Meta is set to unveil the Quest 3S, a budget-friendly alternative to the Quest 3, during the upcoming Meta Connect 2024 event on September 25-26.

The Quest 3S is designed to replace the Quest 2 in Meta's lineup and will feature the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, enhancing mixed reality experiences.

Details about the Quest 3S were leaked through the Meta Quest Link PC software, revealing a design that combines elements from both the Quest 2 and Quest 3.

Images of the Quest 3S show a redesign with triangular camera clusters, further fueling speculation about its features.

A notable feature of the Quest 3S is the 'Action Button,' which allows users to switch quickly between virtual reality and passthrough modes.

Unlike its predecessor, the Quest 3S may not include the Touch Plus Controllers, instead relying on built-in eye and hand tracking for user interaction.

At Meta Connect, the company will also showcase new AI features for its headsets and Ray-Ban smart glasses, utilizing the Llama 3.1 model to enhance functionalities.

Meta's decision to shut down the Spark project indicates a shift towards exclusive first-party AR support, aligning with its focus on augmented reality.

The company is prioritizing the development of AR smart glasses, which require more advanced technical foundations than those provided by the Spark initiative.

Meta Connect 2024 is expected to be a significant event, especially following Apple's recent advancements in the XR space, as Meta aims to impress its audience.

Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth has emphasized that the event will focus on addressing developers' challenges, showcasing the company's commitment to the developer community.

Overall, the Quest 3S aims to make virtual reality more accessible, although its design has faced some criticism.