In a surprising turn of events, Meta appears to have put the brakes on its next high-end mixed reality headset, potentially spelling the end for the anticipated Quest Pro 2. This decision comes amidst a complex landscape of technological challenges, market pressures, and shifting priorities within the company's Reality Labs division.
The La Jolla Project: A Vision Unrealized
The device in question, codenamed La Jolla, was reportedly aiming to push the boundaries of mixed reality technology. Sources familiar with the project revealed that the Reality Labs team had ambitious goals:
- Targeting a sub-$1000 price point
- Incorporating advanced micro OLED displays
- Featuring photorealistic avatars
However, these aspirations seem to have collided with harsh economic realities. The high cost of displays and overall component expenses made it increasingly difficult to achieve the desired price target while maintaining the envisioned feature set.
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| A modern virtual reality headset representing the ambitious aspirations of the La Jolla project |
Market Factors at Play
Several external factors may have influenced Meta's decision:
- The lukewarm reception and high return rates of Apple's Vision Pro headset, priced at $3,499
- Challenges faced by the original Meta Quest Pro in gaining widespread adoption
- The comparative success of more affordable options like the Meta Quest 3
Not the Whole Story
Meta's CTO, Andrew Bosworth, took to social media to provide additional context. He stated:
We have many prototypes in development at all times. But we don't bring all of them to production. We move forward with some, we pass on others.
This suggests that while the specific La Jolla prototype may have been shelved, Meta remains committed to exploring XR (extended reality) technologies through various ongoing projects.
The Road Ahead
Despite this setback, Meta's XR ambitions are far from over:
- The company recently announced Horizon OS, signaling continued investment in VR software
- Rumors point to an upcoming Meta Quest 3S, potentially offering a more affordable entry point
- Meta likely continues R&D partnerships, such as its arrangement with LG, even as specific product plans evolve
Analysis
This development highlights the challenges facing companies in the nascent XR market. Balancing cutting-edge technology, consumer-friendly pricing, and market demand remains a complex equation. As the industry matures, we may see a continued focus on more accessible, mass-market devices in the short term, while research into high-end experiences continues behind the scenes.
For now, VR enthusiasts eager for a Quest Pro successor may need to adjust their expectations. However, Meta's apparent willingness to pivot and reassess its product roadmap could lead to more refined and commercially viable XR offerings in the future.