Meta plans to release a new advanced virtual reality headset this year, codenamed Project Cambria. Some more details about the product, as well as Metas VR headset roadmap, have appeared in a report.
Cambria has been internally described as a “laptop for the face” or “Chromebook for the face”, according to The information. It is believed to have specifications similar to a Chromebook and will use Meta’s own VR operating system, which is based on Android. It is expected to be compatible with web-based tools and services as well as some Quest apps. But despite Meta pitching Cambria as a future work unit, it may not be able to run native desktop apps commonly used by many companies.
Cambria is said to have high resolution image quality. This could allow users to clearly read text so that they would be able to send emails or code while wearing the headset. In other words, it can be viable for professional purposes.
Cambria will give users an overview of their surroundings using outward-facing cameras. This feature, called full-color passthrough, allows for mixed reality experiences. When it announced Cambria in October 2021, Meta said the headset will include eye-tracking and facial expression recognition features. Users’ avatars in e.g. Horizon Worlds and Workrooms will reportedly mirror their expression and where they are looking for.
The headset is thought to be heavier than Quest 2 due to a larger battery. However, it seems that this is located at the rear for better balance.
Cambria will reportedly hit the shelves around September and will cost over $ 799. It was originally earmarked for release last year, according to the report, but it was delayed due to supply chain problems and other complications caused by the pandemic.
Looking ahead, Meta is said to have three other headsets that it plans to release within the next few years, while pushing itself forward with its metaverse ambitions. The information proposes that Meta will release Quest headsets in both 2023 and 2024, as well as a successor to Cambria, currently codenamed Funston, in 2024. In addition, it was recently reported that Meta plans to release its first augmented reality glasses in 2024.
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