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Meta Platforms Abandons Premium Mixed-Reality Headset Development
Meta Platforms has decided to halt the development of a high-end mixed-reality headset that was set to rival Apple’s Vision Pro, according to a report by the Information published on Friday.
After a product review meeting earlier this week, employees in Meta’s Reality Labs division were instructed to cease work on the device, reported two Meta insiders.
This canceled project, known internally as La Jolla, was slated for launch in 2027 and was expected to feature advanced micro OLED screens, similar to those utilized in Apple’s Vision Pro.
The market for virtual and mixed reality headsets has seen a resurgence following Apple’s introduction of the Vision Pro last year. However, the device has faced challenges in terms of sales, largely due to its steep price point of $3,500.
Meta’s Reality Labs division, which oversees the development and marketing of the Quest headset series, has faced staggering financial setbacks, with billions reported in losses. Despite these challenges, CEO Mark Zuckerberg maintains a positive outlook on the future potential of augmented and virtual reality technologies.
The Quest headset lineup currently includes the Quest 2, priced at $200, and the recently released Quest 3, available for $500.
In 2023, Meta also discontinued the production of the Quest Pro, its most expensive headset priced at $999, following disappointing sales and negative feedback, as reported by the Information.
Meta has not yet provided a response to inquiries regarding this decision.
© Thomson Reuters 2024
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