Welcome to This Week in the Metaverse, where Fortune rounds up the most interesting news in the world of NFTs, culture, and the metaverse. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with tips.
Meta took a jab at Apple this week by conveniently announcing its new Quest 3 just days before the possible announcement of Apples much-anticipated new VR headset.
The Meta Quest 3, set to be released in the fall, is apparently lighter and less bulky than the Quest 2, with higher-resolution graphics and more processing power. Although its price tag is steeper than previous models, at $500, its considered a step up because of its improved mixed-reality technology.
Introducing Meta Quest 3.
Coming this fall. Sign up for updates at: https://t.co/gt8P9KkNsd
Learn more at Meta Connect on September 27 28.#MetaQuest3 pic.twitter.com/CPFtGyNYC2
Meta Quest (@MetaQuestVR) June 1, 2023
Instead of being immersed in a virtual world, you can play a virtual board game on your dining room table or decorate your living room with virtual art, according to Metas announcement. A preview video CEO Mark Zuckerberg posted on his Instagram shows him playing a mixed-reality tank game where it looks like the vehicles are driving around the floor in front of him. More details will be revealed at the end of September at the companys Meta Connect conference.
More Meta Quest 3 via Zucks Instagram pic.twitter.com/tMTOlNT2ac
Luna (@Lunayian) June 2, 2023
Potential applications for the headset are varied and could level-up Metas metaverse ambitions, especially when it comes to first-person shooter games and tools to increase productivity. But questions remain.
Although Meta has gone all-in on its VR and AR developmentpouring billions of dollars into its Reality Labs unitits metaverse is not the most populareven with employees.
Zuck has encouraged colleagues to spend time meeting and collaborating in virtual reality, but Bloomberg reported on Thursday that its employees generally dont use the headsets, and even those in the VR division were lukewarm about it. Zuckerberg has also ditched remote work recently, asking most employees to start coming to the office three days a week starting in September.
Perhaps the bigger threat to Metas success in the space will be Apples new headset, which could be announced on June 5 at its Worldwide Developers Conference.
Although details are even more limited for Apples headset, it may cost upwards of $3,000 and combine both virtual and mixed reality. It would be the companys most significant new piece of hardware since the Apple Watch in 2015, or, a year later, AirPods. It could cut into Metas sales but probably not immediately given the cost difference.
Apples headset, which according to Bloomberg could be called the Reality Pro or XR Pro and looks like a pair of technologically advanced ski goggles made of glass, carbon fiber, and aluminum, reportedly has two pairs of 4K resolution screens and can be controlled by both a users hands and eyes.
Although Meta has a clear first-mover advantage, Apple has often redefined a product category after a competitor has entered that space. Its also been preparing for this release for nearly a decade with a series of acquisitions that could include tech used in the headset.
Apple entering the VR/AR market validates the sectors legitimacy, and the competition could ultimately benefit consumers.
In other news
NFT artist FEWOCiOUS, whose real name is Victor Langlois, announced a new line of 20,000 profile picture NFTs called Fewos that will be incorporated into the artists unreleased virtual FewoWorld. The Fewos come in three typeshumanoid, frankenstein, and misunderstoodwith characteristics designed by hand that were later digitized. The NFTs will be released in August.
Courtesy of Michael Oxendine
Fashion brand Pradas Timecapsule Collection entered its second year with the launch of its summer season on Thursday. This months product is a unisex tank top made in a bright floral pattern, with a triangle logo on the front and the month June on the back. Each comes with an NFT and an invitation to join Pradas exclusive Crypted NFT community on Discord.
Courtesy of Prada
Nikes digital arm is teaming up with EA Sports, creator of the FIFA and Madden franchises, in a partnership that could see the shoe giants NFTs featured in games. Although details were scant, in a press release Thursday, Nike said the partnership, will focus on immersive experiences and unlock brand new levels of customization. It will also help Nikes .SWOOSH NFT community express their personal style through play.
