Meta is offering a $40 accessory for the Meta Quest 3 headset. The “open facial interface” for the Meta Quest 3 opens up the peripheral vision of the wearer.
Meta Quest 3 “open facial interface” is now available for just $40
The Meta Connect 2024 conference was a feature-packed event. Meta’s CEO not only announced the Orion Augmented Reality (AR) holographic display but also the aggressively priced Quest 3S.
One of the products that made its way to the launchpad was the “open facial interface” for the Quest 3 Virtual Reality (VR) headset. According to Android Central, this $40 accessory is trying to fill the gap left by the Meta Quest Pro, which is set to be discontinued.
Meta has announced it has begun selling the new accessory. It is up for pre-order on Meta’s e-store. The earliest estimated shipping date for early adopters is mid-October.
The new accessory is lighter and adds another way to wear the VR headset
The social media giant assures the open facial interface offers an open-periphery experience similar to that of the Meta Quest Pro. Interestingly, when the Quest Pro is no longer officially available, the Quest 3 (with the open facial interface) will be the only official way to use a Meta VR headset with open sides.
The open facial interface is only compatible with the Quest 3, not the new Quest 3S. The Quest 3S has a “breathable facial interface”. But it is certainly no match for the open facial interface. Some reports suggest this accessory could create an illusion of a wider field of view.
Finally it’s available for pre-order.
The Pro feeling is coming to Meta Quest 3!”Meta Quest 3 open facial interface”
Now just wait for pre order shipment… #VR #Meta #Quest #Open #Facial #Interface #Pro pic.twitter.com/jlHhXt61b8
— R347ITY (@R347ITY) September 25, 2024
The open facial interface would surely help with the lens fogging issue. By creating a gap between the user’s head and the headset, this accessory also opens access to the wearer’s surroundings.
With this accessory, Meta is now offering a new way to use the Quest 3 VR headset. The default interface that comes in the box is meant for everyday use. The silicone facial interface, sold separately for $40, is intended to be worn during workout sessions and games involving a lot of movement.
Meta claims the open facial interface is “best for spatial experiences”. Interestingly, weighing just 60 grams, this accessory is lighter than the other two. This means using this accessory could subtly lighten the load of the VR headset.