Meta Raises Quest VR Prices as AI Funding Surges Globally
Meta raises VR headset prices amid RAM shortages, Anthropic reveals its upgraded Opus AI model, and Factory lands $150M at a $1.5B valuation.
EDITION #138, Apr 16
Meta raises VR headset prices amid RAM shortages, Anthropic reveals its upgraded Opus AI model, and Factory lands $150M at a $1.5B valuation.
Image Source: Bloomberg
Key Updates in Tech: Meta’s Price Hike, Anthropic’s New AI Model, and Factory’s $1.5B Valuation
Meta has announced a price increase for its Quest 3 and Quest 3S VR headsets, effective April 19, 2026, with the Quest 3 now priced at $599 and the Quest 3S (128GB) at $349. This adjustment is attributed to rising memory chip costs affecting the industry.
In AI developments, Anthropic unveiled its Opus 4.7 model, designed to enhance software engineering tasks with improved accuracy in following user instructions. This release follows the introduction of Mythos, which faced scrutiny for its potential cybersecurity risks. Meanwhile, Factory, a startup focused on AI coding for enterprises, has achieved a $1.5 billion valuation after securing $150 million in funding.
- Factory hits $1.5B valuation to build AI coding for enterprises
- Anthropic Releases AI Model With Weaker Cyber Skills Than Mythos - Bloomberg
- Meta Hikes Prices of Quest 3s, Quest 3 VR Headsets on Rising Memory Costs - Bloomberg
- Meta raises Quest 3 and Quest 3S prices due to RAM shortage | TechCrunch
Image Source: Bloomberg
PRICE HIKE ALERT
Meta Raises Prices for Quest VR Headsets
Meta has announced a price increase for its Quest VR headsets, effective April 19, 2026, due to rising RAM costs. The Quest 3S will now retail for $349.99 (up from $299.99) for the 128GB model, while the 256GB version will cost $449.99, marking a $50 increase. The standard Quest 3 sees a $100 hike, bringing its price to $599.99.
This adjustment reflects the broader industry trend of rising component costs, particularly driven by demand from AI infrastructure companies like OpenAI and Google. As Meta pivots towards AI initiatives, the price hikes also signal a shift in its VR strategy.
Source: Bloomberg
NEW AI CAPABILITIES
Anthropic Unveils Updated Opus AI Model
Anthropic has launched Opus 4.7, its latest AI model designed for advanced software engineering tasks. This version enhances user instruction adherence and can analyze higher-resolution images, making it more adept at interpreting complex data. Following the recent release of the Mythos model, Opus 4.7 is positioned as a safer alternative with built-in safeguards against high-risk cybersecurity requests.
Notably, Opus 4.7 builds on the capabilities of its predecessor, Opus 4.6, and aims to broaden practical applications in coding and data analysis. The model reflects Anthropic's commitment to responsible AI deployment while responding to the growing demand for robust AI solutions in various industries.
FUNDING BOOST
Factory Secures $150M for AI Coding Solutions
Factory has successfully raised $150 million, achieving a $1.5 billion valuation, to enhance its AI-assisted coding tools aimed at enterprise engineering teams. This funding round, led by Khosla Ventures with contributions from Sequoia Capital and Insight Partners, will enable Factory to leverage multiple foundation models, such as Anthropic's Claude, to optimize coding workflows for clients like Morgan Stanley and Palo Alto Networks.
Founded in 2023 by Matan Grinberg, Factory's innovative approach underscores a growing investor interest in AI-driven coding solutions, reflecting the sector's rapid evolution and demand for efficient software development tools.
Image Source: Bloomberg
SEQUOIA GOES BIG
Sequoia Capital Raises $7B Fund to Boost AI Investments
Sequoia Capital has successfully raised $7 billion for its latest fund, marking a significant increase from its previous $3.4 billion fund in 2022. This new fund, led by co-stewards Alfred Lin and Pat Grady, aims to invest in high-potential AI companies, including major players like OpenAI and Anthropic, which are driving substantial demand for computing resources.
The fund will focus on foundational AI technologies, robotics, and enterprise AI tools, signifying Sequoia's commitment to leveraging AI as a core component of its investment strategy.
Image source: The Verge
DDoS CRACKDOWN
European Police Target DDoS-for-Hire Services
European law enforcement, under Operation PowerOFF, has ramped up efforts against DDoS-for-hire services, resulting in the identification of over 75,000 suspected users. This operation led to the seizure of servers, four arrests, and the takedown of 53 domains, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by these services. Authorities have sent warning emails to individuals involved, emphasizing the need for vigilance in combating cybercrime.
As DDoS attacks continue to disrupt services, including recent incidents affecting platforms like Bluesky, the urgency for coordinated action grows. This crackdown reflects a broader commitment to enhancing cybersecurity measures across Europe.
