Technonlogy,Blog New Meta prototype headsets combine goggle-like design with ultra-wide VR — and it could be a sneak peek at the Meta Quest 4

New Meta prototype headsets combine goggle-like design with ultra-wide VR — and it could be a sneak peek at the Meta Quest 4



The Meta Quest 4 may not arrive until 2027, but for now, we may have seen a sneak peek of what the next VR headset is heading towards — and it comes with a mighty field of view


Researchers at Meta Reality Labs have revealed VR and MR headset prototypes offering an ultra-wide horizontal FOV of 180 degrees, with a goggle-like design that hangs over the user’s face. This is a huge leap over the Meta Quest 3, which offers around a 100-degree FOV.
The researchers show the VR and MR prototype headsets in the report, comparing their views to those of a Meta Quest 3 in virtual and mixed reality. The VR prototype has an extremely wide field of view thanks to “high-curvature reflective polarizers” in a custom optical design. The MR headset has the same FOV but uses 80MP cameras at 60 frames per second (FPS). A video demonstrates the distinct differences in what is visible between mixed reality and virtual reality. The prototype’s FOV offers a wider horizontal view, now with a person in sight, while the Quest 3 is shown with a circular view of an office. According to the findings of the research report, “We [developed] a pair of wide field-of-view headsets, each achieving a horizontal FOV of 180 degrees with resolution and form factor comparable to current consumer devices.” “Our prototype headsets establish a new state-of-the-art in immersive virtual and mixed reality experiences, pointing to the user benefits of wider FOVs for entertainment and telepresence applications.”
The aim of these headsets is to bring our sight closer to what is seen in VR and MR because humans have a horizontal field of view of around 200 degrees, as the report points out. According to Road to VR, other consumer VR devices, like the Pimax Crystal Super, which has a 140-degree field of view, “come at the cost of larger form factors, limiting physical comfort and social acceptance,” are also mentioned. This would be a significant upgrade for many of the best VR headsets, but it is uncertain whether these prototypes will ever be used. The VR and MR headset prototypes may give us an idea of what to expect from next-generation devices, despite the fact that it is rumored that the Meta Quest 4 will be delayed in favor of the smart glasses called “Meta Celeste.” According to a Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman, “Quest 4 VR goggles” have been circulating. Given that these prototypes resemble more of a goggle-like design, it’s possible that Meta is moving in this direction. Additionally, this could be a significant upgrade for the forthcoming VR headset due to the increase in horizontal FOV, which enables greater immersion in virtual reality and augmented reality. Still, this is only a prototype, and it’s unclear whether Meta will ultimately incorporate something like this into its plans.
If the rumored Meta Quest 4 includes a broader perspective, it will undoubtedly be welcomed. It will be interesting to see what kind of upgrades it includes.

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