Meta, formerly known as Facebook, made waves in the virtual reality (VR) world with the release of its Quest Pro VR headsets in 2022. These advanced VR headsets, powered by Snapdragon chips and featuring touch controllers and embedded sensors, have garnered significant attention. However, Meta is not resting on its laurels and is gearing up for another groundbreaking move: a collaboration with LG Electronics to develop a new mixed-reality headset.

A Challenge to Apple’s Vision Pro

The purpose of this partnership is clear: to compete with Apple’s recently unveiled AR headset, the ‘Vision Pro.’ Apple’s foray into mixed reality was announced earlier this year, with plans to make the headset available for purchase in early 2024. In response, Meta and LG are joining forces to create a mixed-reality device that can rival the Vision Pro.

According to reports, Meta is expected to release its budget-friendly VR/AR model, priced at under $200, in 2024. This model is designed to cater to a wide audience, making mixed reality more accessible. On the other hand, the high-end collaborative model with LG is slated for release in 2025.

The ‘Meta Quest 4 Pro’ Speculation

There’s also speculation about the name of this device, with some suggesting it could be called the ‘Meta Quest 4 Pro.’ The inclusion of ‘Pro’ in the name hints that this headset might indeed be the result of the 2025 collaboration between Meta and LG.

LG’s History in Mixed Reality

It’s worth noting that LG Electronics delved into mixed reality (MR) technology as early as 2019 when they applied for a mixed reality patent and began dedicating resources to research and development (R&D). While it’s too early to confirm whether this patent and the recent collaboration are directly related, further information is expected to surface in due course.

Apple’s Vision Pro: A Glimpse of the Competition

In related news, Apple’s Vision Pro incorporates cutting-edge micro-OLED technology. To get a better understanding of how Apple’s mixed reality headset stacks up against Meta Quest Pro and HTC Vive XR Elite, check out our detailed Apple Vision Pro comparison story.

Conclusion

The world of mixed reality is heating up, with major players like Meta, LG, and Apple vying to define the future of immersive technology. As these tech giants continue to innovate and collaborate, consumers can look forward to exciting advancements in VR and AR experiences in the years to come. Stay tuned for more updates on Meta and LG’s joint venture in the mixed-reality realm.