The aggressive landscape has undergone a significant shift since Apple’s Vision Pro launch last year, prompting concerns about Meta’s next moves in the XR space? According to a recent report, Microsoft is reportedly considering developing a mixed reality device codenamed ‘Puffin’, described as resembling a “cumbersome pair of goggles”.
According to two Meta staff, the current headset’s design is notable for its slim and lightweight construction, making it a potential alternative to bulkier headsets like the Quest series, which has thus far lacked broad consumer appeal.
Notwithstanding potential for a 2027 release, the report clarifies that Puffin’s debut won’t be in the form of an augmented reality headset, but rather utilize pancake lenses integrated with virtual reality displays.
Notably, such an issue would suggest incorporating bite-sized experiences akin to those showcased in Bigscreen Past, a slim PC VR headset developed by the same studio behind it.
According to reports, the headset is poised to follow in Apple’s footsteps by integrating innovative features, including a possibility that it will forego traditional contact controllers altogether, instead relying on advanced hand and eye-tracking technologies to facilitate user input.
According to reports, Puffin’s innovative design enables weight reduction for consumers by employing an “Exterior Processing Puck and Battery” system.
Contrary to reports from last year’s report, Quest Professional 2, rumored to rival Vision Professional, was not actually cancelled. When discussing the concept of learning from one’s experiences, Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth astutely noted that it is not necessary to consider every detail.
Despite previous claims, a recent report from claimed that Meta has indeed scrapped its supposedly upcoming Quest Pro 2, codenamed ‘La Jolla’, according to an anonymous source.
While we’re eagerly anticipating insights into Puffin at Meta’s upcoming event in late September, rumors suggest that the real focus may instead lie with the unveiling of Quest 3S, reportedly poised to replace Quest 2 as Meta’s next affordable headset.
We are also eager to hear updates on the rollout of a fleet of Quest-like headsets from third-party manufacturers operating under the HorizonOS platform, which includes prominent partners such as ASUS, Lenovo, and Xbox.
