Meta’s high-end mixed reality headset is not coming anymore. The parent company of Facebook, has announced the cancellation of its high-end mixed reality (MR) headset project marking a significant setback for the company’s ambitious plans to dominate the augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) market and compete against tech giant Apple and Google.
Codenamed “La Jolla,” the headset was expected to compete against Apple’s highly anticipated Vision Pro. With advanced features like micro OLED displays and powerful tracking technology, it was expected to offer a premium experience for users. However, despite its promise, Meta has decided to pull the plug on the project, according to The Information.
The reasons behind this cancellation remain somewhat shrouded in mystery. While official statements from Meta have been limited, industry analysts speculate that several factors may have contributed to the decision. One possibility is the immense financial burden associated with developing such a complex and expensive device. Meta’s Reality Labs division has already incurred billions of dollars in losses, and the company may have concluded that the potential returns from the high-end headset did not justify the investment.
Another factor that could have influenced Meta’s decision is the rapidly evolving landscape of AR/VR technology. The market is becoming increasingly competitive, with new players emerging and existing companies accelerating their development efforts. Meta may have reassessed its strategy and determined that focusing on more accessible and affordable AR/VR devices would yield a better return on investment.
While the cancellation of the La Jolla headset is a setback, it does not necessarily mean the end of Meta’s AR/VR dreams. The company still has a number of other projects in the pipeline, including the development of a giant AI model that will power Facebook’s both long and short video service.
