Tom Misch
Meta, the company behind popular virtual reality headsets, has reportedly halted the development of its premium mixed-reality headset after witnessing the challenges faced by Apple in selling its own high-priced offering in the same category. According to undisclosed sources cited by Reuters, Meta informed its Reality Labs employees to cease work on the project, codenamed La Jolla.
The now-abandoned device was scheduled to launch in 2027 and boasted ultrahigh-resolution screens that utilized the same display technology as Apple’s headset. Apple’s Vision Pro, which is listed at $3,500, has struggled to gain traction in the market.
Meta’s current lineup includes the $200 Quest 2 and the $500 Quest 3 headsets. The company had previously halted production of the $999 Quest Pro due to poor sales and negative reviews.
Meanwhile, Apple has also faced setbacks in its mixed-reality headset endeavors. In July, it was reported that the tech giant had paused the development of its next high-end Vision Pro, focusing instead on a more affordable version of the headset. The more economical offering is expected to be unveiled before the end of 2025, while the successor to the Vision Pro has been put on hold.
Early adopters of Apple’s original Vision Pro had raised concerns about comfort, headaches, and eye strain. Some users felt that the product did not offer enough productivity for its high price tag.
In a bid to expand metaverse experiences beyond its own devices, Meta announced plans in April to open its operating system, Horizon OS, to third-party hardware manufacturers. The company aims to establish Horizon OS as the industry standard for mixed-reality applications, fostering collaboration with tech partners to deliver purpose-specific devices for future enterprise users.
Although Meta has put its premium mixed-reality headset on hold, it remains committed to advancing virtual reality technology and expanding the range of experiences offered within the metaverse.
Facts relevant to the topic:
– Meta (formerly Facebook) is a leading company in the virtual reality (VR) industry.
– Meta’s current lineup includes the Quest 2 and Quest 3 headsets, priced at $200 and $500 respectively.
– Meta halted production of the $999 Quest Pro due to poor sales and negative reviews.
– Apple has also faced setbacks in its mixed-reality headset endeavors, with concerns raised about comfort, headaches, and eye strain for early adopters of its original Vision Pro headset.
– Meta announced plans in April to open its operating system, Horizon OS, to third-party hardware manufacturers.
– Meta aims to establish Horizon OS as the industry standard for mixed-reality applications and collaborate with tech partners to develop purpose-specific devices for future enterprise users.
Key questions and answers:
1. Why did Meta halt the development of its premium mixed-reality headset?
– Meta halted the development of its premium mixed-reality headset after observing the challenges faced by Apple with its high-priced offering in the same category.
2. What are the challenges faced by Apple in selling its Vision Pro headset?
– Apple’s Vision Pro headset, priced at $3,500, has struggled to gain traction in the market. Early adopters have raised concerns about comfort, headaches, and eye strain, while some feel that the product does not offer enough productivity for its high price tag.
3. What are Meta’s existing VR headsets?
– Meta’s current lineup includes the Quest 2, priced at $200, and the Quest 3, priced at $500.
4. What are Meta’s plans for expanding metaverse experiences?
– Meta announced plans to open its operating system, Horizon OS, to third-party hardware manufacturers. The company aims to establish Horizon OS as the industry standard for mixed-reality applications and collaborate with tech partners to develop purpose-specific devices for future enterprise users.
Advantages of premium mixed-reality headsets:
– Enhanced virtual reality experiences with high-resolution screens.
– Possibility for immersive gaming, entertainment, and educational experiences.
– Potential for advanced productivity and collaboration tools in the metaverse.
Disadvantages of premium mixed-reality headsets:
– High price tags may limit the accessibility of these devices to a broader consumer market.
– Concerns about comfort, headaches, and eye strain need to be addressed for user satisfaction.
– Competition and market challenges can impact the success of high-priced offerings in the mixed-reality headset category.
