2023 is sure to be an exciting year for virtual reality enthusiasts.
Virtual reality (VR) technology has come a long way since it was first introduced to the average consumer in 2016. In the same year, Facebook and Oculus declared their intention to invest U$250 million more in VR content, following the earlier US$250 million investment. Since then, VR technology has continued to evolve and improve. The most recent VR headsets have higher resolution screens, better sensors for head tracking and are much more comfortable to wear.
Over the next few years, we can expect to see even more advancements in this field as developers push boundaries even further. Users can then experience virtual worlds with greater immersion. With that said, here is what you should expect from upcoming VR headsets by 2023.
Meta’s Oculus Quest 3
During an interview with Ben Thomson, Meta (former Facebook) CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed that the Quest 2’s successor is already in the works and is expected to cost around the same (in the price range of US$300-500) as the current Quest 2. Aimed at general use, Quest 3 is expected to be released by Meta in 2023.
A rumor suggests that Quest 3 will get a major graphics upgrade, allowing for virtual worlds to be rendered in greater detail and realism. YouTuber SadlyItsBradley also claims to have insider info about the upcoming model having double the graphics processing unit (GPU) power compared to Quest2.
In another video, he stated that an anonymous source informed him the Quest 3 would use the as-yet-unveiled Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, also known as Project Halliday. In addition, Quest 3 will be equipped with other features, like pancake lenses and a new depth sensor, to provide an even better VR experience. As suggested by their name, pancake lenses are thinner and lighter. Therefore, they are more comfortable to wear when playing games for extended periods. They will also be lighter in weigh due to the shrinkage of the visor’s size.
According to IDC, in the first quarter of 2022, Meta had 90 percent of the VR headset market share. The tech giant is expected to continue its dominance in the VR headset market in 2023 with its next-generation headset Oculus Quest 3.
Price: US$300-500
Apple’s mixed reality headset
Apple is rumored to release its first-ever VR headset in 2023. The Apple VR headset will be the company’s first foray into VR and augmented reality (AR). The headset will likely have a hefty price tag between US$2,000 and US$3,000, incorporating a Mac-level M2 chip and over ten cameras on its interior and exterior. Moreover, it will have the highest resolution display than any other VR headset on the market.
The official name of the operating system powering Apple’s new device is “xrOS”, a specifically designed operating system for its extended reality (XR) headset that can deliver mixed-reality capabilities like VR and AR experiences. While the former puts users in a completely immersive virtual world, the latter overlays virtual information onto the real world.
Bloomberg reported that the headset to be released will have “Reality” in its name, with three patents being filed by Apple for “Reality One”, “Reality Pro” and “Reality Processor”. All of the filings mention “virtual and augmented reality headsets, goggles, glasses, and smart glasses”.
Price: US$2,000-3,000
Sony’s PlayStation VR 2
The upcoming Sony PlayStation VR (PSVR) 2 headset is set to be one of the most advanced VR headsets available in 2023, delivering a significant upgrade over the 2016-released PSVR. Designed exclusively for the PlayStation 5 console, the headset will feature a higher-resolution display, improved tracking technology and enhanced audio capabilities.
For gamers, the headset will offer an advanced gaming experience with its headset-based controller tracking and high-resolution high dynamic range (HDR) video format of 4000 × 2040 (2000 × 2040 per eye). Compared to the PSVR, the PSVR 2 has over four times more pixels, allowing images in the headset to appear sharper and more vivid. It also boasts various sensory features, such as eye tracking, headset feedback, 3D Audio and the PSVR 2 Sense controller, to provide a more immersive experience.
To give an additional sensory experience, the headset will have a single motor built into it, creating a pulsing feeling in intense moments or simulating objects passing around the player’s head. PSVR2 will stay wired and connect to the PS5 console via one USB Type-C cable.
Sony officially announced that the PSVR2 will be released globally on February 22, 2023. The standard bundle, which comes with the PSVR2 Sense controllers and stereo headphones, will cost US$549.99.
Price: US$549.99
Overall, there are many exciting advancements for VR technology in 2023 and beyond. With major companies investing heavily in developing new technologies, we can expect to see some amazing new devices emerge over the next few years. Each headset offers its own unique features and capabilities, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase. With the right headset, you can explore new worlds and experiences like never before.
Also read:
- Is Virtual Reality Worth Buying?
- Top 3 Most Anticipated VR Headsets of 2022
- Virtual and Augmented Reality: Gateway Into the Metaverse?
- What Are the Different Kinds of “Realities”?
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