Graphics Depicting Meta’s Subsequent Headset Discovered In Quest Firmware

Graphics depicting Meta’s upcoming ultralight headset with a tethered compute puck, codenamed Phoenix, have been present in Quest firmware.

Firmware dataminers Luna and Samulia found a “hilariously” low decision depiction of the headset from the rear facet (see above), in addition to a silhouette of the frontbox from behind. The pair had been additionally capable of activate and run the attention monitoring calibration setup on a Quest Professional.

Whereas the decision is certainly comically low, it nonetheless clearly depicts a compact headset with glasses-style nostril pads as a substitute of a basic VR-style face pad. Found strings additionally reference adjusting the nostril pads for consolation. What we do not see is the again of the system, so it isn’t but clear whether or not it has glasses-like arms or a cradle for the again of your head.

Earlier than this, the one actual indication we had as to what Phoenix may appear like got here from The Info’s 2024 report that first revealed the existence of the system, then referred to as Puffin, the place it was described as “a cumbersome pair of glasses” that weighs lower than 110 grams with a tethered compute puck working Horizon OS, the working system of Quest headsets.

That 2024 report additionally described the headset as having eye monitoring, with a view to copy the gaze-and-pinch enter system of Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional.

Luna’s previous and present datamining corroborates this. Final yr they discovered references to automated IPD adjustment and iris unlock, options each pushed by eye monitoring.

Individually, XR influencer Brad Lynch claimed that one of many candidates for the headset makes use of 0.9-inch micro-OLED shows, barely smaller than these utilized in Bigscreen Past headsets. With out understanding the pixel density, this does not inform us the decision. But it surely does tell us that this candidate may provide OLED’s signature infinite distinction, true black, and punchy colours. UploadVR has beforehand reported that Meta has explored a number of show system approaches at differing worth factors.

Leaked inside Meta memos from December revealed that the corporate is focusing on the primary half of 2027 for a launch of Phoenix.

Phoenix will probably be strongly centered on digital screens for productiveness and leisure, and different seated combined actuality and VR use instances. Names that Meta has internally floated for the product have included “Quest Air”, but it surely’s removed from sure what it can resolve.

Understand that Meta’s {hardware} roadmap is consistently shifting, and the corporate often spins up and cancels units earlier than they ship. When a particular product will get near delivery, we’ll deliver you any dependable rumors of its imminent arrival. Till then, be prepared for something deliberate to get canceled or delayed.