During the Meta Connect 2024 event, the Goal announced the launch of new virtual reality (VR) glasses, Quest 3S which improves the user experience and promises one of the most affordable prices among the brand’s virtual reality devices. In addition, the company’s first augmented reality (AR) glasses were also presented: the Orion .
For now, the company has not released prices or release dates for the Quest 3S in Brazil, but it was launched for US$299.99 in the United States. As for Orion, Meta has not yet announced prices or launch forecast.
Both headsets offer immersive visual experiences, but have different functionalities. While one uses the technology of virtual reality the other is based on augmented reality . After all, do you know what the difference is between them?
What are the differences?
Currently, there are several virtual and augmented reality devices available around the world, including in Brazil. Among the augmented reality options, Brazilians can find the HoloLens 2, from Microsoft . For those looking for a VR model, the Meta Quest 3 is a good option.
However, before deciding which immersion glasses to buy, it is important to understand the characteristics that make each one unique.
Virtual reality
Virtual reality glasses are developed with LCD or OLED screens that completely cover the user’s vision. If you turn your device off, you will be left in the dark, unable to see anything, both on the screen and around you. When the device is turned on, the internal screens are projected onto lenses that fill your entire field of vision, creating a simulation of a completely virtual environment.
These glasses can be used for games, immersive experiences in virtual environments, or even for watching 360-degree videos. When you put them on, your reality is transported to a virtual world with different possibilities.
Furthermore, it is possible to use virtual reality glasses to participate in virtual chats, talking to other people as if they were in the same environment.
In Brazil, in addition to the Meta Quest models, which work without the need for an external connection, there are other options such as the PlayStation VR2, compatible with PlayStation 5 and PC. For those who want to save money, the Warrior Multilaser JS080 is a more affordable alternative, as it uses a smartphone instead of screens, but offers much fewer features — there are several similar products available starting at R$99.
Augmented reality
The concept of augmented reality may seem more complex compared to virtual reality, but it is quite simple. The main difference is that AR headsets don’t completely replace your vision; they combine the real world with virtual elements.
For example, when using a device of this type, you continue to see everything around you, while the technology projects images and information about what you are observing. In addition to games, augmented reality glasses can project applications, text, images and other information directly into the user’s field of vision.
Another big difference between the technologies is the price: while virtual reality models can be found from R$3,299, augmented reality devices usually exceed R$20,000. For example, the HoloLens 2 is available from R$26,000.
Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2, the last product of the discontinued project Google Glass is considered a glasses that exclusively uses augmented reality. THE Orion from Meta, will also be completely focused on AR.
In any case, it is worth highlighting that the HoloLens 2, like the Apple Vision Pro, is a headset that can be considered mixed reality (MR). This means that, in addition to offering the augmented reality option, it also provides completely virtual experiences.
This content was originally published in Augmented Reality Glasses and Virtual Reality Glasses; understand the difference on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Charles Grill is a tech-savvy writer with over 3 years of experience in the field. He writes on a variety of technology-related topics and has a strong focus on the latest advancements in the industry. He is connected with several online news websites and is currently contributing to a technology-focused platform.
