Meta CTO confirms work on lightweight mixed reality glasses
Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth confirms that the company is working on a mixed reality device that can be worn like glasses.
In his recent Q&A on Instagram, Andrew Bosworth was asked how long it will take for Meta Quest to shrink down to a pair of sunglasses and replace the smartphone. Here is his answer, translated from English:
"I don't think that a mixed reality headset, even in the glasses form factor, which we're working on, is going to disrupt the smartphone. But I do think augmented reality is going to, at some point, and we're also working on that. But I can't tell you the timelines."
The Information previously reported that Meta has decided against developing a Meta Quest Pro 2 for 2027 and will instead focus on an entirely new class of device. According to the report, the device, codenamed "Puffin," will have the form factor of bulky glasses and weigh less than 110 grams, making it many times more compact and lighter than Quest headsets, which weigh around 500 grams.
Bosworth does not explicitly refer to Puffin in his response, but confirms that Meta is working on a revolutionary new form factor for mixed reality headsets. In light of recent reports, his comments can be interpreted as a reference to Puffin. According to The Information, the device is planned for 2027, but the project could be delayed or cancelled before then.
If Puffin does come to market, it will answer the following important question for Meta: Are many more people more likely to use a mixed reality device if it's as small and lightweight as a pair of sunglasses?
It's unclear what features and characteristics of the Quest line Meta will sacrifice to achieve this form factor. The Information reports that Meta will move the processing and battery to a pocket computer, and that the device will be controlled by eye and hand rather than a controller.
Puffin will probably not be a new Quest headset, but a separate class of device. According to another report from The Information, Quest 4 is planned for 2026, one year before the planned launch of Puffin.
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