With Meta’s AR glasses set to hit the market sometime next year, a new image has shown what at least one version of the company’s next-gen VR headset could look like, courtesy of VR researcher @Lunayian, who shared a short video that was recently added to the HorizonOS Prescription Lens firmware package.
According to Road to VR, the device depicted is Meta’s Phoenix mixed reality headset, which appears to be one of several VR/AR powered units that Meta is developing.
Other models in development include Meta’s Hypernova AI glasses, which are expected to be the next evolution of its current AI-powered smart glasses, and its Aria AR device, which features chunky black frames to house all of the various tech elements.
It seems that the Phoenix device depicted in this new image will be the next stage of its Quest VR units. Which also suggests that while Meta seems to have moved away from VR and its metaverse ambitions, it hasn't fully abandoned the concept just yet.
Apparently, Meta still sees VR as the next stage of development, and has incorporated AI into its next-level connective package. This may eventually become more prominent as VR technology evolves.
Meta’s hardware ambitions may be challenging, however, because while demand for its AI glasses has been increasing, recent backlash over the misuse of its recording-enabled glasses has put a dent in its plans and could significantly impact device sales.
The company's AI glasses are also under investigation in several regions, and have been banned in some stores and entertainment venues. That could eventually see Meta forced to make significant changes to the device, which might impact usage.
But clearly, Meta is still planning for glasses to become the next form factor for online connection, with slimmer, more lightweight, more capable AI, AR and VR devices still being developed.
The company will likely share additional information about its coming AR and VR developments at its Meta Connect showcase, which is being held later this month.
