From The Verge · Jay Peters · · 3m
Meta's VR glasses weigh 100 grams and launch in 2027
Meta is ditching the headset for lightweight glasses that deliver VR without the bulk.
In brief
Meta is ditching the headset for lightweight glasses that deliver VR without the bulk. Meta's new VR Glasses offer a lighter, more wearable alternative to traditional VR headsets by moving computing power to a separate pocket-sized puck, launching at $1,299.99 in spring 2027. Originally reported by The Verge.
Meta ditches the headset
Meta's new VR Glasses sit on your ears like regular glasses instead of strapping over your head. They weigh just 100 grams, far lighter than the Quest 3's 515 grams.
Computing power goes in your pocket
A separate puck connected by wire holds the Snapdragon Reality Elite processor, 128GB storage, 12GB RAM, and battery. The battery lasts up to three hours of media playback.
5K display with eye tracking
The glasses feature a 5K MicroOLED display with 2412 x 2288 pixels per eye, 37 pixels per degree, and up to 120Hz refresh rate. Two front cameras provide color passthrough to see the world around you.
Control with eyes and hands
Look at elements to navigate, pinch your thumb and pointer finger to select, and make a fist with your thumb to scroll. Six external cameras track your hands without needing a neural wristband.
Entertainment is the main draw
Meta showed demos of James Cameron's Billie Eilish concert film, NBA Finals in VR180 format, and Disney's VR Enhanced Cinema versions of Avengers films with thematic graphics that sync to the action.
Gaming with hands-first controls
Beat Saber's new Flux mode lets you play with hand gestures instead of controllers. Over 75 games will support hands-first experiences at launch, including a VR version of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney.
Work and productivity features
Mirror multiple windows from your laptop wirelessly or via USB-C. A virtual keyboard and trackpad let you type comments and navigate apps by laying your hands flat on a table.
Price and launch timing
The Meta VR Glasses cost $1,299.99 and will go on sale in spring 2027. That puts them between the $599.99 Quest 3 and Apple's $3,499 Vision Pro.
Lighter than Vision Pro
The glasses feel like a lightweight Vision Pro and are perhaps a better execution of what Apple wanted to do with that device. The form factor makes VR feel less like a cumbersome commitment.
“It felt like a lightweight Vision Pro, and is perhaps a better execution of some of what Apple wanted to do with that device.”
Part of a broader trend
Google and Xreal are teaming up on XR glasses, Snap is developing AR-focused Specs, and Meta is working on AR glasses too. The VR Glasses represent a new form factor between smart glasses and full VR headsets.
Meta still making full headsets
Meta's VP of product for VR says the company is still planning to develop full VR headsets alongside the new glasses. The VR Glasses represent another option for what a computer on your head can be.
What to remember
Meta's new VR Glasses offer a lighter, more wearable alternative to traditional VR headsets by moving computing power to a separate pocket-sized puck, launching at $1,299.99 in spring 2027.
