Key things
- Meta is testing a prototype VR headset with a wider field of view than existing Quest models.
- The design includes angled lenses for a better FOV, but it's still in the early stages.
- Don't expect a wide FOV headset from Meta anytime soon, as they are currently focused on releasing the Quest 3S.
Target He appears to be working on a prototype VR headset that has a wider field of view than any of his existing Meta Quest headsets. A recently released image shows the company's CTO looking at some experiments being tested at Meta's Reality Labs.
Meta is constantly testing new designs of its various peripherals, with some images of these items being either officially shared or leaked online from time to time. The Meta Quest 3S headset was partially teased in a previous image of the CTO, with the then-unannounced VR headset sitting on a shelf behind him. Now, a new revelation seems to indicate that the company is testing a wider FOV for the headsets.
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In a picture shared on Instagram by Meta's technical director Andrew Bosworth, astute onlookers noticed that one of the headsets he was examining looked completely different. The image shows a prototype VR headset that appears to curve around the sides of the face rather than simply fit over the front of the face. The lenses are angled, which would play a big role in improving how wide the field of view is in future headsets. The design is clearly only intended as a prototype as it's plugged in and has clunky accessories, but it's interesting to see that Meta may be considering a wider FOV in the future.
While this is indeed a test by Meta, that doesn't necessarily mean it will make its way to consumers. Meta is constantly innovating and testing to see which feature would be good and work well for its future products. Recently, Meta's La Jolla project, which was reportedly going to compete with the Apple Vision Pro and possibly called the Meta Quest Pro 2, was canceled. However, Bosworth noted that the company has prototypes in development “always” and that not everything is actually produced. The company goes through several stages of experimentation before ideas even reach the prototype stage. Even when products reach the final stage, they can still be canceled by the company before they are communicated to consumers.
For now, VR enthusiasts shouldn't hold their breath for a wide FOV headset to be released from the Meta. Right now Meta is focusing on the recent release of its Quest 3S, there is no official word on Meta Quest 4 or a sequel at this time. Even if this prototype goes through all the stages and gets an official market launch, it will probably take several years.
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