Meta Cancels Premium Mixed-Reality Headset Plans

Meta Platforms has scrapped its plans for a high-end mixed-reality headset, as reported by The Information. The device aimed to rival Apple's Vision Pro, which debuted last year.

This decision followed a product review meeting, leading Meta to instruct its Reality Labs division to halt development. The headset was internally known as La Jolla and was initially slated for release in 2027. It was set to feature ultra-high-resolution micro OLED screens, similar to those in the Vision Pro.

Although the virtual and mixed reality market gained traction due to Apple's entry, the Vision Pro has faced challenges, mainly due to its steep price of $3,500. Meta’s Reality Labs has suffered substantial losses, totaling billions. Despite these hurdles, CEO Mark Zuckerberg remains hopeful about augmented and virtual reality's future.

Currently, the Quest headset line includes the Quest 2, priced at $200, and the newer Quest 3, which retails for $500. Meta halted production of its Quest Pro headset, the highest-priced model at $999, in 2023 due to lackluster sales and unfavorable reviews, as noted by The Information.

Earlier, SSP reported that Microsoft expands Azure AI with two new Phi-3 models.