Meta Quest Pro hands-on: The $1,500 headset that will unlock the metaverse

After the decline of smartphone-based VR headsets like Samsung’s Gear VR and Google’s Daydream, the market has been dominated by two main types of virtual reality headsets: lightweight standalone systems such as the Quest 2, and more advanced PC-based systems like the Vive Pro 2 and Valve Index.

The Quest Pro from Meta aims to bridge the gap between these two categories, offering a powerful yet comfortable all-in-one solution. With a new design, 10 sensors, and revamped optics, the Quest Pro features a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ chip, 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and a 90Hz refresh rate. Meta claims it delivers 50 percent better performance than the Quest 2.

One of the standout features of the Quest Pro is its comfort. The headset is designed to sit on your head like a visor rather than a helmet, allowing for a more natural feel and better peripheral vision. The integrated curved battery pack helps balance the weight, while adjustable features like the headband dial and individual eyecup movement ensure a customized fit. Additionally, the Quest Pro boasts improved optics with a higher pixel density than the Valve Index and Quest 2, offering a great balance of resolution and graphics quality with almost no screen door effect.

The Quest Pro’s 10 sensors enable full-color passthrough, allowing users to easily switch between virtual reality and the real world without disorientation. The sharp passthrough display makes it possible to see small objects in your surroundings, enhancing the overall immersive experience. With a battery life of 60 to 90 minutes and the option to power the headset via the included charging cable for longer sessions, the Quest Pro promises to be a game-changer in the world of VR.
But what really sets the Quest Pro apart is its exterior cameras that support Meta’s scene understanding technology. This feature allows the headset to detect real-world objects like walls, desks, and tables, making interactions in virtual reality feel more seamless. For example, after creating a masterpiece in the Painting VR app, I could hang it on a virtual wall for others to admire when they entered the room.

Enhancing this experience further, the Quest Pro’s inward-facing sensors track eye and facial movements, enabling features like foveated rendering for sharper visuals where you’re looking. This not only enhances visual quality but also makes interactions with others in VR more natural by capturing facial expressions and head movements.

Moreover, the redesigned controllers of the Quest Pro offer more precise hand and finger tracking without the need for additional equipment. This innovation not only improves gameplay but also adds a level of realism to virtual experiences like painting or playing games like Jenga.

Overall, after experiencing the Quest Pro in various apps over a couple of hours, I was thoroughly impressed. The comfort, graphics quality, and seamless interactions make it one of the best standalone VR headsets on the market. And the best part? No wires or expensive PC setups required – just pure immersive VR enjoyment.
The Quest Pro: A Glimpse into the Future of VR Technology

Despite its impressive features, the Quest Pro still has a few minor drawbacks. The controllers would benefit from improved hand straps for easier use, and the hefty $1,500 price tag may deter some potential buyers. However, considering the advanced technology packed into this headset, the cost may be justified. Yet, for the average consumer, the high price may require additional justification, especially as Meta continues to develop its virtual world.

Nevertheless, Meta seems to have addressed many hardware concerns with the Quest Pro. Features like face and eye-tracking enhance the VR experience, while precise hand and finger tracking make interacting with virtual objects seamless. The headset itself is lightweight and comfortable, offering superior visuals compared to other options on the market. Additionally, the inclusion of a wireless charging dock adds convenience for users.

After testing the Quest Pro, it is clear that Meta has produced a high-quality VR headset that could revolutionize app and environment development. While the headset may not single-handedly shift people towards working and living in VR, it is a significant step towards creating the Metaverse. Pre-orders for the Quest Pro are now available, with official sales commencing on October 25th.