New Delhi: Meta Platforms, formerly known as Facebook, has made a significant announcement, revealing its decision to discontinue its flagship VR headset, the Quest Pro. Citing disappointing sales figures and a dearth of developer interest, the company has chosen to pull the plug on the high-end VR device.
Launched in October 2022 with much fanfare, the Quest Pro was touted as Meta's most technologically advanced VR headset to date. Boasting impressive features such as high-resolution displays, improved tracking capabilities, and a powerful processor, the device seemed promising on paper. However, it failed to strike a chord with consumers, largely due to its exorbitant price tag of $1,500 and its bulky design, which many found off-putting.
A significant factor contributing to the Quest Pro's demise was the lack of appeal it held for developers. The combination of its high price and limited user base made it challenging for developers to create compelling content for the headset, resulting in a dearth of engaging VR experiences.
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The discontinuation of the Quest Pro marks a notable setback for Meta's ambitions in the VR industry. Despite heavy investments in VR technology in recent years, the company has yet to achieve the widespread success it had hoped for in the mass market.
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In light of this development, Meta is shifting its focus to its more budget-friendly VR headset, the Quest 2. Launched in October 2020 at a significantly lower price point of $299, the Quest 2 has seen far greater success, with over 10 million units sold.
In parallel, Meta is actively working on its next VR venture, codenamed "Project Cambria." Expected to offer a more immersive VR experience, Project Cambria is likely to come with a higher price tag than the Quest 2, appealing to users seeking more advanced features. However, no official release date for Project Cambria has been disclosed yet.
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The discontinuation of the Quest Pro serves as a poignant indication that Meta is grappling with the challenge of making VR a mainstream technology. To achieve its aspirations, the company will need to make significant strides in both the hardware and content aspects of its VR offerings, in order to win over a wider audience and propel VR into the mainstream market successfully.