The machine often known as Challenge Phoenix is a brand new kind issue for Meta.
Meta seems to have unintentionally proven off its upcoming blended actuality headset a bit forward of schedule. Pictures of the machine, which has been often known as “Challenge Phoenix”, have surfaced and so they present a reasonably detailed take a look at the light-weight headset.
The photographs have been initially printed by UploadVR, which discovered the information in a HorizonOS app Meta launched referred to as “HorizonOS Prescription Lens.” The app, which has since been eliminated, appears to be meant for individuals who want prescription inserts for the machine. 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 photographs appear to match what we’ve got heard in regards to the blended actuality machine for greater than a 12 months. “Phoenix” is a distinct kind issue than different Quest-branded {hardware} we have seen from Meta. It appears to be like extra just like glasses-like units like Xreal’s Aura headset. And one of many photos clearly reveals a cable, which strains up with earlier rumors that Phoenix will depend on a tethered connection to a separate puck.
One view we will not see within the new photos is what the headset appears to be like like from the entrance, so there are nonetheless some particulars we do not have. But it surely’s doubtless the entrance will embrace some type of digicam setup, very like Xreal’s Aura, for the reason that machine will reportedly depend on comparable hand-tracking controls moderately 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 attainable we may 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 gentle on VR and blended actuality information final 12 months for the reason that firm’s display-enabled good glasses have been the star of the present. We’re nonetheless anticipating to listen to quite a bit in regards to the firm’s good glasses this 12 months. However given the timing of the Horizon updates that led to those photos, it does appear to be Meta may have one thing huge deliberate for the occasion.
Whether or not we’ll truly get to see the headset in motion, although, is much less clear. Earlier stories have prompt the machine will not be prepared till the primary half of 2027 after the corporate pushed again its authentic timing. However even when Meta is not planning to promote the headset till subsequent 12 months, it may nonetheless make sense for them to tease the machine at Join.
