What to Expect From Meta Connect 23′
Meta Connect, the annual event hosted by Meta (formerly known as Facebook), is just around the corner. Taking place on September 27-28, 2023, this year’s event promises to be an exciting one, following a busy year for XR (Extended Reality) technology with Apple’s entry into the space.
Although Meta Connect will be primarily a virtual event, with users able to watch it via Facebook and Horizon Worlds, there will also be an in-person component at Meta’s headquarters in Menlo Park. The two-day event will focus on Meta’s emerging technologies, such as the Quest portfolio, Ray-Ban Stories, Avatars, and Horizon Worlds.
Attendees can expect to get an in-depth look at upcoming Meta XR (Extended Reality) products, as well as updates on Horizon Worlds’ metaverse developments and emerging AI innovations. The event will also provide hands-on opportunities for attendees to experience Meta’s forthcoming immersive product portfolio. Additionally, there will be sessions where attendees can learn from Meta’s community of developers, builders, and creators.
The first day of Meta Connect will kick off with a keynote by Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, followed by a “Developer State of the Union” session. Historically, these sessions have unveiled groundbreaking news, such as the company’s rebranding. On the second day, there will be developer sessions and product sneak peeks, likely showcasing the upcoming Meta Quest 3 mixed reality (MR) device.
Speaking of the Meta Quest 3, this device was introduced just days before Apple’s WWDC event earlier this year. The Meta Quest 3 is an MR device, similar to the enterprise-grade Quest Pro, but with a more affordable price tag of $499. It promises high-quality passthrough and fully immersive visuals. The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ chipset, offering twice the graphics performance of its predecessor. It is also compatible with all legacy titles, with more titles on the way.
Meta’s CTO, Andrew “Boz” Bosworth, has provided some additional details about the device through his social media channels. The Meta Quest 3 will have approximately 2 hours of battery life, room for prescription glasses, a 100-degree field of view (FOV), and a similar weight to previous iterations. The device will feature new controllers designed to track players’ hands and controllers using invisible infrared LEDs and AI algorithms. This advanced tracking technology allows for accurate tracking without the need for expensive or bulky design choices. Zuckerberg has hinted at a “more comfortable” form factor and improved displays and resolution for the Quest 3.
In addition to the Meta Quest 3, Meta is also focusing on its Horizon Worlds platform. The company recently launched Ouro Interactive, a production studio that will create first-party VR gaming experiences for Horizon Worlds. The studio’s first game, Super Rumble, is already available on the platform. Meta’s Vice President of Metaverse, Vishal Shah, has emphasized the importance of compelling content on Horizon Worlds and the company’s commitment to user-generated content. Meta aims to create an ecosystem driven by creators and plans to introduce AI solutions to lower the entry barrier for aspiring Metaverse developers.
Meta Connect 23′ is set to be an event filled with exciting announcements and updates from Meta. From the unveiling of the Meta Quest 3 to advancements in Horizon Worlds, attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into the future of XR technology and Meta’s role in shaping it. Stay tuned for more details as the event approaches, and get ready to be impressed by Meta’s latest offerings.
Sources:
– Meta Connect: What to Expect at the Meta Connect 23′ Event
– Meta Quest: A Sneak Peek at the Meta Quest 3 MR Device
– Horizon Worlds: Meta’s Rebuilding of the Horizon Worlds Platform
