Meta Launches $300 Quest 3S and High-Tech AR Glasses

Meta continues its push into the extended reality (XR) space with the announcement of two significant devices: the Meta Quest 3S and the Orion augmented reality (AR) glasses. The company aims to make immersive experiences more accessible and set a new standard in wearable technology.

The Meta Quest 3S, priced at $300, is a more affordable version of the Quest 3, which currently retails for $500. While keeping the same core capabilities, the Quest 3S is designed for users new to mixed reality or those upgrading from older models like the Quest or Quest 2. Among its standout features is a full-colour Passthrough, allowing users to interact with the real world while engaging in virtual environments. The updated Meta Horizon OS further enhances spatial computing and supports improved 2D apps. The Quest 3S is available for pre-order in 128GB and 256GB models.

In addition, Meta has introduced its Orion AR glasses, which it describes as “the most advanced pair of augmented reality glasses ever made.” Developed in partnership with Ray-Ban, these sleek, AI-enabled glasses aim to seamlessly integrate virtual and physical worlds. Featuring advanced holographic displays and a built-in virtual assistant, the Orion glasses offer cutting-edge capabilities such as 3D visualizations, object recognition, and conversational AI. Meta touts the glasses as having the largest field of view in the smallest AR form factor to date.

While the Orion glasses are still in the prototype stage and not expected to hit the market for several years, Meta plans to refine the product through internal testing and external feedback. These announcements highlight Meta’s continued efforts to define the future of immersive technology as competition in the XR space heats up.