Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, has reportedly put its plans for a high-end mixed-reality headset on hold. This decision comes as the company re-evaluates its hardware strategy in the face of increasing competition, particularly from Apple’s highly anticipated Vision Pro headset.
According to the New York Post the high-end mixed-reality headset, codenamed “Project La Jolla,” was designed to compete directly with Apple’s Vision Pro, offering a premium experience with advanced features like high-resolution displays, powerful processors, and sophisticated hand tracking technology. However, according to the New York Post, sources familiar with the matter have stated that Meta has decided to pause development of the project.
Several factors may have contributed to Meta’s decision to pause Project La Jolla. One possibility is the significant investment required to bring such a complex product to market. Developing and manufacturing a high-end mixed-reality headset is a costly endeavor, and Meta may have concluded that the potential returns do not justify the risks especially when you consider the low sales of its ridiculously expensive Quest Pro headset.
The pause in Project La Jolla does not necessarily mean that Meta has abandoned its ambitions in the mixed-reality space. The company has already released several virtual reality headsets, including the Oculus Quest and Quest 2, which have been somewhat successful in the consumer market. It is possible that Meta may choose to focus on developing more affordable and accessible mixed-reality devices in the future.
The pause in the production and design of this headset is a significant development for Meta and the mixed-reality industry as a whole. While it remains to be seen how the company will proceed with its hardware strategy, this decision by Meta Platforms highlights the challenges and uncertainties facing the market. As competition intensifies and consumer expectations evolve, it is likely that we will see further shifts and changes in the mixed-reality landscape.
