Meta has announced a new pair of virtual-reality glasses at its Connect event, presenting them as a smaller and lighter alternative to conventional headsets. The glasses are due next spring with a starting price of $1,299.99.
The frames use magnesium alloy and are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Reality Elite processor. Meta says they are five times lighter than the Meta Quest 3 and connect to a separate computing puck that also acts as a battery, allowing the wearer to keep the power unit in a pocket.
The device is aimed primarily at entertainment. Micro-OLED panels provide what Meta calls a 5K Infinite Display with 37 pixels per degree, alongside Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support. The company is also promoting compatibility with IMAX-captured films and support for 3D content that can blend digital scenes with the user’s surroundings.
Meta says Disney+ will offer selected films, including some Marvel titles, in 3D from November. The glasses will include Meta AI, allowing users to start a film and perform other actions through voice commands or hand gestures. The launch marks a renewed hardware push after Meta had said it would focus on fewer VR products until the company achieved a significant breakthrough.