Virtual reality (VR) has been a rapidly growing industry, with companies constantly striving to push the boundaries of immersive experiences. Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is one of the leading players in this field, and according to a recent Korean news report, they are partnering with LG to release a successor to their high-end Quest Pro VR headset in 2025.
As stated in the report by Maeil Business Newspaper, Meta has struck a deal for a joint venture with LG. This collaboration aims to develop a new VR headset that is expected to be priced at around $2,000. The device will supposedly utilize LG displays and other components from LG subsidiaries such as LG Innotek. Additionally, the report suggests that Meta will release a low-end Quest headset in 2024, potentially costing less than $200.
While this news is intriguing, Meta has not yet provided any official comment on the matter. It is also important to note that some details in the report seem somewhat contradictory. For instance, a $200 price tag for the low-end Quest headset would represent a significant drop in price compared to the current Quest 2, which sells for $299. Additionally, the report suggests that the new high-end headset will be named the “Meta Quest 4 Pro,” deviating from Meta’s convention of separating the Quest and Quest Pro lineups numerically.
Despite the uncertainties, the report aligns with Meta’s previous actions in the VR industry. It is not uncommon for Meta to collaborate with other companies on their headset releases. For instance, the Oculus Rift S featured branding from Lenovo, the Oculus Go was manufactured by Xiaomi, and Samsung produced the mobile Gear VR. These partnerships, however, were not considered to be the most groundbreaking releases by Meta at the time.
Nevertheless, this new collaboration with LG suggests that Meta is aiming to position its high-end Quest headset as a direct competitor to Apple’s Vision Pro headset, which sells for $3,499. This move makes sense for Meta, especially considering Apple’s increasing interest in augmented reality (AR) and VR technologies.
Meta has been known for its innovative approach to VR, constantly striving to introduce cutting-edge technologies in their headsets. The Quest Pro, for example, was positioned by Meta as a platform for testing and refining new VR technologies before incorporating them into their more affordable mass-market products. In this context, an LG joint venture could serve as a means to continue this strategy, provided that it differs from past collaborations.
Although the specifics of Meta’s partnership with LG and the rumored successor to the Quest Pro headset are still shrouded in uncertainty, the potential for new advancements in VR technology is exciting. The collaboration between Meta and LG could introduce groundbreaking features and experiences for VR enthusiasts. Furthermore, the competitive landscape in the VR industry, particularly with Apple’s entrance into the market, adds another layer of anticipation for what Meta has in store for the future of virtual reality.
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