Meta's AR Struggles: Delayed Release and Compromised Design
Meta's AR glasses release delayed until 2027
Meta's plans for an AR headset similar to Apple Vision Pro have faced setbacks, pushing the release date to 2027.
The company has struggled to develop displays bright enough for their intended microLED technology and has reverted to liquid crystal on silicon (LCos).
While Meta has announced a four-year plan and plans to release an updated Meta Quest 3 in 2023, it is a VR headset, not an AR one like Apple Vision Pro.
Meta is expected to have an internal-only AR headset in 2024 but will continue to use the failed microLED displays.
The public AR headset, codenamed Artemis, is now expected in 2027 and will have a reduced field of view compared to earlier headsets.
Struggles with display technology and compromises in design
Meta has encountered difficulties in developing displays bright enough for their microLED technology, resulting in a switch to LCos.
The company has made compromises in design, including using glass instead of the more expensive silicon carbide, which reduces the field of view for the AR headset.
Previous designs with silicon carbide offered a 70-degree field of view, surpassing Microsoft's HoloLens and Magic Leap's headset at 50 degrees.
Under the new cost-saving plans, Meta's AR headset expected in 2027 will also have a 50-degree field of view.
Meta has also canceled features like LiDAR and a projector for multiple users to view AR/VR objects simultaneously.
Meta's current and future headsets
Meta will no longer order new components for their latest Quest Pro headset and will cease manufacturing them when current supplies run out.
An updated Meta Quest 3 VR headset is expected to be released before the end of 2023, but it is not an AR headset like Apple Vision Pro.
Meta plans to have an internal-only AR headset, codenamed Orion, for use in 2024, but it will continue to use the failed microLED displays.
The public AR headset, codenamed Artemis, is now expected in 2027 and will have a reduced field of view compared to earlier headsets.
Apple Vision Pro's field of view is 120 degrees, surpassing Meta's planned AR headset.
References
news@appleinsider.com (William Gallagher). (July 19, 2023). Meta's AR glasses are three years behind Apple Vision Pro. appleinsider.com.
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