Last month, we took a deep dive into Mark Zuckerberg’s big metaverse plan, and some of the hardware that Meta is working on to deliver it, in the form of Project Nazare augmented reality glasses. Now The information reports on a virtual reality hardware roadmap running through 2024 with four headsets on the schedule, starting with the previously teased Project Cambria VR headset we expect to see later this year.
According to its sources, The information says Meta plans to release Project Cambria, a higher-end device than its current Quest hardware and internally known as Arcata, in September, followed by an updated version, currently codenamed Funston, followed by 2024.
Sources also indicate that the first Project Cambria will cost around $ 799, well above the $ 299 / $ 399 price of the Quest VR headset. The information reports a Meta spokesman who told the business that the price for Cambria would be “significantly higher.” As for what it offers for the extra price, the sources say that it has high-resolution image quality that is clear enough to read text so you can write emails or code in the VR environment.
Even with its price and high-resolution screen, the headset will run Meta’s Android OS and will have processing power more like a low-end laptop, like a “Chromebook for the face” running web apps, as well as at least some Quest software that already available. Still, the main selling point for Cambria should be its ability to control full-color passthrough to mixed reality, a larger battery than Quest 2 mounted on the back to make it more comfortable to wear, and sensors inside that can detect eye movements and facial expressions to map to the user’s virtual avatar.
As for the other two VR headsets, The information reports that upcoming versions of the Quest headset are codenamed Stinson and Cardiff, with release dates currently expected for 2023 and 2024.
The Nazare AR glasses are also expected to be released in 2024 along with the cheaper Hypernova smart glasses and a differential electromyography bracelet that would let users control them through thoughts. While Alex Heath reports that Project Nazare is built to work independently of a mobile phone and without the restrictions of Apple or Google’s app stores, Hypernova will pair with a user’s smartphone to put messages and notifications on a heads-up screen. Then a lighter version of the advanced AR glasses could come in 2026, and the third revision in 2028. When you add that product roadmap along with Meta’s recent acquisitions, the smartwatch we expect to see this year, and another version of the Ray- Ban smart glasses, you can see what Zuckerberg spends so much money on creating.