Meta Shifts Gears, Developing Lightweight Puffin Headset for 2027 Release
Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram, and the OculusVR platform, is reportedly shifting its focus towards a lighter, more consumer-friendly VR headset. Codenamed Puffin, this new device is designed toaddress the weight and bulkiness concerns of existing VR headsets and is expected to launch in 2027.
According to The Information, a tech newsoutlet, Mark Zuckerberg and Meta’s Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth have approved the development of Puffin after cancelling a more ambitious project codenamed La Jolla. While both projects were initially slated for a 2027 release, La Jolla aimed for a high-end, feature-rich VR experience, while Puffin prioritizes accessibility and ease of use.
The Puffin headset is expected to be significantly smaller and lighterthan current Meta Quest models. Sources suggest that it will resemble a pair of glasses, with Meta aiming for a weight of under 110 grams. This is a stark contrast to the Meta Quest 3, which weighs approximately 400 grams without straps and 515 grams with straps and facial interface, including a 70-gram battery.
To achieve this lightweight design, Puffin will rely on external batteries and computing hardware. These components will be housed in a separate, compact unit that Meta hopes to eventually shrink to fit in a user’s pocket. The headset itself will feature pancake lenses fora thinner profile and passthrough cameras for a mixed reality experience.
Puffin is also designed to be more intuitive and user-friendly. It will eliminate the need for handheld controllers, relying instead on advanced hand gesture and eye tracking technology. This approach aims to create a more natural and immersive VR experience, makingit more accessible to a wider audience.
Meta’s decision to prioritize a lightweight, consumer-friendly VR headset suggests a shift in strategy. The company has faced criticism for the bulkiness and high price of its current VR offerings, which have limited their appeal to a niche market. Puffin represents an attemptto address these concerns and potentially tap into a larger consumer base.
The 2027 release date for Puffin is still several years away, and the project is still in its early stages of development. However, the news of Meta’s focus on a lighter, more accessible VR headset signals apotential turning point in the VR industry. If successful, Puffin could pave the way for a more widespread adoption of VR technology, bringing immersive experiences to a wider audience.
It remains to be seen whether Meta can deliver on its promise of a lightweight, user-friendly VR headset. However, the company’s shift in strategy and the focus on Puffin suggest that Meta is committed to making VR more accessible and appealing to a broader market.
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