**Meta Launches Affordable Quest 3S VR Headset and Showcases New AR Technology**

Meta has unveiled its latest virtual reality headset, the Quest 3S, marking a significant price drop from its predecessor. Announced at the company's Connect event in Menlo Park, California, the Quest 3S will retail for $299, compared to the Quest 3's starting price of $499. The new headset will be available for purchase starting October 15.

Positioned as a multitasking computer, the Quest 3S aims to take on Apple's $3,499 Vision Pro, which was launched in February. Meta demonstrated the headset's capabilities, which include watching movies, running VR fitness apps, and gaming. The Quest 3S features improved "passthrough" technology, allowing users to see real-time video through the headset while interacting with their surroundings. A dedicated button enhances this feature's accessibility.

Meta also announced a steep price reduction for last year's Quest 3, bringing the 512GB version down to $499 from $649. Additionally, Meta will discontinue its $999 Quest Pro headset and the older Quest 2 model. These strategic moves emphasize Meta’s commitment to making VR technology more accessible and competitive.

In a major push towards augmented reality, Meta introduced Orion, a prototype for fully functioning AR smart glasses. While not available for consumer purchase, this development signals Meta’s long-term vision for lightweight, transparent glasses that can overlay computer graphics onto the real world. Orion employs a wristband component that picks up neural signals, enabling users to control the glasses with their thoughts.

Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, defended the company's significant investment in VR and AR technologies, which amounts to over $65 billion, emphasizing its strategic importance against competitors like Apple. Despite Apple's entry into the market, sales for its Vision Pro headset reportedly remain under 1 million units, partially due to its high price.

In addition to hardware announcements, Meta rolled out new features for its AI chatbot, Meta AI. Users will soon be able to interact with Meta AI using voice commands, facilitated through apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. This new functionality will include voices from several celebrities, enhancing user interaction.

Moreover, Meta's Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which were first announced in 2023, are getting enhanced with new AI features. These glasses can translate signs, scan QR codes, and remember user-specific information, such as where they parked their car. This initiative has seen significant success, with over 730,000 units sold in the first three quarters according to market researcher IDC.

Meta's advancements in both VR and AR are seen as foundational steps toward a future where lightweight, wearable technology will seamlessly integrate the digital and physical worlds.