Meta’s subsequent high-end VR headset, the supposed Quest Pro 2, could also be doubtful. But now there are experiences of a brand new reasonably priced mixed-reality headset from the agency.
According to The Information (by way of UploadVR), Meta has ditched plans for a mooted Quest Pro 2 premium headset in favour of a super-light, a lot decrease price headset codenamed Puffin.
Said to resemble a cumbersome pair of spectacles, Puffin apparently suggestions the scales at lower than 110 grams and but nonetheless presents pancake lenses and passthrough performance with cameras.
That’s achieved because of separating out not solely the battery, a la Apple Vision Pro, but in addition the processing {hardware} into an exterior tethered “puck”. For context, the Meta Quest 3 clocks in at 515 grams, so the headset a part of the rumoured Puffin system is much, far lighter than what we’re used to from VR devices.
The report additionally claims that Puffin implements a gesture primarily based management and enter system just like that of the Apple Vision Pro, quite than bodily controllers. That implies movement sensors on the headset too, solely making the low weight extra spectacular.
For now, that is all hearsay. And it is value remembering that Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, implicitly criticised the Apple Vision Pro’s cable and exterior energy pack when he “reviewed” the system, saying that Meta’s Quest system was higher as a result of, “there’s no wires that get in the way in which whenever you transfer round – it’s a giant deal.”
Of course, this new rumoured Puffin system is being described as blended actuality quite than pure VR product. So, that barely completely different place might enable Meta to make use of a cable whereas not contradicting its fearless chief’s earlier phrases. Perhaps Meta will declare wires are fantastic for blended actuality or MR however not VR?
The report says that the Puffin headset is not anticipated to launch till 2027, which is kind of some time off. No doubt even when the report is correct at this time, a lot can change between now and 2027.
But lighter and extra ergonomic headsets will surely be welcome and also needs to assist VR, AR, MR (no matter!) crack extra mainstream audiences, even should you might argue it in all probability will not be till the tech will be built-in nearly invisibly right into a pair of glasses and even totally implanted earlier than it turns into actually compelling.
