Meta's Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, recently confirmed to The Verge a significant decision: the company has canceled the planned 2027 release of the high-end headset Quest Pro2 (codenamed La Jolla) and is developing a brand-new ultra-lightweight headset. This news not only marks a major shift in Meta's hardware strategy but also reveals a new direction in the company's approach to VR technology development.
According to Bosworth, the primary reason for canceling Quest Pro2 is the underwhelming market response to the first-generation Quest Pro. Meanwhile, Meta has greenlit a project for an ultra-lightweight headset, also planned for 2027, codenamed Puffin. This new device will feature a wired computing module, aiming to provide a lighter and more comfortable user experience.
Bosworth also detailed Meta's hardware development process, which is divided into four stages: pre-discovery, discovery, prototyping, and engineering verification testing (EVT). Currently, the Puffin project has moved from the pre-discovery stage to the discovery stage, indicating progress in its development, but it still faces the risk of being canceled in subsequent stages.
This decision reflects Meta's strategic adjustment in the VR hardware field. The company seems to be shifting from pursuing high-end performance to focusing on user comfort and practicality, which could have a profound impact on the entire VR industry.
Meta's move has also sparked discussions within the industry about the direction of VR technology development. Will lightweight design become the mainstream for future VR devices? Has the high-end VR market become saturated? The answers to these questions may become clearer as the Puffin project progresses.
As VR technology continues to evolve, Meta's strategic adjustment will undoubtedly become a focal point of industry attention. Whether the Puffin project ultimately succeeds or not, it marks a new phase in VR hardware development and could bring users a brand-new virtual reality experience.