In a recent video posted on his Instagram account, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, shared his thoughts on Apple's new Vision Pro mixed-reality headset. As the creator of the popular Quest 3 headset, Zuckerberg naturally approached the comparison from a biased standpoint. However, his review offered some interesting insights into the strengths and weaknesses of both devices.
Zuckerberg wasted no time in highlighting the major price difference between the two headsets. While the Quest 3 starts at a relatively affordable $500, the Vision Pro comes with a hefty price tag of $3,500. The significant price gap led Zuckerberg to argue that the Quest 3 offers better value for most consumers.
According to Zuckerberg, the Quest 3 outshines the Vision Pro in several key areas. He emphasized the Quest 3's superior comfort, citing its lighter weight of 515 grams compared to the Vision Pro's 600-650 grams. He also praised the Quest's wider field of view and brighter, crisper display. However, he did acknowledge that the Vision Pro boasts higher resolution.
One notable advantage Zuckerberg highlighted was Meta's more open app model. Unlike the Vision Pro, which currently lacks native apps for popular platforms like Netflix and YouTube, the Quest 3 supports a wider range of applications. Zuckerberg argued that this open approach would be a long-term advantage for Meta in the evolving mixed-reality landscape.
Zuckerberg also took a moment to address the perception that Apple often dominates new categories in technology. He acknowledged Apple's success with their closed ecosystem in the mobile industry but expressed his belief that Meta's open model would be the winning strategy in the next generation of computing. He emphasized his desire to see an open model succeed once again.
It's worth noting that Zuckerberg had been dismissive of Apple's entry into the mixed-reality space even before the Vision Pro's release. At a Meta employee meeting in June 2023, he downplayed the threat, pointing out the Vision Pro's high price tag and stating that there were no magical solutions that Apple had that his teams hadn't already thought of.
Meta, however, has been experiencing significant operating losses in its Reality Labs division, which includes the Quest AR/VR headset and metaverse initiatives. In their fourth-quarter 2023 results, Meta reiterated their expectation of increased operating losses in the division in 2024 due to ongoing product development efforts and ecosystem expansion.
While Zuckerberg's review of the Vision Pro naturally leans towards promoting his own product, it does provide valuable insights into both headsets. The Quest 3's affordability, comfort, and wide app compatibility make it an attractive option for many consumers. On the other hand, the Vision Pro's higher resolution and unique features, like Apple's Immersive Video format, offer a different experience for those willing to invest in a premium device.
Ultimately, the choice between the Quest 3 and the Vision Pro will depend on individual preferences and priorities. As the mixed-reality market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these two tech giants compete and innovate to capture the imaginations of consumers seeking immersive virtual experiences.
