Meta Connect 2024 is starting soon, and with it comes the expectation of reveals and updates to Meta’s latest AI model and metaverse ambitions. The developer-centric event will feature a keynote from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, during which he will likely showcase new hardware and software to support two of Meta’s big ambitions: AI and the metaverse. This could include anything from new Quest headsets, updates to Meta’s Llama AI model, and changes to Meta’s Facebook, Instagram and Threads platforms.
Meta Connect 2024 kicks off live at 10 a.m. PT. You can stream it from Meta Connect’s site, on Meta’s developer Facebook page, and you can even stream it in Horizon Worlds from your Meta Quest headset if you really want to feel the full immersion.
We’ll be compiling all of the announcements and reveals out of Meta Connect 2024 below and will keep it updated throughout the event and after as more reactions and analysis arrive.
Meta’s reveal of the Quest 3S was indicated by several pre-event leaks and confirmed during Connect 2024. The Meta Quest 3S comes as a less expensive alternative to the Quest 3, starting at $299 for a 128GB version and 256GB for $399. The entirely wireless headset is compatible with the existing library of Quest apps and games, though Meta was particularly enthusiastic about its mixed reality features. With the reveal of the Quest 3S, the Quest 3 will drop from $649 to $499. Get our early impressions of the new Quest 3S here.
Quest 3, Quest Pro discontinued
“With Quest 3S on the shelf, we’re officially winding down sales of Quest 2 and Pro. We’ll be selling our remaining headsets through the end of the year or until they’re gone, whichever comes first,” Meta told TechCrunch about the discontinuation of two of their headsets in the wake of the Quest 3S announcement.
Batman, Wordle, and the rest of the games announcements
A number of new experiences were revealed for the Quest ecosystem at Meta Connect 2024, led by Batman: Arkham Shadow, which launches October 22 and will also be bundled with new Quest 3 and 3S purchases until April of next year. Beyond games with familiar concepts like Alien: Rogue Incursion for Xenomorph-filled horror and a remake of the zombie game Arizona Sunshine, Wordle of all things was announced for the Quest. The VR version of the daily puzzle will be free-to-play without a New York Times subscription.