Quest 3 Leaks Showcase Upcoming MR Features
Meta is facing an unforeseen leak this week, as a technical filmmaker has posted two videos showcasing marketing material for the upcoming mixed reality (MR) features of the Quest 3. These leaks come just weeks before the debut of the Vision Pro, Meta’s latest product. The leaked videos highlight a feature called “Augment” that was first introduced at Connect 2023. Augment allows Quest 3 users to place spatially anchored visualizations in their real-world environment and interact with them. It is powered by Spark, Meta’s in-house AR/MR development framework. While Meta has not confirmed an official release date for the Quest 3, it is speculated that the feature could debut alongside Apple’s XR product next month to showcase Meta’s MR vision compared to Apple’s spatial computing future.
Augment: Meta’s New Feature for Quest 3
The leaked videos of Meta’s upcoming Quest 3 MR features have brought attention to a new feature called “Augment.” This feature was first introduced by Meta at Connect 2023 and allows Quest 3 users to place spatially anchored visualizations in their real-world environment. These visualizations can be interacted with and manipulated by the user. The leaks confirm that Augment will be a part of the MR headset, with the feature being powered by Spark, Meta’s AR/MR development framework. Although Meta has not announced an official release date for the Quest 3, it is possible that Augment could debut alongside Apple’s XR product next month, as both companies aim to showcase their MR capabilities and vision for the future.
Zuckerberg Faces Court Over Biometric Data Misuse
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, is facing a court case in Texas over the firm’s alleged misuse of users’ biometric data. The case involves Meta’s gathering and use of face-recognition data from its social media applications and integrated camera features. The Texan Sixth Court of Appeals has required Zuckerberg to participate in a deposition case following the rejection of his avoidance of being deposed by Judge Jeff Rambin. The case was initiated by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who alleged that Meta illegally gathered and misused user biometric data. While no deposition date has been confirmed yet, this case could have significant implications for Meta as it continues to develop its MR headset and AR smart glasses portfolio, which heavily rely on biometric and environment data.
Seattle Department Targets Meta’s Reality Labs
The Seattle Department of Labor & Industries has issued a citation against Meta’s Reality Labs division, drawing attention to health and safety hazards at its Matrix testing facility. If Meta fails to meet the necessary working standards or contest the citation, it could potentially lead to the closure of the facility. The department’s citation is a result of an ongoing issue, with an amended filing being issued last month. According to the citation, Meta needs to remove all hazardous substances from the workplace or provide evidence of compliance improvement. The department has also highlighted other hazards at the Matrix facility. Meta is responding to the citation in King County Superior Court, arguing that the facility follows all local health and safety standards. The outcome of this citation is crucial for Meta’s operations in Seattle and its commitment to providing a safe working environment for its employees.
Meta’s Legal Battles: Texas Case and FTC Lawsuit
In addition to the ongoing court case in Texas regarding the misuse of biometric data, Meta has also faced legal battles in the past. Last year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) accused Meta of engaging in anti-competitive practices related to its attempt to acquire the virtual reality fitness application, Within. The FTC claimed that Meta was unfairly buying competition on its Quest digital storefront instead of creating first-party applications. However, Judge Edward Davila of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California rejected the FTC’s request to block Meta’s acquisition of Within. This history of successfully navigating court cases may indicate that Meta has a strong chance of emerging unscathed from the ongoing Texan court case.
Analyst comment
1. Quest 3 Leaks Showcase Upcoming MR Features: Positive news. The leaked videos highlight a new feature called “Augment,” which could debut alongside Apple’s XR product next month, showcasing Meta’s MR vision compared to Apple’s spatial computing future. This could generate excitement and interest in Meta’s upcoming product.
2. Augment: Meta’s New Feature for Quest 3: Positive news. The leaked videos confirm Augment as a part of the MR headset, powered by Meta’s AR/MR development framework. The potential debut alongside Apple’s XR product further emphasizes Meta’s capabilities and vision for the future.
3. Zuckerberg Faces Court Over Biometric Data Misuse: Negative news. Mark Zuckerberg’s court case in Texas over the alleged misuse of users’ biometric data could have significant implications for Meta’s MR headset and AR smart glasses portfolio, which heavily rely on biometric and environment data.
4. Seattle Department Targets Meta’s Reality Labs: Negative news. The citation against Meta’s Reality Labs division due to health and safety hazards at its Matrix testing facility could potentially lead to the closure of the facility. This citation poses a challenge for Meta’s operations in Seattle and its commitment to providing a safe working environment.
5. Meta’s Legal Battles: Texas Case and FTC Lawsuit: Neutral news. While Meta has faced legal battles in the past, successfully navigating court cases in the past may indicate that they have a strong chance of emerging unscathed from the ongoing Texan court case.
