Passthrough refers to the technique of showing the real world via a combination of cameras and close-up screens within an AR headset. This enables users to see their environment even though their eyes are covered.

The AR headset captures live video with cameras outside of the device and simultaneously displays it on internal screens directly in front of the user's eyes. The system aligns the video with the user's head movement and overlays virtual objects into the scene to create the augmented reality effect.

The original Meta Quest was a completely virtual reality device and the user could only see virtual content. The MetaQuest 3 and MetaQuest 3S enable passthrough video, which allows the user to see their physical environment as well and for AR content to be integrated into experiences.

Passthrough technology enables AR-style interactions and visualizations on headsets that do not have transparent optics, like typical AR glasses.

AR headset, Spatial computing, Field of view

Learn about augmented reality or start creating your own experiences.

• 📖 Augmented Reality Glossary - Explore more terms related to AR Creation
• 📝 Trace Blog - Discover the best practices and use cases in AR
• 💡 Trace Help - Learn how to use Trace to make AR experiences
• 📱 Download the Trace Mobile App - Get started creating building AR content

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