Meta Plans New Mixed Reality Device

(Reuters) – Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) is planning a mixed reality device that resembles a bulky pair of glasses, according to a report from The Information citing two employees from the social media giant.

Internally code-named Puffin, the new project focuses on designing an alternative to the heavy headsets previously offered by Facebook’s parent company, which have limited consumer appeal.

Meta did not immediately respond to a Reuters’ request for comment.

What is Mixed Reality?

Mixed reality merges augmented and virtual reality, allowing real-world and digital objects to interact.

• Augmented Reality: Overlays text, sounds, graphics, and video onto real-world images.
• Virtual Reality: Places users into a completely artificial environment, creating computer-generated experiences.

The Puffin device is expected to be significantly smaller than Meta’s existing Quest headsets. The project is still in the early stages with a planned release in 2027.

Meta’s Reality Labs division, responsible for developing and marketing the Quest line of VR headsets, has incurred financial losses amounting to billions. Despite this, CEO Mark Zuckerberg remains optimistic about the future of augmented and virtual reality technologies.

Unlike the Quest headsets, the new Puffin device will not include handheld controllers; users will operate it using hand gestures and eye movements.

The virtual and mixed reality headset market gained renewed attention following Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s entry last year, although its Vision Pro has faced challenges in sales due to a high price tag of nearly $3,500.