Meta Quest 3 is currently making waves among AR enthusiasts with its public release, as the experiments of its daily usage are popping up all around social media. This sleek headset brings an incredible ability to seamlessly blend our digital and physical worlds, giving users an experience that goes beyond just gaming.
Let’s take a detailed look at the standout features that make Meta Quest 3 a pioneer in augmented reality, and check out how is it currently being used by various experimenters.
Meta Quest 3 offers a glimpse into both realities
Meta Quest 3’s standout feature is its knack for smoothly transitioning between virtual and real environments. Picture this: you’re whipping up a tasty meal, tidying up your space, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of joe on a sunny day—all while staying connected to your digital world.
This is all thanks to the headset’s full-color, low-latency passthrough video tech.
The experiments of going virtual
Now, picture yourself in the middle of everyday life, but with a high-tech headset on. It’s like being in your own world amidst the hustle and bustle of reality. You’ll definitely turn a few heads and spark some curiosity. While the tech is downright impressive, seeing someone deeply engrossed in their virtual world amid a sea of real-life activity can be, well, a bit unusual.
Jay Mayo at New York Comic-Con
Enter Jay Mayo, who fearlessly walked the floors of the New York Comic-Con, capturing candid moments of strangers along the way. It’s like bringing a slice of the virtual world into the heart of reality.
An awkward elevator encounter
Kukurio59 took us on a ride through one of the socially awkward spaces humanity has to offer: waiting for an elevator. The blend of virtual and real-world interactions is nothing short of intriguing.
@kukurio59 Waiting for the Elevator in Mixed Reality is crazy! #quest3 #mr #ar #mixedreality #augmentedreality #elevator #waiting #virtualreality
Cix Liv’s coffee shop adventure
Then there’s Cix Liv, an XR and AI enthusiast, who took it up a notch. They confidently strolled into a bustling San Francisco coffee shop, placed an order, all while proudly displaying the café’s address through the headset. Now that’s pushing boundaries!
OK don't be mad. But someone had to do it.
walked into a cafe in mixed reality pic.twitter.com/WSJEMWuG00
— CIX ᯅ/acc (@cixliv) October 16, 2023
Privacy concerns
As Meta Quest 3 users record their surroundings seamlessly, privacy takes center stage. Rooted in the visual ambiguity of whether a Quest 3 user is recording or not, there is a strong chance that the public usage of the device could violate bypassers’ privacy. Hence, questions about consent and boundaries become crucial.
What happens to the footage captured by these devices, and who has access to it? We’re in rather uncharted territory in terms of privacy norms, and it’s something to ponder.
Meta Quest 3 marks a giant leap forward in the world of augmented reality. Its ability to blend the digital and physical realms offers a world of opportunities. But, as with any pioneering tech, there are some nuances to consider. From the occasional curious glance in public to the weighty matters of privacy and consent, Meta Quest 3 invites us to reflect on its responsible use.
As we step into this new era of augmented reality, let’s strike a balance between innovation and ethical engagement, making sure that Meta Quest 3 enriches our lives without infringing on our privacy and personal space.
Featured image credit: Meta
