Meta has big plans for virtual reality (VR). Everything is done to set up the metaverse and several VR headsets are already in the boxes. That’s what advances The Information based on an internal roadmap.
4 virtual reality headsets in development
Facebook’s parent company plans to release 4 virtual reality headsets by 2024. The first of these is known as “Project Cambria”, with an early version named Acata due to hit shelves in September. This improved version of the Meta Quest 2 will be followed by an even more capable version called Funston in 2024. The other two VR headsets are codenamed Stinson and Cardiff with launch dates scheduled for 2023 and 2024.
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The Cambria helmet is intended to be top-of-the-range equipment. The equivalent of a miniaturized computer that will surpass its predecessor in terms of performance. The device should be able to project high resolution images allowing professionals to use it for writing, coding, etc. The headset will be equipped with a feature called full-color passthrough allowing the system to track eye movement and recognize facial expressions: a way to achieve mixed reality.
Meta introduced last July its new API for Meta Quest allowing users of the headset to go from a total immersion to a hybrid experience. The API had already been used for the Infinite Office functionality allowing to use a virtual office with two windows.
The Infinite Office, the virtual reality office designed by Facebook.
Picture: Facebook/Youtube
Originally expected in 2021, Cambria was delayed due to supply chain issues and other pandemic-related challenges. According to The Information the headset should cost at least $799.
Meta wants to give a taste of VR
With the upcoming opening of the Meta Store, the company’s first physical store, it’s clear that Mark Zuckerberg wants as many people as possible to be able to try out the various augmented and virtual reality devices.
The store located in Burlingame, California, will offer its VR headsets, its Meta Portal connected screens and its Ray-Ban Stories connected glasses for testing. This is to offer customers and the curious a taste of the devices that will allow access to the metaverse and show all the possibilities they offer.
VR headsets aren’t the only projects in the pipeline at Meta’s premises. Connected watches but above all augmented reality glasses are being developed under the name of the Nazare project. These are also expected for 2024.