thru) support.
3. Adoption of about 16 cameras (10 for headset & 6 for two controllers (3 for each)). https://t.co/A2Ra4GElpd— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) June 21, 2022
Kuo also believes that the Quest 2 Pro will be priced at $799 or higher, which is relatively modest compared to what Apple’s AR headset is rumored to cost. Some reports claim that Apple’s head-mounted wearable could be priced at a whopping $3,000, while separate info brings that price down by a third, stating that the device will cost $1,000. In terms of processing power, the Quest 2 Pro could be lacking some much-needed kick, as Kuo predicts Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 will power the headset.
In comparison, Apple’s AR headset is said to feature two SoCs, a 4nm one and a 5nm one, both of which will carry out different tasks, with the device’s capabilities said to be equal to the company’s M1 silicon. Mass production of the Quest 2 Pro could start from the third quarter of 2022, with a launch likely being held in the four quarter. Shipments may reach about two million units, giving Meta a significant time lead against Apple.
News Source: Ming-Chi Kuo
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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