When Meta released the Quest Pro in late 2022, it marked a significant pivot from its usual consumer VR offerings. The headset, which initially retailed at $1,500, boasted advanced features like color passthrough, pancake lenses, and comprehensive tracking capabilities for both face and eyes.
However, the Quest Pro’s journey was rocky; within months, its price dropped to $1,000, reflecting the challenges Meta faced in reaching the ‘prosumer’ market. In July 2023, rumors of the discontinuation of the Quest Pro circulated after a report by The Information, prompting Meta CTO and Reality Labs chief Andrew Bosworth to intervene. Bosworth was quick to caution against taking such claims at face value, stating, “don’t believe everything you read.”
Quest Pro’s Alleged Successor: The Puffin Project
Despite the setbacks with Quest Pro, Meta remains undeterred. An insider scoop revealed by Mark Gurman in his Bloomberg newsletter suggests that Meta is not only refining the consumer-friendly Quest 4 but also developing a new high-end model. This model could potentially replace the Quest Pro and revolutionize the mixed-reality landscape. Further insights from The Information in July 2024 hinted at Meta’s shift in focus towards a lighter mixed-reality device, currently under the codename ‘Puffin’. This device, aimed for a 2027 launch, is expected to be a sleeker, more glasses-like version of the current headsets, setting a new benchmark for VR technology.
What’s Next for Meta’s VR Endeavors?
Meta’s strategy appears to be one of trial and error, emphasizing the development and testing of various prototypes before settling on a market-ready product. This approach, outlined by Bosworth, allows Meta to explore numerous possibilities without committing prematurely to a single path. As for the immediate future, the VR community and consumers are buzzing with anticipation for the Quest 4 and the mysterious high-end successor to the Quest Pro. With Meta aiming to introduce a pair of AR glasses by 2030, similar in function to the Orion AR glasses prototype, the evolution of virtual reality is sure to offer some groundbreaking advancements.
In conclusion, Meta’s continued investment in VR and AR technologies underscores its commitment to pioneering in the field, despite the challenges encountered with previous models. The tech community and enthusiasts alike are keenly watching as Meta navigates the complex landscape of next-generation virtual reality, with hopes high for what might come next in this thrilling technological race.
