The Quest 4 Saga: A Glimpse into Meta's Future Plans
The Quest for the Next Generation of VR
In a recent interview, Meta's Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, has seemingly confirmed that the Quest 4 is still very much a part of their roadmap. This revelation comes amidst a sea of speculation and uncertainty surrounding Meta's VR ambitions.
A Leaky Roadmap
Back in June, UploadVR reported that the potential Quest 4 devices, codenamed Pismo Low and Pismo High, had been canceled. However, a subsequent leak in December revealed internal Meta memos, suggesting a different story. The memos hinted at a gaming-focused headset, a significant upgrade over the Quest 3, but with a potential price hike due to the lack of subsidization.
This development, along with the widely reported ultralight mixed reality headset, adds an intriguing layer to Meta's VR strategy. The ultralight headset, with its tethered puck, is expected to launch in the first half of 2027, according to the leaked information.
Meta's CFO: Optimism and Headsets
Meta's Chief Financial Officer, Susan Li, has also offered some insight. She stated that Meta remains optimistic about the future of VR and confirmed that they are actively 'building future headsets'. This statement, coupled with Bosworth's recent comments, has sparked hope and curiosity among VR enthusiasts and industry watchers.
A Quest 4 Comeback?
Given Meta's recent shift in focus towards AI glasses and wearables, and the subsequent closures and cancellations within their VR game studios, many had assumed the Quest 4 was a casualty. However, Li's comments, and now Bosworth's, suggest otherwise.
During his interview with Alex Heath, Bosworth hinted at two exciting devices on their roadmap. When pressed for a timeline, he playfully replied, 'a period of time - it could be anything, could be tomorrow'. This response, coupled with his reference to the 'leak' (the December memos), strongly indicates that the Quest 4 is still very much alive and kicking.
When Can We Expect These Devices?
Bosworth remained tight-lipped about specific timelines. However, based on the leaked memos and sources, UploadVR believes the ultralight headset will arrive in the first half of 2027, with the traditional Quest 4 following suit in the second half. Additionally, there's a codename floating around for the Quest 4 - 'Griffin'.
The ultralight headset is expected to focus on virtual screens for productivity and entertainment, while the Quest 4 will continue the immersive gaming experience that the Quest series is known for.
A Shifting Roadmap
It's important to note that Meta's hardware roadmap is fluid and subject to change. The company has a history of spinning up and canceling projects before they see the light of day. So, while the Quest 4 and the ultralight headset seem promising, we must remain cautious. As Bosworth himself said, 'it could be anything'.
Stay tuned for more updates, and keep an eye out for any reliable rumors as we get closer to these devices' potential release dates. Until then, keep that excitement in check, as anything can happen in the world of VR and Meta's ever-evolving roadmap.
Thoughts?
What are your thoughts on Meta's VR strategy? Do you think the Quest 4 will live up to the hype? Share your thoughts and join the discussion in the comments below!
