Meta showcases new VR glasses at iPhone 18 Pro price, replacing bulky helmets
Tech giant showcases the future of AR and VR devices (screenshot: CNBC Television)
Meta is moving away from bulky VR headsets in favor of regular glasses - the company is preparing a new device for viewing entertainment content, according to Meta during its annual Connect presentation.
"This is a real breakthrough": why Meta changed its approach to VR
Before announcing the new product, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reminded the audience that the company had previously deliberately paused mass production of headsets until real technological solutions emerged.
The Meta CEO emphasized that the future belongs to augmented reality glasses with holograms, but many were deterred by the need to wear a bulky headset.
The new device is designed to provide the same immersion and sense of presence, but in a familiar, everyday glasses form factor.
Design, processor, and battery life
The main advantage of Meta VR Glasses is their weight. The device is five times lighter than the Meta Quest 3 and is practically indistinguishable from regular glasses on the outside.
Technical design details
- Materials: The frame is made of a lightweight and durable magnesium alloy.
- Processor: Performance is powered by a specialized Snapdragon Reality Elite chip from Qualcomm.
- Power: The glasses connect to a compact compute-battery unit that can simply be placed in a pocket while on the move.
5K displays, IMAX, and partnership with Disney
The new product is primarily focused on media entertainment and movie watching.
Micro-OLED panels are embedded in the lenses, providing clarity at 37 pixels per degree (the 5K Infinite Display concept), and supporting Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technologies.
The glasses have received official certification as the first VR device with IMAX Enhanced support. This will allow viewers to watch movies in the proprietary high-resolution expanded aspect ratio format.
Additionally, thanks to a partnership with Disney, starting in November, Disney+ users will be able to stream selected movies (including Marvel titles) in 3D format.
The viewing experience will be enhanced by a virtual environment, dynamic effects, and spatial audio, effectively turning a movie screening into an interactive VR experience.
Artificial intelligence and control
Meta VR Glasses are equipped with a built-in virtual assistant, Meta AI.
Users can control the device using voice commands—for example, starting a movie with a simple phrase. An alternative way to interact with the system is through hand gesture recognition.
Sales of Meta VR Glasses will start next spring, and the base price of the device will be $1,299.99.
