Metaverse and the Battle for VR Glasses: A Technology Hardware Struggle

MetaversePlanet February 21, 2024

0 5 minutes read

Numerous leading technology and IT corporations are intensively researching and heavily investing in the Metaverse, crafting digital universes complete with digital identities where individuals can engage in entertainment, shopping, and various other activities in an alternate dimension.

Prominent companies like Apple and Meta are in a competitive race to develop distinctive hardware solutions, aiming to provide users with the most seamless digital integration possible. The Metaverse and virtual reality glasses stand at the forefront of this technological rivalry, offering users the gateway to enter their chosen Metaverse universe.

These advanced glasses allow users to experience virtual universes without completely detaching from reality, enriching the experience with visual and auditory stimuli. Apple’s upcoming ‘Vision Pro,’ set for a 2024 release, and Meta’s Quest Pro have recently gained significant attention, including from mainstream media. Additionally, the Meta Quest 3 is another Metaverse headset that has been recently introduced.

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What Are Metaverse Glasses and How Do They Work?

Metaverse and the Battle for VR Glasses: A Technology Hardware Struggle

Virtual reality glasses are devices equipped with cutting-edge technology that allow users to immerse themselves in Metaverse universes effortlessly. Through these Metaverse glasses, users can interact with other users, objects, and locations within the virtual universe they have entered.

The auditory and visual sensors provided by the glasses are meticulously designed to offer the best possible reflection of the user into the universe and vice versa. Besides glasses, a more enriching virtual experience in the Metaverse might require additional hardware.

Furthermore, these glasses also offer a certain amount of internal storage space. Presently, numerous large companies with a vested interest in the Metaverse have begun developing and marketing their proprietary hardware.

What is Apple Vision Pro?

Apple has been exploring the Metaverse for a considerable time, and at the WWDC 23 event, the tech giant unveiled its highly anticipated mixed reality glasses, the Vision Pro. The introduction of the Vision Pro, powered by mixed reality technology, is seen as the dawn of a new era in AR/VR glasses. The Apple Vision Pro boasts an array of impressive features, including sophisticated eye-tracking technology, accurate motion tracking, extensive field of view support, and spatial audio, promising users a distinct Metaverse experience. The Vision Pro can function as a computer or TV via Bluetooth connectivity.

More than just Metaverse glasses, the Apple Vision Pro enables users to interact with people around them, enhancing virtual meetings in business settings and similar gatherings. The glasses offer the capability to view images from every angle and record with various camera systems, allowing users to capture their memories in a manner reminiscent of an episode from the globally acclaimed series Black Mirror, thereby setting a new standard in the industry.

A key highlight of mixed reality glasses is their impact on movie-watching experiences, particularly with 3D films where the Apple Vision Pro makes a significant impression. Moreover, this device signals the onset of a new era in video gaming. Apple’s announcement also included a partnership with Disney, marking a pivotal step in enhancing the mixed reality experience, with collaboration with Marvel considered a crucial move. Additionally, the glasses are noted for their exceptional comfort.

The Apple Vision Pro incorporates Micro LED technology within its advanced eye-tracking system, aiming to deliver the highest quality images to users. Alongside the M2 processor, the glasses are equipped with a new R1 processor designed to reduce latency, thus ensuring improved performance in games and other applications.

With its stereo speakers, the Apple Vision Pro delivers superior 3D sound quality, further enriching the user’s experience.

‘The Most Technological Device Ever Developed’

To function as a computer, the Apple Vision Pro supports a variety of applications and programs. The device operates in seamless harmony with Microsoft Professional applications, and it also includes support for Unity.

Apple touts the Vision Pro as the most technologically advanced device it has ever developed. Additionally, the glasses are equipped with Optic ID technology.

At the event, it was announced that the glasses would be available for sale starting next year. The initial price for the Apple Vision Pro has been set at $3,500.

What is Meta Quest Pro 2?

Meta, a prominent investor in Metaverse technology, unveiled the Meta Quest Pro last year during the Meta Connect 2022 event. This Metaverse headset, which captured users’ attention even before the introduction of Apple Vision Pro, is distinguished by its advanced features.

The Meta Quest Pro is equipped with “Pancake” lenses, which provide users with clearer and sharper images. The displays behind these lenses boast a resolution of 1800×1920 and a refresh rate of 90 Hz, demonstrating the capability to deliver significantly clearer images in the VR world. The glasses feature camera systems on the front, along with two additional cameras at the bottom that capture users’ facial movements. This allows such movements to be mirrored onto avatars within the Metaverse. The headset also comes with a “light blocker” accessory, which, when attached, completely blocks external light, enabling users to focus more effectively.

Featuring 12 GB of RAM and powered by Qualcomm’s XR2 virtual reality processor, the Meta Quest Pro is noted for being 40% thinner and lighter than its predecessor, Quest 2. The overall weight increases by 175 grams when all additional accessories and equipment are attached.

The controllers of the Meta Quest Pro are another highlight, offering independent operation from the headset itself. They enhance user experience with 360-degree motion detection and sensors, supporting activities like 3D design and writing through attachable plug-ins at the bottom.

A significant upgrade from the Quest 2 is the controllers’ built-in batteries, replacing the external battery system. Additionally, these controllers can interpret the user’s arm and leg movements through artificial intelligence support, marking a notable advancement in VR interaction.

What is Quest

The Meta Quest 3 incorporates technology similar to the Quest Pro, featuring full-color passthrough technology.

This capability allows users to see a colorized version of their physical surroundings through the headset’s external cameras, blending augmented reality elements with the real world. Powered by the latest generation Qualcomm processor, the Quest 3 delivers graphics performance nearly double that of the Quest 2, making it a standout device that is 40% thinner.

Designed with ergonomics in mind, the glasses come equipped with Touch Pro controllers and a vibration feedback system known as TruTouch. For the model offering 128 GB of storage, the device is priced at $500.

What is VR/AR/MR mentioned in Metaverse glasses technologies? What are the Differences?

While exploring the realm of Metaverse glasses, many users frequently come across the terms Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). These distinct technologies facilitate the integration of reality with the virtual world through advancing technologies.

What is Virtual Reality (VR)?

Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that transports users into a fully virtual environment. Generally, VR involves users entering virtual worlds via a headset or glasses.

These devices contain content that allows users to experience these virtual worlds. While engaged in virtual reality, users interact with the virtual environment around them, becoming completely isolated from the real world.

What is Mixed Reality (MR)?

Mixed Reality (MR) technology merges the real and virtual worlds, allowing users to interact with both the tangible environment of the real world and the elements of the virtual environment in an integrated manner

In mixed reality, users can engage with virtual objects while simultaneously interacting with objects in the real world. For instance, a user could place a virtual box on a real table or hang a virtual Vincent van Gogh painting on a real wall. This technology creates a seamless blend of physical and digital spaces, enhancing user interaction and immersion.

What is Augmented Reality (AR)?

Augmented reality is a technology that can equip the real world with virtual objects and content. Augmented reality technology is most often implemented using smartphones, tablets, AR glasses.