Meta, formerly Facebook, has officially announced its latest virtual reality headset, codenamed “Project Horizon.” The device, rumored for months, promises significant improvements over the current Quest 2 model, including a higher resolution display, lighter design, and enhanced hand-tracking capabilities.
The announcement, made during a live-streamed event, emphasized Meta’s commitment to making VR more accessible to the average consumer. CEO Mark Zuckerberg highlighted the potential of “Project Horizon” for gaming, social interaction, and even professional applications like remote collaboration and training.
“We believe VR has the power to transform how we connect, work, and play,” Zuckerberg stated. “Project Horizon represents a major step forward in realizing that vision. We’re focused on creating a truly immersive and user-friendly experience that anyone can enjoy.”
Key improvements touted by Meta include:
- Enhanced Display: A significantly higher resolution display, rumored to be close to 4K per eye, promising sharper visuals and reduced “screen-door effect.”
- Lighter Design: A more ergonomic and lightweight design, addressing a common complaint about previous VR headsets.
- Advanced Hand Tracking: Improved hand-tracking technology, allowing for more natural and intuitive interactions within VR environments.
- Expanded Content Library: Meta also announced partnerships with several major game developers and content creators to expand the VR content library.
Pricing and a specific release date were not revealed, but sources suggest a launch in the latter half of [Year] with a price point expected to be competitive with existing high-end VR headsets. The move is seen as a critical step for Meta in its bid to dominate the burgeoning metaverse market. Competitors, including Sony with its PlayStation VR2 and emerging players in the AR/VR space, are expected to respond with their own innovations in the coming months.