The gadget generally known as Undertaking Phoenix is a brand new type issue for Meta.
Meta seems to have unintentionally proven off its upcoming combined actuality headset a bit forward of schedule. Photos of the gadget, which has been generally known as “Undertaking Phoenix”, have surfaced they usually present a reasonably detailed take a look at the light-weight headset.
The pictures had been initially revealed by UploadVR, which discovered the information in a HorizonOS app Meta launched known as “HorizonOS Prescription Lens.” The app, which has since been eliminated, appears to be supposed for individuals who want prescription inserts for the gadget. However whereas Meta appears to have launched the app as a type of “placeholder,” UploadVR discovered that it included picture information that clearly present the headset from totally different angles.
The pictures appear to match what we have now heard in regards to the combined actuality gadget for greater than a 12 months. “Phoenix” is a special type issue than different Quest-branded {hardware} we have seen from Meta. It appears extra just like glasses-like units like Xreal’s Aura headset. And one of many pictures clearly exhibits a cable, which traces up with earlier rumors that Phoenix will depend on a tethered connection to a separate puck.
One view we won’t see within the new pictures is what the headset appears like from the entrance, so there are nonetheless some particulars we do not have. But it surely’s probably the entrance will embody some type of digicam setup, very like Xreal’s Aura, for the reason that gadget will reportedly depend on related hand-tracking controls relatively than a devoted controller. As UploadVR notes, Meta is planning a session at Join that can cowl “a sensible information to controller-free interplay,” which will surely match with what we have simply seen.
Meta did not instantly reply to a request for remark. However talking of Join, it now appears doable we might get our first official glimpse of Phoenix at Meta’s annual developer occasion, which kicks off September 23. The occasion, which began as a devoted VR convention, was mild on VR and combined actuality information final 12 months for the reason that firm’s display-enabled sensible glasses had been the star of the present. We’re nonetheless anticipating to listen to so much in regards to the firm’s sensible glasses this 12 months. However given the timing of the Horizon updates that led to those pictures, it does seem to be Meta might have one thing massive deliberate for the occasion.
Whether or not we’ll really get to see the headset in motion, although, is much less clear. Earlier stories have prompt the gadget will not be prepared till the primary half of 2027 after the corporate pushed again its unique timing. However even when Meta is not planning to promote the headset till subsequent 12 months, it might nonetheless make sense for them to tease the gadget at Join.
