Meta Platforms is working on a new mixed reality device known as ‘Puffin', aimed at delivering a more comfortable user experience compared to existing heavier headsets. The project targets a broader audience by tackling issues related to the discomfort of prolonged wear.
Design and Features
Expected to weigh around 110 grams, the ‘Puffin' glasses are positioned between Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses and the bulkier Quest 3. To achieve this reduced weight, the device may use an external pack for the battery and processor, similar to Apple's Vision Pro. The glasses might also use pancake lenses for a slimmer profile and offer video passthrough, hand- and eye-tracking for enhanced control.
Mixed reality blends aspects of augmented reality and virtual reality, allowing interaction with both digital and real-world elements. Unlike traditional VR headsets that fully immerse users in a virtual environment, MR devices layer digital images and text over the real world. The technology spans various applications, including entertainment and fitness, offering multifunctional use. It is also the same tech at the core of Microsoft's HoloLens project.
Addressing Current Limitations
Current MR headsets, such as Apple's Vision Pro, have faced criticism for being heavy and cumbersome, making them uncomfortable for long periods. Meta's ‘Puffin' aims to resolve these issues with a design that is both lighter and more ergonomic, appealing to users who found previous devices uncomfortable.
The creation of the ‘Puffin' glasses highlights Meta's dedication to advancing mixed reality technology and enhancing its influence in the market. By emphasizing user comfort and functionality, Meta aspires to set new benchmarks in the MR domain. The initiative aligns with Meta's broader ambitions of integrating digital and physical worlds, boosting user interaction and enjoyment.
While the ‘Puffin' glasses are not expected to launch until 2027, the project signifies Meta's ongoing efforts to refine its mixed reality offerings, making them more user-friendly and enjoyable. The company is likely to use Qualcomm chips to power the headset after abandoning plans for its own AR processor.
Since the inception of the chip project in 2019, Meta sought to develop proprietary chips to enhance the performance of its augmented reality glasses, codenamed Orion. However, owing to financial constraints and strategic shifts, these plans have been discontinued in favor of utilizing Qualcomm's chips for forthcoming prototypes and subsequent iterations.
