The recently announced Meta Quest 3 headset from Meta has not presented an obvious killer app. However, during the Meta Connect keynote and developer session, the company revealed several intriguing improvements that could assist developers in creating their own next-generation portable headset games. The Quest 3 offers double the graphical horsepower, increased CPU performance, additional RAM, higher resolution per eye, and wider field of view compared to its predecessor, the Quest 2. This results in significantly better graphics and visuals, as demonstrated by the enhanced render resolution, textures, and dynamic shadows in games like Red Matter 2 and The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners.
One notable feature introduced by Meta is its Movement SDK, which now enables developers to incorporate generative AI legs in their apps or games. Through machine learning, developers can create realistic virtual legs using AI models trained on real actions like walking, jumping, and running. Although the headset and controllers primarily track the upper body, the AI models help determine the position of the legs based on the body’s center of gravity, making the movements more natural and realistic.
Additionally, Meta has made significant advancements in hand tracking technology. With low-latency, low-power feature detection and tracking integrated into the Qualcomm chip, users can now experience faster and more accurate hand tracking. This improvement is crucial for fitness experiences, as it provides a 75 percent decrease in perceived latency for fast hand movements. Furthermore, developers can design games and apps that allow simultaneous use of hands and controllers, eliminating the need to switch between input methods. Users can interact with virtual environments using gestures and buttons while holding a controller, enhancing the overall immersive experience.