The recent release of Apple’s Vision Pro has sparked significant buzz and generated various reactions, including one unexpected one from Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta. Zuckerberg took to Instagram to compare the Vision Pro with Meta’s latest iteration of the Quest 3, boldly asserting, “I don’t just think Quest offers better value, but Quest is the best product, period.”
Zuckerberg’s Comparison between Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro:
In the video uploaded by Zuckerberg – filmed with the Meta Quest 3 by a person seated in front of him, showcasing its recording quality – the magnate does not appear to use or even hold the Apple glasses, although he claims to have tried them.
While acknowledging that Apple has many strong points in its proposal, Zuckerberg also shares several reasons for preferring his own product:
Price: Zuckerberg emphasizes the stark price difference between the two glasses, asserting that Quest is “seven times cheaper.” While the latest version of Quest 3 costs $549.99, Apple Vision Pro is priced at $3,500. Weight and Mobility: Quest 3 weighs 120 grams less than Apple Vision Pro, making it more comfortable for extended use. Additionally, according to Zuckerberg, due to not needing cables (Vision Pro requires them to connect to its external battery) and having a wider field of view, Quest allows for greater movement. Graphic Quality: Zuckerberg highlights the use of manual controls on Quest and its more precise hand tracking. While he applauds the graphic quality and eye tracking of Vision Pro – a feature that will be deployed in future Meta models after debuting in Quest Pro – he notes that it produces more distortions and blurs when the user moves in mixed reality. Despite Apple’s higher screen resolution, he points out compromises in device quality, comfort, ergonomics, and other aspects. Eye Tracking: Although Apple’s eye tracking is praised, Zuckerberg mentions that these sensors were present in Quest Pro but were removed for Quest 3, with plans to reintroduce them in the future. While it’s a nice interface, he suggests it’s not perfect for all tasks, advocating for hands or the anticipated Quest controllers or eventually a neural interface for such activities. Immersive Library: While acknowledging Apple’s partnerships with streaming platforms like Disney+ and Apple TV for viewing movies with large screens and immersive effects, Zuckerberg claims that Quest has a superior library of immersive content. Developer Ecosystem: While Meta has been working on virtual reality longer than anyone else, Apple has an interesting advantage. As a manufacturer of devices like the iPhone and iPad, Apple can more easily build a software ecosystem with developers they have been working with for years. Closing Remarks: In conclusion, Zuckerberg dismisses the notion that Vision Pro is better solely because it’s from Apple and more expensive. While acknowledging Apple’s success with iPhones, he hopes that Meta will emerge as the winner in this new era of computing, advocating for an open model akin to Microsoft’s success in the PC era.
He expresses gratitude to his team for their years of effort in building their virtual reality glasses, conveying a positive and calm message amidst the arrival of this competitor that may pose significant challenges.
