The Rise and Fall of Meta’s High-End Mixed Reality Headset

The Rise and Fall of Meta’s High-End Mixed Reality Headset

Meta, previously known as Facebook, has recently made the surprising decision to cancel its plans for a high-end mixed reality headset to compete with Apple’s Vision Pro. The project, codenamed La Jolla and set to launch in 2027, was abruptly halted in November. The main reason behind this decision was the expensive MicroOLED displays that would have been used in the headset, pushing the cost above the desired $1,000 mark.

This move by Meta reflects a potential shift in focus away from premium VR products. The Apple Vision Pro, priced at $3,500, has failed to gain traction with consumers and developers. Similarly, the Quest Pro, priced at $1,499, received poor reviews and quickly faded into obscurity. These setbacks raise doubts about the demand for high-end VR headsets and the feasibility of Meta’s La Jolla project.

Despite the cancellation of the La Jolla headset, Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, downplayed the decision, stating that the company has numerous prototypes in development at any given time. He emphasized that not all projects make it to production and that decisions to cancel projects are routine. Bosworth’s remarks suggest that Meta remains committed to innovation in the VR and mixed reality space.

Although the La Jolla project has been scrapped, Meta still has several upcoming products in the pipeline. Rumors suggest that a more affordable Quest headset, codenamed Ventura, may be released later this year. Additionally, Meta is expected to unveil new AR glasses at their upcoming Meta Connect event. The Quest 4, rumored to have standard and premium versions, is slated for release in 2026.

Meta’s decision to cancel the La Jolla headset highlights the challenges of developing high-end VR products in a competitive market. While setbacks are inevitable in the tech industry, Meta’s dedication to innovation and the continued development of new products demonstrate their commitment to remaining a key player in the evolving world of virtual and augmented reality.

Tech

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