Valve launches Steam Frame VR headset priced over £1,000

BBC technology reporter Tom Gerken took a hands‑on look at the newly released Meta Quest 3 virtual reality headset during a live demonstration on the corporation’s flagship tech segment. The device, which launched this week, features dual‑layer pancake lenses, a slimmer design, and upgraded mixed‑reality passthrough cameras that allow users to overlay digital content onto their physical surroundings. Gerken highlighted the headset’s improved processing power, citing the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip that promises smoother frame rates and reduced latency, as well as a battery life of up to four hours of continuous use. The review also covered the expanded content library, noting that more than 300 new titles are available at launch, and demonstrated the integrated eye‑tracking and hand‑gesture controls that aim to make navigation more intuitive.

Industry analysts see the Quest 3 as a strategic move to solidify Meta’s position in the rapidly growing VR market, where competition from Apple’s Vision Pro and Sony’s PlayStation VR2 has intensified. The headset’s price point of $499 positions it between high‑end premium models and lower‑cost alternatives, potentially broadening its appeal to both consumers and enterprise customers. Gerken concluded that the Quest 3 represents a notable step forward in accessibility and performance, suggesting it could accelerate mainstream adoption of immersive technologies in the coming year.