ZDNET's Product of the Year: Meta Quest 3 is the Quiet Shocker of 2023
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The Meta Quest 3: A Surprising Success
Despite initial skepticism, the Meta Quest 3 headset has proven to be a quality upgrade in the VR market. With a higher-quality 4K display, improved controllers, and a comfortable design, the Meta Quest 3 offers an immersive experience that goes beyond gaming.
Furthermore, the Meta Quest 3's $500 price tag is significantly lower than its competitor, the Apple Vision Pro, which has generated curiosity and interest in virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality.
In fact, the popularity of the Quest headsets during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales even outsold Apple's AirPods. This shows the growing demand for immersive digital experiences and the potential for the Quest 3 to bring VR to a wider audience.
The Future of the Quest 3
While many apps and games are still optimized for the Quest 2, the Quest 3 has the potential to attract more developers interested in creating mixed reality experiences. The recent release of Apple's Vision Pro, which heavily emphasizes mixed reality, is expected to encourage developers to bring their apps and games to the Quest 3.
Even without fully optimized content, the Quest 3 offers an upgraded experience that is more user-friendly and enjoyable for those new to VR. The availability of compelling non-gaming experiences, such as Campfire, Supernatural, Puzzling Places, and PianoVision, further enhances the appeal of the Quest 3.
With its usability and potential for growth, the Meta Quest 3 is recognized as ZDNET's product of the year for 2023. It not only showcases the advancements in VR technology but also paves the way for a more immersive and accessible future.
Other Noteworthy Products of 2023
In addition to the Meta Quest 3, several other products stood out in 2023 for their impact on technology. These include the OnePlus Open, MacBook Pro with M3 Max, Meta Smart Glasses, Eero Max 7, and Google Chromebook Plus. Each of these products brought innovation and advancement to their respective fields, pushing technology forward and providing users with new and improved experiences.
