In a surprising move, Meta has reportedly decided to cancel its highly anticipated high-end mixed reality headset, codenamed La Jolla. This decision may have been influenced by the lukewarm sales performance of Apple’s Vision Pro headset, which has caused Meta to reevaluate its strategy in the mixed reality market.
According to insiders speaking to The Information (via The Verge), Meta had been planning to release the La Jolla headset as the successor to the Meta Quest Pro in 2027. However, it seems that the device will now never see the light of day, as Meta has decided to focus on other projects.
Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth addressed the reports, stating that the company constantly develops multiple prototypes and makes decisions based on various factors. While the cancelation of the La Jolla headset may be disappointing to some, Meta remains committed to exploring different avenues in virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality technologies.
Despite the cancelation of the La Jolla headset, Meta is still expected to launch the Meta Quest 3S, a reasonably priced headset, next month. This signals that Meta’s commitment to the mixed reality space remains strong, despite setbacks.
Cost cutting
One of the reasons cited for the cancelation of the La Jolla headset is the use of expensive micro-OLED displays, which made it challenging for Meta to achieve a target price below $1,000. Additionally, consumer reaction to the high price of Apple’s Vision Pro headset may have played a role in Meta’s decision to cancel the La Jolla project.
Reports suggest that even buyers of the $3,499 Vision Pro headset have been returning the device, leading to speculation that development of the Vision Pro 2 has been paused. The La Jolla headset, which may have been intended as the Meta Quest Pro 2, was rumored to feature OLED screens manufactured by LG.
The cancelation of the La Jolla headset may also have been influenced by the relative lack of success of the Meta Quest Pro, which failed to garner as much interest as the more affordable Meta Quest 3. Meta’s decision to focus on more affordable options may indicate a shift in its mixed reality strategy.
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Conclusion:
As the mixed reality market continues to evolve, companies like Meta are constantly innovating and exploring new technologies. The cancelation of the La Jolla headset may be a setback, but it also presents an opportunity for Meta to refocus its efforts on more affordable and consumer-friendly products. With the upcoming launch of the Meta Quest 3S, we can expect to see continued advancements in VR, AR, and mixed reality devices. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting developments in the world of mixed reality!
