Day: April 16, 2025

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Limited-Time Meta Quest 3S Offer Reaches Record Low Price and Comes with Free Batman Game
    Limited-Time Meta Quest 3S Offer Reaches Record Low Price and Comes with Free Batman Game

    Snatch the Meta Quest 3S for $30 Off — Plus a Free Batman: Arkham Shadow and 3 Months of Quest+ Games

    If you’ve been on the lookout for the ideal moment to dive into virtual reality, now is your opportunity. Meta is presenting a rare and attractive offer on its latest VR headset, the Meta Quest 3S. For a limited period, you can secure either the 128GB or 256GB model with a $30 discount, reducing the starting price to just $269. To top it off, this offer includes a complimentary copy of the eagerly awaited Batman: Arkham Shadow (valued at $50) and three months of Meta Quest+ — a subscription service that provides you access to a rotating selection of premier VR games.

    Let’s delve into why this ranks among the best VR promotions we’ve witnessed in 2024.

    An Uncommon Price Reduction on a New Headset

    Meta is recognized for maintaining steady prices on its VR headsets, even during significant sales events like Black Friday. Since its introduction, the Quest 3S has seldom experienced price reductions, particularly the 128GB version. This $30 discount is, therefore, significant — and may not last long.

    – Meta Quest 3S 128GB: Previously $299.99, now $269.99
    – Meta Quest 3S 256GB: Also discounted, with comparable savings

    You can find this offer at major retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and directly on Meta’s website.

    Free Batman: Arkham Shadow — A $50 AAA Game

    In addition to the discount, Meta is including a free digital copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow, one of the most eagerly awaited VR titles of the year. This immersive game brings Gotham City to life in virtual reality, providing a full-length, narrative-driven experience that has already received acclaim as one of the best games on the Meta Quest platform.

    But hurry — this offer ends after April 30. Post that date, you will need to spend $50 to acquire the game separately.

    Three Months of Meta Quest+ Included

    Meta Quest+ is Meta’s equivalent of Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus. With your purchase, you will receive a complimentary three-month trial of this subscription service, offering access to:

    – A rotating library of over 30 VR games
    – Two newly curated games each month
    – Popular titles such as Asgard’s Wrath 2, Walkabout Mini Golf, and Red Matter

    Even if you opt not to continue the subscription post-trial, you’ll have access to numerous premium games during those three months — an excellent way to explore VR without additional expenditures.

    What Sets the Quest 3S Apart?

    The Meta Quest 3S is a standalone VR headset, meaning no gaming PC or external sensors are needed to operate it. It boasts:

    – Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip for swift performance
    – Mixed reality capabilities with full-color passthrough
    – Wireless design suitable for untethered gameplay
    – Access to the comprehensive Meta Quest game library

    Although it has a slightly lower resolution and field of view compared to the pricier Meta Quest 3, the Quest 3S still provides a top-notch VR experience at nearly half the cost.

    Additional Savings and Freebies

    If you make your purchase directly from Meta, you can also save an extra $20 on the official Meta Quest Carrying Case when purchased with your headset.

    Hunting for an even better deal? Verizon is offering the Meta Quest 3S 128GB at no cost when you sign up for their 5G Home Plus internet plan and maintain the service for a minimum of six months. That’s a $299 value at no additional charge — ideal if you’re already considering a switch in internet providers.

    Where to Acquire the Meta Quest 3S Deal

    Here are the optimal places to snag the deal before it’s gone:

    – Amazon – $269.99 for the 128GB model
    – Best Buy – $269.99 for the 128GB model
    – Walmart – $269.99 for the 128GB model
    – Meta.com – $269.99 + $20 off carrying case
    – Verizon – Free with 5G Home Plus plan (limited time)

    Is It Worth It?

    Definitely. Whether you’re new to VR or looking to upgrade from an older headset, the Meta Quest 3S presents a compelling blend of performance, content, and value. With a $30 discount, a free $50 game, and three months of Quest+, you’re receiving over $100 in added value — and that’s before you dive into the extensive library of games on the Meta Quest platform.

    But don’t delay — this offer is only available until April 26 (or April 30 for the Batman game), and stock could be limited.

    Final Thoughts

    The Meta Quest 3S stands as one of the finest all-in-one VR headsets currently available, and this limited-time promotion makes it even more enticing. Whether

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Meta Contends That Apple’s Messages Application Showcases Its Non-Monopolistic Position
    Meta Contends That Apple’s Messages Application Showcases Its Non-Monopolistic Position

    ### Meta’s Antitrust Strategy: Utilizing Apple’s Messages App

    In a significant legal confrontation, Meta, the parent organization of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, faces antitrust allegations from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that could lead to the dissolution of the tech behemoth. As part of its defense approach, Meta has turned to an unexpected piece of evidence: Apple’s Messages app. This strategy seeks to illustrate that Meta does not possess a monopoly within the messaging and social networking realm.

    #### The Case Background

    The FTC’s examination of Meta arises from worries that the company has participated in anti-competitive actions that suppress competition and adversely affect consumers. In retaliation, Meta has developed a defense that emphasizes the competitive environment of digital communication and social networking, contending that it operates in a marketplace abundant with alternatives.

    #### Crucial Evidence: User Statistics

    In its initial remarks, Meta revealed a comparison of weekly device usage statistics between Apple’s Messages app and its own messaging services. The data shows a clear difference in user engagement:

    – **Apple Messages**: 88.39% device utilization
    – **Instagram**: 48.19%
    – **Facebook Messenger**: 37.55%
    – **WhatsApp**: 36.76%

    These statistics imply that while Meta’s platforms enjoy popularity, they are still significantly less engaged compared to Apple’s Messages app, which is thoroughly integrated into the iOS ecosystem.

    #### Defending Against Monopoly Claims

    Meta’s defense pivots on the claim that the dominance of a player like Apple in the messaging domain weakens the assertion that it possesses a monopoly. By highlighting the success of Apple Messages, Meta contends that consumers have accessible alternatives for communication, thus disputing the FTC’s view that messaging and personal social networking represent separate categories.

    Ronak Shah, Apple’s Director of Product Marketing, bolstered this argument by indicating that a “core use case” of iMessage is to enable communication among users with their personal contacts. This remark emphasizes that Meta cannot monopolize the messaging arena when a rival service is more heavily utilized.

    #### Competition Beyond Apple

    Although Apple’s Messages app is a central aspect of Meta’s defense, the company additionally points out competition from other platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat. This wider viewpoint stresses that the digital communication landscape is varied and competitive, further backing Meta’s assertion that it does not dominate the market.

    #### Case Implications

    The result of this legal dispute could profoundly impact the tech sector. Should the FTC prevail in its allegations against Meta, it could establish a benchmark for heightened examination of major tech entities and their operational practices. On the other hand, if Meta’s defense is upheld, it may strengthen other tech giants’ resolve to contest antitrust charges by spotlighting competition within their own markets.

    #### Conclusion

    Meta’s invocation of Apple’s Messages app as a key element of its antitrust defense highlights the intricacies involved in determining market dominance within the fast-changing tech sector. As the case progresses, it will be essential to monitor how the court interprets the competitive dynamics of messaging and social networking, and whether Meta can effectively persuade the FTC—and the public—that it is not a monopolistic force.

    What are your views on Meta’s tactic of integrating Apple’s Messages app into its defense? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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