Meta Platforms Inc.’s META latest headset, Quest 3, has stirred a privacy debate as users document their daily interactions in public, prompting discussions on the boundaries of technology in our daily lives.
What Happened: Meta Quest 3 has garnered attention for its full-color, low-latency, passthrough video feature, which allows users to engage with the real world while wearing the headset.
This capability extends beyond gaming and enables activities like cooking, cleaning, or simply enjoying a coffee without removing the device.
Notably, some users have taken this technological leap to the next level by openly recording in public spaces.
Over the weekend, videos have emerged of individuals walking through New York Comic-Con, waiting for elevators, and even placing orders in a coffee shop.
While the coffee shop owner dismissed one such incident as a “stunt for laughs and giggles,” it raises questions about the limits and etiquette surrounding using such devices, reported The Verge.
A decade ago, Alphabet Inc.’s GOOG GOOGL Google Glass faced resistance from the public, with bans in various establishments.
However, times have changed, with smartphone cameras becoming ubiquitous and businesses often benefiting from influencer endorsements. Yet, the Quest 3 differs from Google Glass in terms of transparency — bystanders may not easily discern when it’s recording.
Why It’s Important: This new era of “Glassholes” using Quest 3 raises concerns about privacy, public recording, and the societal acceptance of wearable technology. The report noted that as technology continues to evolve, the debate over personal privacy and public use of such devices is far from over.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg previously said Quest 3 would become the first mainstream accessible device bridging the gap between the physical and virtual worlds, despite others in the industry, like Apple, launching their products in the market.
Although the Apple Vision Pro headset comes with a hefty price tag of $3,499, Zuckerberg stressed that affordability is crucial for widespread adoption as Quest 3 is available at $499.99.
Image Credits – Shutterstock
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