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Hardware Review My weekend with my brand-new Meta Quest 3 (2 Viewers)

Aaron Silverman

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Does anyone here know if the elite head strap for the Quest 2 (the one with the extra battery pack in it) is compatible with the Quest 3?
I don't think the headstraps are exactly compatible -- I have a couple of them, and one came with different connectors for the Q2 and Q3 (and a tiny screwdriver to attach the one you need).
 

Aaron Silverman

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I picked up a Quest 3 a few months ago, basically on a whim, due to a major discount through my employer. After using it for a while, I'm honestly astonished that this tech costs only $500.

I've had a PSVR for years, but hardly ever use it because simply firing it up is a hassle -- there are multiple cables involved, plus it's hard to get the PS camera set up properly in my space. The Quest 3 is a total game-changer! I just pick it up, put it on my head, and turn it on. No wires at all! (Unless I'm playing a PC-connected game like Asgard's Wrath 1. And even then, I could use Airlink. Just haven't tried that wirelessly yet.) It even remembers the layout of different rooms in my house, so I don't have to re-scan the play area all the time.

Regarding the isolation factor, that's true, but the passthrough mode makes a big difference. I can play a fitness game like Supernatural with only the instructor and part of the background visible in front of me, or an art app like Vermillion with only my canvas and tools visible, so I can see and talk to my wife at the same time. I can even do things in VR while we're sitting and watching TV.

BTW, Vermillion, a serious oil painting simulator that's easy for dillettantes to play around with, is a real trip! It makes me extra-sad that my visual artistic skills are non-existent. :) I can finally watch a Bob Ross video and paint along, without having to spend a bunch of money on paints and tools that I'd just defile by producing splotchy nonsense. And no stink or cleanup, either!

I'd love to try that Immersed app for work, but I doubt that the controls on my work Macbook would allow me to install it.
 

Ronald Epstein

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Aaron,

Read your review with much interest. So glad to hear that this turned out to be a satisfactory purchase for you. The fact that you are an experienced PSVR user and enjoying the wireless experience says something about the quality of the Meta headset.

Having owned my Quest 3 for nearly a year, I have seen so many improvements made to the OS. The passthrough is night and day better than it once was. Really amazing.

I have a handful of games that I bought with the initial credit I received with the purchase. I don't play them, though I should and probably will again at some point.

I wear the headset daily, using the IMMERSED app to work off of my Macbook Pro. I love the multiple screens and virtual environments. The reason I use it every day is that IMMERSED will put you in their paid premium tier at no cost as long as you use the app for at least 30 minutes and 3 out of 10 days.

Enjoy!
 

Aaron Silverman

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That's cool about the free premium tier of Immersed. I'll ask IT to add it to their security review list, but I have no illusions that they're likely to get around to it any time soon.

On the plus side, for those of you who get wellness stipends through work (like a Forma account), you might be able to expense VR workout apps and games.

Oh, one other thing I should mention that might not be obvious -- the Quest has some relaxation/focus/meditation apps designed to be used lying down that can help you fall asleep. I have terrible insomnia, and the Liminal app has some experiences that seem to help. A lot of people like a similar app called Tripp, and I also have one called Pillow that I haven't tried yet. I use the original Q3 strap for them, since my other straps all have battery packs or connectors on the back.
 

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