Meta is reportedly ceasing production of its Meta Quest Pro VR headset due to sluggish sales and lukewarm reviews. Sources claim that Meta has informed suppliers earlier this year about their decision, leaving the fate of the Quest Pro uncertain.
The Quest Pro faced an uphill battle from the start, with lackluster reviews and weak sales plaguing its market presence. Critics criticized the device for its underwhelming resolution, grainy passthrough, and an underpowered processor, which affected the overall user experience. Additionally, Meta’s cartoonish avatars were deemed insufficient to fully showcase the potential of the face tracking sensors.
The situation worsened when Meta reduced the Quest Pro’s price from $1500 to $1000, merely four months after its launch. Some of the features that were initially touted as selling points, such as automatic plane detection and tongue tracking, were never delivered, further dampening consumer enthusiasm.
The Quest Pro also faced stiff competition from rumors about the forthcoming Quest 3. Leaked information revealed that Quest 3 could boast a more powerful GPU at a lower price, enticing potential buyers to hold off on purchasing the Quest Pro. Moreover, despite the Quest Pro’s colorized passthrough being a key selling point, Mark Zuckerberg recently claimed that the passthrough on the Quest 3 is superior, adding to the growing uncertainty surrounding the Quest Pro’s future.
If Meta indeed discontinues the Quest Pro, it could lead to a void in the market for VR headsets with eye or face tracking capabilities. While the Quest 3 promises significant advancements, it lacks these specific features, potentially leaving users wanting more.
In another surprising move, Meta has reportedly suspended the development of the near-term Quest Pro 2. The decision to halt this project aligns with leaked information from a Meta roadmap that indicated the company’s focus on a more ambitious Quest Pro 2 featuring Codec Avatars. This futuristic research project aims to achieve photoreal spatial telepresence but is not expected to materialize until “way out in the future,” possibly beyond 2024.
Despite the discontinuation of new component orders, there is still hope for prospective buyers of the Quest Pro. Manufacturers often produce VR headsets in significant volumes in advance, meaning that there might still be Quest Pro stock available for purchase for a considerable period.
As Meta reportedly puts an end to new component orders for the Quest Pro, the future of this VR headset becomes increasingly uncertain. Disappointing reviews, fierce competition from upcoming offerings, and the absence of promised features have all contributed to the challenges faced by the Quest Pro. However, consumers might still have an opportunity to purchase the device if existing stock remains available. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Meta to see how they will evolve their VR product lineup in the years to come as the release of the Quest 3 looms nearer.
