Snapshot
Since the launch of the new Meta Quest 3 headset, we've seen a pretty significant rise in interest and usage from professionals across the Design & Construction Industry globally at SENTIO VR. It has also raised quite a few questions from existing VR users who have the Quest 2 headsets about the benefits primarily for use cases in Design and construction like client presentations, design reviews & collaboration. In this post, we will dive into our first impressions of the headset and give you an initial overview of the new experience.
Introduction to Meta Quest 3
Meta Quest 3 is the latest version of the popular design and construction software. It comes with a range of new features and improvements that make it even more powerful and efficient.
Meta Quest 3 emerges as the latest evolution in VR technology, tailored for the design and construction sectors. It's not just an upgrade but a significant leap forward, offering a range of new features and improvements that enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. This headset is designed to meet the specific needs of professionals in these industries, providing tools and functionalities that streamline workflows and improve project outcomes.
Meta Quest 3 compatibility with Sentio VR and different integrations
Meta Quest 3 supports integration with platforms like SketchUp, Revit, Autodesk AutoCAD, Unity or Unreal engine, Enscape, Lumion, Rhino enabling immersive and collaborative virtual meetings.
Sentio VR app is available on Meta Quest 3. The advanced features of Meta Quest 3, combined with Sentio VR’s intuitive platform, create a seamless and powerful tool for visualizing and presenting architectural designs and construction projects, also facilitating client engagement by providing immersive presentations and effective design reviews.
The key upgrades over Meta Quest 2
Meta Quest 3 boasts several significant upgrades that set it apart from its predecessor:
Enhanced User Interface: The user interface is more intuitive, catering to a seamless user experience. This is crucial for professionals who need to navigate complex designs and models quickly.
Precision Tools for Detailed Design Work: The inclusion of advanced design tools allows for greater accuracy and detail in modeling, which is especially beneficial for architects and engineers.
Mixed Reality Passthrough: A standout feature of Meta Quest 3 is its mixed reality passthrough capability. This feature allows users to blend real-world environments with virtual elements, offering a hybrid experience. It's particularly useful for construction professionals who can overlay digital models onto physical construction sites, enhancing understanding and accuracy in the real-world application.
Improved Collaboration Features: The headset facilitates more effective collaboration, enabling teams to work together in a shared virtual space, regardless of their physical location. This is a game-changer for remote collaboration on complex projects.
Features | Meta Quest 2 | Meta Quest 3 |
Processing Power | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Platform | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, offering enhanced performance for complex model rendering |
Display Resolution | 1832 x 1920 per eye | 2064 x 2208 per eye, providing more detailed visualizations |
Field of View | Standard field of view | 110° horizontal, offering a more immersive design review experience |
Comfort and Ergonomics | Standard comfort level | Lighter design, improving comfort for prolonged use |
Load complex model | May struggle with larger models due to less powerful hardware specifications. | Capable of holding complex models due to Higher GPU |
Size | Larger and less portable | Compact and portable, designed for mobility |
New use cases unlocked
The high-quality passthrough in Meta Quest 3 unlocks new use cases that were previously not feasible. Specifically, for the Design & Construction Industry, there are quite a few possible implications of this. Let’s visit a couple of new use cases that the headset allows:
View models in a real meeting room instead of a dollhouse
Currently, experiencing 3D models in Virtual Reality usually requires experiencing the design in a virtual environment, called a Dollhouse View. With a high-quality passthrough, users can now experience the model in their actual environment, say a meeting table. This allows viewing a 3D model while also being able to view other participants in the real world allowing for more natural interaction instead of a fully immersive virtual reality experience.
Bring 3D models to a real site
With 3D designs already available in the cloud, users can potentially bring them to the jobsite and leverage the high-quality passthrough to overlay it to a real site. This allows stakeholders to experience how the future construction might look without having to interpret floor plans or complex 3D designs.
At Sentio, we are working on polishing these use cases to bring the best possible Mixed Reality user experience for Design & Construction professionals.
Should you upgrade?
If you're currently using Meta Quest 2, upgrading to Meta Quest 3 is definitely worth considering. The new features and improvements will save you time and increase your productivity.
The most talked about feature, mixed reality passthrough, significantly improves workflow efficiency and project visualization, suggesting potential for AR functionalities, particularly beneficial for seamless on-site visualization.
However, if you're satisfied with Meta Quest 2, assess the value of upgrading, especially for smaller operations or individual professionals.
Conclusion
Meta Quest 3 represents a significant leap forward in VR technology for the design and construction industry. It not only enhances visualization and collaboration but also introduces groundbreaking features like mixed reality passthrough, redefining how professionals interact with their projects. This technology sets a new standard for innovation, helping firms stay competitive and deliver superior client outcomes.
