Meta Quest 4: Release rumors and technical features – VR glasses (virtual reality) and XR (extended reality) equipment

Virtual reality (VR) is continually evolving and becoming increasingly important in entertainment, gaming and professional applications. Meta, formerly known as Oculus, is a key player in this space and has set new standards with its previous VR headsets. With the release of Meta Quest 3 in October 2023, expectations for the next generation, Meta Quest 4, were raised even further. But when will the new headset come onto the market and what technological advances could it offer? Let's consider these questions in more detail.

Meta Quest 4 release date

Meta has not yet announced an official release date for Meta Quest 4. However, based on previous product cycles and industry analyses, some forecasts can be derived:

• Release cycles: There was a gap of only 17 months between the first Oculus Quest (2019) and the Quest 2 (2020). However, it took a full three years for the Quest 3 to come onto the market. This suggests that Meta is investing more development time in new technologies and features.
• Predicted period: Experts expect Meta Quest 4 to be released at the end of 2026, probably between October and December. This assessment is based on the three-year product cycle that Meta has established with its previous headsets.
• Market pressure from competition: Competition in the XR (Extended Reality) market increases the pressure to innovate on Meta. In particular, Apple's Vision Pro, which is considered a high-priced and technologically sophisticated mixed reality device, could influence Meta's release strategy.
• Two variants: Rumors suggest that Meta could offer the Quest 4 in two versions: a standard version (codename: “Pismo Low”) and a premium version (codename: “Pismo High”). These variants could differ primarily in screen technology, performance and features.
• Pre-orders: If current trends continue, pre-orders could begin approximately two months before the official launch.

Suitable for:

• The End of a Vision: Meta's decision to discontinue the Quest Pro and what that means for the future of VR

Possible technical features of Meta Quest 4

Although there is no official information from Meta yet, there is already a lot of speculation about the technical innovations of the Quest 4. The potential features could revolutionize the VR experience:

Eye tracking and facial expression capture

The integration of eye tracking is expected to be one of the most important new features. This technology not only enables a more realistic representation, but also more efficient use of computing resources.

• Foveated rendering: Eye tracking could enable foveated rendering, in which computing power is focused on the area that the user is currently looking at. This would result in improved graphics quality and more efficient use of resources.
• Realistic interactions: Thanks to eye tracking, avatars in virtual worlds could interact more directly with others, for example through eye contact.
• Facial expression capture: This feature could give avatars more realistic facial expressions in social and professional applications. An avatar could smile when the user does, or look serious when concentration is indicated.

Improved AI-powered features

AI will play an increasingly central role in VR applications. Significant improvements are conceivable for Quest 4:

• Dynamic gameplay: AI-powered algorithms could enable more realistic acting NPCs (non-player characters) in games that react flexibly to player actions.
• Realistic avatars: Advances in AI could lead to even more realistic-looking avatars that replicate facial expressions and movements almost perfectly.
• Improved user experience: Intelligent systems could make operation easier by learning user preferences and optimizing functions accordingly.

OLED displays

Another potential highlight of Meta Quest 4 could be OLED displays. These offer several advantages over LCDs:

• Sharper images: OLEDs can deliver higher resolution and better color reproduction.
• Improved immersion: Deeper blacks and more intense contrasts could make the VR experience appear significantly more realistic.

Neural band and gesture control

An exciting rumor is the integration of a so-called neural band. This could enable control through thoughts or finer gestures.

• Revolutionary interactions: Users could move objects in the virtual world using just their thoughts or interact with more complex gestures.
• Accessibility: This technology could be a huge relief for people with limited mobility.

Improved battery life and performance

Longer battery life is expected to enable users to enjoy extended VR sessions. In addition, a new next-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 could further increase performance.

• Longer sessions: Improved power efficiency could minimize interruptions.
• More powerful applications: Higher computing power would not only improve games, but also enable demanding professional applications.

Mixed reality and PC VR

The mixed reality features introduced in the Quest 3 could be further refined in the Quest 4. Virtual objects could be integrated even more seamlessly into the real environment. Additionally, PC VR capability is likely to remain, providing access to even more demanding games and applications.

Meta Quest 4 is highly anticipated and could revolutionize the VR landscape once again. By integrating technologies such as eye tracking, advanced AI and OLED displays, it has the potential to take immersive experiences to new levels. In particular, speculation about two different models – Standard and Premium – suggests that Meta wants to appeal to a broader target group.

If the rumors prove true, the Quest 4 could once again push the boundaries of VR technology and cement Meta as the market leader. However, until the official announcement is made, we have no choice but to stay tuned and continue to follow developments.

🗒️ Find the right Metaverse agency and planning office such as a consulting firm - search and search for top ten tips for consulting & planning

More about it here:

• Experts in the Metaverse and XR: Find the right partners

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) has evolved from a futuristic vision into a tangible technology that is beginning to transform our lives in many ways. Meta, formerly known as Oculus, has played a critical role in this and established itself as one of the leading innovators in this space. The release of Meta Quest 3 in October 2023 has once again raised the bar for VR headsets and significantly increased user expectations for future developments. Now the focus of the VR community is excitedly on the successor, the Meta Quest 4.

Market launch and possible release dates

The question of exactly when Meta Quest 4 will be launched is understandably of great interest. As of now, Meta has not made any official announcement in this regard. However, if you look at the company's previous publication patterns and take into account current developments in the technology sector, plausible forecasts can be derived.

A look back at the release cycles of the previous models shows that there were only 17 months between the first Oculus Quest in 2019 and the Quest 2 in 2020. However, the gap between Quest 2 and Quest 3 increased to three years. This longer development time for the Quest 3 could be due to various factors. It is thought global supply chain issues, including ongoing semiconductor shortages, may have played a role. Additionally, the need to refine and optimize the mixed reality technology introduced in the Quest 3 may also have contributed to the extended development time.

Current estimates from industry experts suggest that the Meta Quest 4 is expected to hit the market at the end of 2026. Multiple sources speculate a release period between October and December 2026, which would correspond to Meta's established three-year cycle for its VR headset generations. There is also speculation that Meta may launch two versions of the Quest 4: a standard version and a premium version. These could be developed under the codenames “Prismo Low” and “Prismo High”.

Expected technical innovations and new features

Even though official details about the technical specifications of the Meta Quest 4 are still pending, there are already numerous rumors and speculations about possible features. Some of the most frequently mentioned and anticipated innovations are summarized below.

Eye tracking and foveated rendering

One of the most important innovations expected is the integration of eye tracking technology. This advanced feature has the potential to fundamentally change interaction in virtual environments. Eye tracking enables the headset to precisely track the user's direction of gaze and react to it in real time. This opens up a variety of new possibilities.

For example, avatars in Meta Horizon could make eye contact in the future, which would make social interactions much more realistic and immersive. In games, characters could react to the player's gaze, resulting in a more immersive and dynamic gaming experience. Another significant advantage of eye tracking is the possibility of foveated rendering. This technique renders only the area of ​​the screen that the user is currently focused on at full resolution, while peripheral areas are displayed with reduced detail. This would significantly reduce the processing power required while maximizing the visual quality in the focus area. In addition, eye tracking could simplify control in VR applications. For example, users could navigate menus or highlight objects simply by looking at them.

Facial expression capture

Facial expression capture is closely related to eye tracking. This technology is also expected by many VR enthusiasts for the Quest 4. The ability to capture facial expressions in real time and transfer them to the user's avatar would take non-verbal communication in virtual environments to a new level.

Imagine your avatar in a virtual meeting smiling when you smile or frowning when you're concentrating. This would significantly increase social presence and the feeling of connection in VR interactions.

Advances in AI

Significant progress can also be expected in the area of ​​artificial intelligence (AI). The Quest 3 already had the powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, which enabled AI-supported functions. A next-generation XR chip is expected for the Quest 4, which could significantly improve the AI ​​capabilities.

This could lead to more dynamic and unpredictable game worlds, in which computer-controlled characters (NPCs) behave more realistically and react to the player's actions. Meta is also working intensively on AI-controlled avatars that are capable of creating extremely realistic facial expressions and movements. It is believed that this technology could be integrated into the Quest 4, which would make interactions in social VR environments even more lifelike. More advanced AI could also lead to more natural and intelligent interactions with NPCs in VR games and other applications.

OLED displays for sharper and more vivid images

Another much-discussed potential feature of the Quest 4 is OLED displays. Compared to the LCDs used in the Quest 3, OLED displays offer a number of advantages. They feature sharper images, higher contrast, more vibrant colors and potentially higher refresh rates. This would significantly improve immersion and visual clarity in VR experiences, especially when viewing dark scenes or richly detailed environments. There is speculation that the premium model “Prismo High” in particular could be equipped with OLED displays.

The integration of OLED displays would undoubtedly result in a clearer and more brilliant visual experience. It's likely that the Quest 4 will offer a higher resolution than the Quest 3, which would further improve image sharpness.

The anticipation for Meta Quest 4 is clearly noticeable in the VR community. With the announced potential of technical innovations such as eye tracking, facial expression capture, advanced AI and high-resolution OLED displays, the Quest 4 could mark the next big step in VR development. Until the expected market launch at the end of 2026, speculation about the final specifications and features remains exciting. But one thing is certain: Meta will continue to play a central role in the future of virtual reality.

Battery life expectations

One point of criticism of current VR headsets is often their limited battery life. Therefore, it is not surprising that many users expect improved battery life from the Quest 4. Longer gaming sessions and VR experiences without constant interruptions to recharge would be a significant gain in comfort and user-friendliness. It is likely that Meta is looking to make progress in this area, perhaps through more efficient components or higher capacity batteries.

Speculation about “Neural Bands”

Some broader speculations include the possibility of a so-called “neural band.” This technology, which is still in early stages of development, could revolutionize interaction in VR by interpreting nerve signals. This would potentially enable finer and more intuitive gesture control, up to and including controlling virtual objects using thought alone. However, it remains to be seen whether this technology will be used in the Quest 4.

Improvements to mixed reality features

The Quest 4 is also expected to further improve on its predecessor's mixed reality capabilities. The ability to seamlessly integrate virtual objects into the real environment opens up exciting areas of application, from collaborative work environments to innovative gaming experiences. Improved passthrough quality and more precise spatial representation could play a crucial role here.

Using the Quest 4 with PC VR applications

For many VR enthusiasts, the ability to use the headset for PC VR applications is also an important criterion. It is speculated that the Quest 4 may feature a Link cable or improved wireless connection to allow access to more demanding VR games and applications on PC.

Integration of features from the Quest 3S

It's entirely conceivable that the Quest 4 will also adopt some of the new features of the Quest 3S. These include, for example, built-in IR illuminators that enable better tracking in low-light environments, as well as a special mixed reality button that allows you to quickly switch between the virtual and real environments.

Differences between standard and premium versions

The expected technical improvements of Meta Quest 4 go hand in hand with speculation about possible differences between the assumed standard and premium versions. The main differences between these variants could lie in the lens technology used, the screen resolution and the field of view. It is conceivable that the premium model “Prismo High” will be equipped with more advanced lenses that enable a wider field of view and greater image sharpness. Differences in the installed storage capacity or computing power are also conceivable.

Competition and pricing

The launch of Meta Quest 4 comes at a time when competition in the VR and AR sectors is steadily increasing. In particular, Apple's entry with the Vision Pro caused a stir and put Meta under pressure. It remains to be seen how Meta will position the Quest 4 to compete in this challenging market environment. Pricing will certainly play a crucial role. It is speculated that the standard version of the Quest 4 could potentially be priced similarly to the current Quest 3, while the premium version is likely to be more expensive due to its advanced features and higher quality components.

Potential and future influence of Meta Quest 4

Meta Quest 4 is highly anticipated and has the potential to once again have a significant impact on the VR landscape. The integration of advanced technologies such as eye tracking, facial expression capture, OLED displays and improved AI could lead to unprecedented levels of immersion and realism. By combining information from various sources and analyzing current trends in VR technology, a comprehensive picture of the Quest 4's possible features and potential impact can be painted. With its focus on advanced technology and a potentially competitive price point, the Quest 4 could further cement Meta as a leader in the VR market and once again push the boundaries of VR technology to offer users an even more immersive and immersive experience. It remains to be seen whether the high expectations will be fulfilled. Until then, we're left with speculation and anticipation for Meta's official announcement.

Xpert.Digital - Pioneer Business Development

If you have any questions, further information or need advice on the topic of Consumer Metaverse or Metaverse in general, please feel free to contact me at any time.

I would be happy to serve as your personal advisor.

You can contact me by filling out the contact form below or simply call me on +49 89 89 674 804 (Munich) .

I'm looking forward to our joint project.

 

 

Xpert.Digital is a hub for industry with a focus on digitalization, mechanical engineering, logistics/intralogistics and photovoltaics.

With our 360° business development solution, we support well-known companies from new business to after sales.

Market intelligence, smarketing, marketing automation, content development, PR, mail campaigns, personalized social media and lead nurturing are part of our digital tools.

You can find out more at: www.xpert.digital - www.xpert.solar - www.xpert.plus