Head mounted decices built for virtual and augmented reality are pushing the boundaries of consumer electronics, offering immersive experiences that transport us to other worlds. These devices are packed with cutting-edge technology, including high-resolution displays, spatial audio, powerful processors, advanced sensors, and innovative thermal management solutions. But to truly understand and appreciate these headsets, we need an imaging technology as advanced as they are. That's where industrial X-ray CT comes in.
Lumafield, with the help of their Neptune industrial CT scanner and Voyager analysis software, conducted non-destructive teardowns of three popular headsets: the #Apple #VisionPro, #Meta Quest Pro, and Meta #Quest3. Rather than a simple product review or head-to-head comparison, their goal was to delve into the hardware engineering of these devices and uncover the divergent design philosophies and market strategies of Apple and Meta.
Let's start with the design. The CT scans of the #AppleVisionPro revealed a product that prioritizes design. The internal components are meticulously arranged to optimize the available space without compromising the sleek exterior. The main circuit board is built around a flexible PCB ribbon, and the electronics are cleverly packed in at various angles. On the other hand, both the Quest Pro and Quest 3 follow a more traditional approach, with components stacked on a single plane. This tried-and-true design is effective, especially when using off-the-shelf components.
The internal layout already provides insight into the design and engineering ethos behind these products. Apple's designers challenge their engineering counterparts to deliver ambitious hardware and software performance goals without sacrificing the overall aesthetics. The designers set the requirements, and the engineers make it happen.
The Meta headsets, however, suggest a different priority and target market. While not reversing the emphasis, Meta focuses on ease of use and aims to democratize virtual reality by offering more affordable headsets. The Quest 3, priced at $500, is a fraction of the Vision Pro's cost, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Display quality is crucial in these headsets, as they serve as screens strapped to your face. The Vision Pro boasts dual micro-OLED Sony displays, each with more pixels than a 4K TV. The Quest Pro features dual LCD panels, while the Quest 3 offers a slightly lower resolution. Each device provides its own visual experience.
Sensors play a vital role in enhancing the user experience. Meta's Quest devices incorporate handheld controllers with SLAM cameras, thumbstick sensors, and haptic feedback mechanisms. Hand tracking, driven by inside-out cameras, has been part of Meta's OS since 2023. In contrast, the Vision Pro heavily relies on eye and hand tracking for UI navigation. It incorporates a sophisticated sensor array, including eye-tracking IR cameras, a LiDAR scanner, the TrueDepth camera system, and more.
The processors inside these headsets are the engines behind their virtual experiences. The Vision Pro utilizes Apple's custom silicon, while the Meta Quest headsets rely on the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 platform.
Batteries and thermal management are critical considerations for wearable devices. The Vision Pro features an external battery pack, prioritizing performance over onboard power storage. The Quest Pro strikes a balance between ergonomic design and user convenience with its integrated curved battery. The Quest 3 takes a simpler approach, placing its battery front and center on the headset. To manage heat, VR headsets employ various cooling strategies. The Quest Pro utilizes active and passive cooling, while the Quest 3 simplifies with just one fan. The Vision Pro utilizes compact micro-blowers and a metal chassis for efficient cooling and user comfort.
Immersive audio is essential for creating realistic virtual experiences. The Vision Pro incorporates dual-driver "AudioPods" that provide a surround sound experience tailored to the user's head and ear geometry. The Quest headsets also deliver sound directly to the wearer's ears, ensuring an immersive audio experience.
Meta's headsets demonstrate an impressive economy of means, delivering remarkable value with minimalist construction. On the other hand, Apple's Vision Pro showcases an elegant design philosophy. The comparison between these devices reflects the difference between a "mixed reality VR headset" and a "spatial computer." The future will reveal which path ultimately prevails and shapes the reality of our virtual and augmented experiences.