Meta Prioritizing Ultra-Light Headset With Puck Over Traditional Form Factor
Meta is focusing on releasing an ultralight Horizon OS headset with a tethered compute puck in 2026, according to sources from UploadVR. The previously speculated candidates for the Quest 4 series, codenamed Pismo Low and Pismo High, have been reportedly canceled. It is suggested that the next possibility for a traditional form factor Quest might not hit the market until 2027.
Accelerated Plans for Puffin
Concurrently, Meta is expediting its development of an extremely lightweight open-periphery headset with a tethered compute puck that will run the Horizon OS, similar to the current Quest headsets. Codenamed Puffin, the company aims to launch this product by the end of 2026. Meta is exploring various display system options for Puffin, targeting different price points, with the final decision pending.
Public Reactions and Reports
VR enthusiasts Luna and Brad Lynch have publicly shared Meta's evolving headset release plans. The Information was the first to report on Puffin's development, with a confirmation from Meta's CTO Andrew Bosworth afterward. The initial description of Puffin portrays it as resembling "a bulky pair of glasses" with a weight of less than 110 grams. Puffin is said to omit controllers in favor of a gaze-and-pinch input method inspired by Apple Vision Pro.
Focus on Virtual Screens
Although Puffin will utilize the Horizon OS, its primary focus will be on virtual screens, offering a portable multi-monitor setup for entertainment and productivity purposes. Unlike current standalone headsets, Puffin aims to be sleek and lightweight, making it more appealing to a broader audience.
Collaboration with Asus and Lenovo
Asus and Lenovo are also developing headsets powered by the Horizon OS. Asus's ROG gaming headset, in particular, is positioned as a performance gaming device. Recent leaks suggest that the Asus ROG headset may feature eye tracking and advanced displays beyond the Quest 3 capabilities.
Continual Development and Market Strategy
While Meta's hardware development cycle involves multiple parallel projects, including headset prototypes, the company's shifting priorities indicate a potential pivot in its headset strategy. Meta's recent financial results have shown a decline in revenue from its Reality Labs division, attributed to lower Quest sales.
Meta's CFO Susan Li has pointed out that decreased Quest sales were offset by increased sales of Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses. This shift in revenue suggests a re-evaluation of Meta's headset hardware approach, possibly aiming to introduce a product with sustained market demand beyond seasonal peaks.
