Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took a direct jab at Apple’s latest headset, the Vision Pro, in a recent video. The Vision Pro gained attention as celebrities like Diplo and T-Pain flaunted it in public, showcasing its “passthrough” feature that allows users to maintain awareness of their surroundings while using the headset.
However, Zuckerberg, in a video captured using Meta Quest 3’s passthrough feature, asserted that Meta’s headset is unequivocally superior, stating, “the best product, period.” Apple has yet to respond to these remarks.
Passthrough is a feature found in the latest mixed reality headsets, enabling users to see beyond the screen strapped to their head by utilizing external cameras to provide a live, high-definition video feed of their surroundings. Meta has been developing this technology for nearly a decade, and it’s also present in competing products like Sony’s PlayStation VR 2.
Zuckerberg expressed frustration that the Vision Pro is receiving acclaim for technology that exists elsewhere, emphasizing, “I think Quest is the better product, period.” He expressed surprise that despite its higher price tag of $3,000 (£2,400), the Vision Pro is not superior for most users’ needs compared to the Quest.
Several individuals have taken to social media to discuss returning their Apple headsets, citing concerns about the physical trade-offs. Zuckerberg highlighted various advantages of the Quest 3, including its wireless design, lighter weight, and wider field of view.
While acknowledging some advantages of the Vision Pro, such as higher resolution and eye-tracking, Zuckerberg criticized the numerous trade-offs made by Apple in other areas to achieve these features.
In a forward-looking statement, Zuckerberg discussed the future of mixed reality and criticized “fanboys” who blindly support Apple, emphasizing Meta’s commitment to an open model in contrast to Apple’s closed ecosystem. He expressed his desire for the open model to prevail in this next generation of computing.