Meta has called off its plans for a high-end mixed-reality (XR) headset, codenamed La Jolla, which was aimed for a 2027 launch. According to The Information, the decision follows prohibitive costs and an unenthusiastic market response to premium XR devices like Apple’s Vision Pro. La Jolla was set to include a high-resolution micro OLED display, but expenses associated with these displays prevented Meta from achieving its planned $1,000 price point.
Executive Meeting Outcome
The cancellation was made during a product review session with CEO Mark Zuckerberg, CTO Andrew Bosworth, and other top executives. Meta’s key obstacle was the cost of micro OLED displays, making it impossible to price the headset as planned. Additionally, the lukewarm reception of Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro also played a role in halting the project.
Even with the La Jolla project shelved, Meta is advancing its augmented reality (AR) projects. Plans include the release of new AR glasses, which Mark Zuckerberg recently teased in a social media post. When asked about the launch timeline, Zuckerberg indicated more details would be disclosed later this year. These AR glasses are anticipated to be a more budget-friendly alternative to the La Jolla, better matching current market needs.
Meta had earlier patented a feature inspired by Apple Vision Pro’s Eyesight, which scans facial features to simulate the user’s eyes. This was intended for the now-canceled XR headset, enabling the external display to show user engagement levels. Despite the project’s termination, Meta remains committed to advancing AR and VR technologies, continuing its efforts with AR glasses and other innovations.
Market Dynamics
The choice to stop the La Jolla project follows Apple’s difficulties in marketing its high-cost Vision Pro. Meta’s Reality Labs division received instructions to terminate the project, per a Reuters report. Requests for comments from Meta did not receive immediate responses. Current offerings from Meta include the $200 Quest 2 and the $500 Quest 3, while production for the $999 Quest Pro ended in 2023 due to poor sales and reviews.
Reports in July disclosed that Apple also paused work on its next Vision Pro variant, focusing on a more affordable and less sophisticated version expected by 2025. Initial Vision Pro adopters cited comfort issues, headaches, and eye strain as reasons for returns, alongside concerns over its productivity relative to its price.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 3:08 pm CET
