Meta Quest Pro

Look the Meta Quest Pro is one heck of a device. There is truly nothing like it. It's not perfect and depending on your preconceptions from how it was advertised, it will not be convincing for most. Nor should it be, this device is Meta's (Facebook's) first attempt to step into an AR territory. It's a great device but there's one problem. The software and AR app support is lacking. This is expected and is why this device costs so much - it's a DEV kit. It's really aimed at developers and VR/AR enthusiasts. For $1500, your likely the type of individual who has already been convinced that AR will be the next technological advancement regarding human technology interaction. For $1500 your more than likely the type of individual who wants to help make this happen, experience it and contribute to its growth.

I pre-ordered an Oculus Quest 2 before they launched. Used it a ton prior to the Quest Pro release. Switching to the Pro was quite the eye opener. The faster performance, the incredible lens clarity, the COMFORT, face/eye tracking - this thing is incredible. I purchased this at full price prior to the 33% price drop, and I'd do it again. Don't let the Meta haters talk you out of it.However, writing this review in May of 2023, I recommend most wait for the upcoming Quest 3. It's going to use the identical lenses to the Pro but with higher resolution displays. The dramatically increased processing and graphics power of the Quest 3 will be more future proof.Unfortunately Meta has been extremely slow to implement work features. Last time i checked, I still can't use virtual monitors with a Windows PC, only Mac. If you're buying this for work, just know that it may not speed up your workflow but actually make it worse. For traveling however I've found this to be a useful tool to have more screens while I'm mobile with just a laptop.Overall, for an enthusiast, this headset is great. For the average everyday consumer, I recommend waiting for the Quest 3.

I got myself a M.Quest 2 to use Quill, I am an animator, and while Steam has some art tools; some of them okay; -- none do what Quill, which is basically Tilt Brush for animation in VR, full send, copy and paste Goro Fujita, and you'll likely buy one of these as well. I wish it weren't the case, but in the end, I was so surprised, coming from an index no less, by the quality of features AND make of the metaquest 2 on the price point; that I decided the flaws were worth the hassle to return and retry that purchase with the big boy version here, and with the foveated rendering, and, if you are developer minded, the OPTION to have that open gap at the bottom, is absolutely awesome for AR dev.It does FOV better than MQ2, but the FOV slide on the lenses is still manual which makes me uncomfortable every time I put my hand near the lens to shove it over, the one time you should need to, or so- but also, I will be looking for some kind of lens protection because while these lenses are bigg, and have FOV kind of very well covered along with the eye-track-foveated rendering helping the image, it's either that nothing because I really cannot say I trust the upper light blocker/glasses guard to prevent scratching. No confidence there, just a precaution, though there are means like lens caps out there that while not absolutely 100% perfect do keep a daily driver from a scratch on the lens, and your soul after it happens.Otherwise, I find the most important functionality of this headset to be like, a console version of a hanheld. Like, if they actually had made a Switch PRO, this also earns that pro name. MOST of everything is better, but I think they may have been serious about that PRO marketing because, the lower lack of light blocking included, and the way it sits on a dock to be able to charge the controllers makes me think this is an odd one out.This is to say it's mixed; depending exactly on how much very small, (very) detail choices bother you. Like, the having to buy a light blocker, where, natively, I kind of enjoy the available open down-view space, as that is by design for AR work, and for me, functions as I move around my narrow apartment like a cyber ninja and my Index quietly weeps tethered to the PC forever. It's strange now to think of the Index as an "ah, sure, the older model, yeah, those were good, they don't have some of your standards now, but it'll get ya by", given how many features the Oculus / Meta Pro / Quest 2 sets add, and how robust and dependable and, remarkably built they are, as a notable stand out. Like, you can, (don't) but you CAN, drop a controller and come back from it (don't, buy a silicone protector, you loon), and that rules, because not since the Duke of VR controllers, the Vive Wand, have controllers not SHATTERED in my hands, or out of them, on first or second or no drop at all. Quality thumsticks, good buttons, GOOD spring resistance, not sure about the cameras, but heck okay.Speaking of cameras, the passthrough is acceptable, remarkable if you're like alright, I know it's not perfect, but is it better than the index? Flat? yes, not leaps and bounds in the visual quality department, in a way I figured mentioning was worth the read if you're this far. Like, this predicates itself on being mixed reality or AR for work, and, I just want to say that while the image quality and stereoscopic imaging is faste enough for me to dart around my narrow apartment; it is NOT a gopro at the same time in image quality either, so, do not expect the monitor quality in the cameras.THANKFULLY, while not exactly that good, it's getting very close these days in the resolution, in wireless and in the customizeable link mode and, I am so late to this headset it feels like I should suggest you wait for the next Valve headset rumored for 23 or 24, or for the meta quest 3 / pro 2 for haptics, foveated rendering 2, but, as a person who crosses these bridges as they come apparently; I'm working in Quill much more happily and quickly in here.

People will spend $2k on a great TV or monitor, and yet take issue with a headset that is a standalone device with crystal clear lenses, great FOV, eye tracking, face tracking, and amazing controllers costing $1500.I can see why. Consumers had the bar set too low in terms of pricing with the Quest 2. At the end of the day this IS a premium device. Working inside the quest 2 is uncomfortable and the lenses make it so that you have to move your head to look around. The lenses on the pro are so clear that you can just move your eyes.This product is a step forward, as it gives developers everything they need to work towards a next-gen experience.Local dimming, foveated rendering, and color passthrough for AR.Sure, the resolution could be higher - but reading 12 pt font is still plenty comfortable. By the way, even though it's lower than the Quest 2 in terms of total pixels, there are still more pixels per degree (the metric that actually matters).If you just want it for PCVR - it might not be worth it, but if you want to work and experiment with a device (and also want to play some games), this thing is AMAZING.