Meta unveils VR Glasses for $1299 – mixed reality glasses weighing 100 grams

Meta VR Glasses – a compact virtual and mixed reality device that resembles the Apple Vision Pro but costs nearly three times less. The glasses weigh about 100 grams, achieved by moving the processor, battery, and memory to a separate unit.

100 grams on the head and a block in the pocket

Meta has abandoned the traditional VR headset body with straps. The frame is made of magnesium alloy, and open areas on the sides allow users to see their surroundings. The glasses will be released in two sizes: Standard and Large. Interpupillary distance is independently adjustable for each eye within a range of 56-70 mm; interchangeable nose pads and Zenni Optical prescription inserts are provided.

However, the entire system weighs more than the claimed 100 grams. The processor, battery, and storage are located in an external unit weighing approximately 300 grams, which attaches to clothing or fits into a pocket. It connects to the glasses via a thin cable.

Micro-OLED with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz

Meta VR Glasses feature two micro-OLED displays with a resolution of 2412×2288 pixels per eye. Meta calls the system 5K Infinite Display. The angular pixel density is 37 pixels per degree, the refresh rate reaches 120 Hz, and Dolby Vision is supported.

The price for compact optics is a relatively narrow field of view: 70° horizontally and 66° vertically, approximately 88° diagonally. For comparison, the Meta Quest 3 has a horizontal field of view of about 110°.

Color cameras provide a continuous view of the surrounding environment with a density of 26 pixels per degree. The system also supports eye, hand, and head position tracking in six degrees of freedom. Four cameras monitor the eyes and are used for biometric unlocking as well.

Snapdragon Reality Elite and 12 GB of RAM

The external unit is built on the new Qualcomm Snapdragon Reality Elite. It also includes 12 GB of RAM and a 128 GB storage drive. Memory capacity can be expanded with a microSD card up to 1 TB.

The battery lasts up to three hours of high-resolution video playback. It supports 45 W charging, and the glasses can be used while charging.

Meta VR Glasses run on the same software platform as Quest and are compatible with the existing app catalog. Primary control is based on gaze direction, hand gestures, and Meta AI voice commands. Touch Plus controllers are not included in the box, but you can connect separately purchased controllers or use accessories from Quest 3 and Quest 3S.

Via USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode, you can directly connect a laptop, smartphone, handheld console, and other video sources to the device, using the glasses as a large virtual display. The system also supports Mac and PC virtual screens and Bluetooth peripherals.

Movies, games, and holographic calls

Meta VR Glasses became the first VR device to receive IMAX Enhanced certification. It supports Dolby Atmos and 3D content, and by launch Meta expects to offer thousands of compatible films and other materials. The company is also preparing more than 100 immersive sports broadcasts per year with panoramic imagery.

At launch, more than 75 games and apps will work with hand tracking only, without physical controllers. Additional games can be launched via Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Another feature has been named Hologram Calling. The glasses will generate a photorealistic image of the user for video calls, including WhatsApp and Zoom. However, the initial version of the technology will not be a full 6DoF volumetric hologram: the interlocutor will appear as a stereoscopic image with a fixed frontal perspective. Meta plans to add full volumetric representation later.

Price and release date

Meta VR Glasses will go on sale in spring 2027 at a price of $1300 for the 128 GB version. The exact launch date and official prices in euros have not yet been announced. For comparison, the current Apple Vision Pro with the M5 chip starts at $3499, meaning the Meta device is approximately 2.7 times cheaper.

The listed markets include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Poland, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Iceland, Finland, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.