Rumored Meta Quest 3S Reportedly Following Controversial Smartphone Trend
Header image is referential and showcases the Meta Quest 3. | Image credit — PhoneArena
We’ve been hearing reports about an upcoming Meta Quest headset for quite some time now. This alleged Meta Quest 3S is rumored to be as powerful as a Quest 3 but cost less by making sacrifices elsewhere. And apparently, it seems like this headset won’t come with an audio jack.
Personal Reactions to the Change
I, personally, will never get over the smartphone industry ditching the 3.5 mm headphone jack. Sure, wireless audio is convenient and all, but I don’t want to use a dongle whenever I feel like plugging in my in-ear monitors (IEMs).
But it seems Meta is doing exactly that. The report comes from the same person who leaked the expected specifications of the Meta Quest 3S. According to her, the Quest 3S will only ship with a USB-C audio output.
New thing I was able to confirm recently:
Many found it odd that the market research renders did not show a 3.5mm port in the headstrap cutout on Quest 3S.
That's because it doesn't have one. Much like Pico 4 it is USB-C audio output only. https://t.co/BDr51n9iBl
— Luna (@Lunayian) July 29, 2024
Industry Reactions
Many found it odd that the market research renders did not show a 3.5mm port in the headstrap cutout on Quest 3S. The reason for this, as it turns out, is that it doesn’t have one. Much like the Pico 4, it is USB-C audio output only.
Impact on User Experience
It’s somewhat surprising because budget smartphones usually come with a headphone jack. So why is Meta removing it from what is supposed to be a budget Meta Quest 3? Also, does this mean you can’t use the Quest 3S while plugged in unless you forgo wired audio gear?
The Meta Quest 3 has both a USB-C and a 3.5 mm headphone port. However, this new trend seems to eliminate the 3.5 mm option. While the Quest 3S will reportedly still have speakers, many people, including myself, would prefer a headphone jack for better audio quality. A good pair of headphones or IEMs almost always offer a superior sound experience compared to tiny speakers. Plus, earphones provide better noise isolation, significantly improving immersive gaming experiences.
Video credit — Meta
Compromises for Cost
The Quest 3S will also reportedly have lower resolution displays. This, combined with the lack of a headphone jack, may turn off some potential buyers. However, the lower cost of the 3S model might still attract those who prioritize affordability over these features.
It remains to be seen whether the Quest 3S will join its bigger brother as one of the best VR headsets on the market today. But for now, the decision to remove the headphone jack has certainly raised some eyebrows.
Abdullah, an ardent believer in the future of VR, can’t wait to see what more it brings to the table as technology improves. He enjoys covering new software releases in the XR industry, as well as major news about hardware and companies focused on VR.