Meta strives to become the Android in the AR/VR realm

On February 2, Apple will release their highly anticipated Vision Pro headset, with pre-orders already surpassing initial projections. As the launch date approaches, excitement and anticipation only continue to grow. Meta, a longstanding player in the AR/VR industry with their Quest lineup, recognizes the potential competition from the Vision Pro but remains optimistic that it will reignite their presence in the metaverse, aspiring to become the ‘Android’ of this technology realm.

Although we have initial speculations, it remains to be seen how the Vision Pro will be received within the industry in terms of its use case. While Apple’s Vision Pro may have a significantly higher price than Meta’s Quest lineup, there are plans for more affordable options to simplify their product range. However, there is still uncertainty in the market about whether the $3,499 price tag is justified considering its usability. It should also be noted that the headset is still new, and developers will need time to adjust to the new hardware and create compelling use cases. Nevertheless, Meta is optimistic that the Vision Pro will bring new energy to the metaverse.

According to sources familiar with the matter and reported by The Wall Street Journal, Meta is looking to use its new Vision Pro device as a means to enhance its $50 billion investment in the metaverse. With the potential competition from Apple’s Vision Pro in their Quest lineup, there is great pressure for both companies to innovate and provide users with unique features. This increased competition could lead to an improved experience and wider user options.

Previously, Meta has dominated the AR/VR industry without much competition and aims to become the leading option akin to ‘Android’ in this field. The Quest range has the potential to attract customers who may be interested in the Vision Pro. According to Mark Zuckerberg, Apple’s involvement in this sector could “validate” their business and consequently attract more consumers.

The upcoming launch of the Vision Pro headset has already impacted Meta as it strives to further its presence in mixed reality. The market’s reaction to this highly priced device is yet to be determined.