Meta is developing headsets with an incredible 180 degree field of view. Is virtual reality finally about to go mainstream?

The new headsets are still in development and are not available to the public. But a new research paper from Meta gives us an idea of what’s in store…

Meta’s New Headsets

Meta is working on two new headsets, one that’s pure virtual reality and another that’s mixed reality. The latter allows you to see the real environment along with the headset’s graphics, similar to Apple’s Vision Pro.

The most exciting feature is the ridiculous field of view.

Meta’s new headsets let you see a full 180 degrees around you. Existing headsets from Meta and Apple are much more limited, offering only 95-110 degrees of visibility.

That will make these headsets much more useful in the real world and much more immersive. And while some 180 degree headsets exist today from niche manufacturers, they are extremely bulky and not practical for most users.

Will VR Ever Be Popular?

Meta’s new headsets are impressive. But I don’t think headsets like these will ever be popular.

Current headsets are heavy. They range from 600-650g for the Vision Pro to a whopping 722 for the Meta Quest Pro.

Many users complain about pain from prolonged use. Meta doesn’t say what the new headsets weigh, but they look bulky.

Let me give you an idea of just how heavy these existing headsets are…

I recently got a new pair of glasses. They’re great, except for one thing: they’re a little heavy.

I just took them over to my kitchen scale to see exactly what they weigh. They clock in at 32 grams.

I’m thinking of spending hundreds of dollars on a new pair just to save 11 grams. And I’m much more used to wearing something on my face than most people — I’ve worn glasses since I was 4 years old!

It’s hard enough getting people to wear prescription glasses they need. A friend of mine won’t wear them despite having difficulty making out road signs.

I don’t think people will wear anything heavier than glasses. That’s why projects like Google Glass are the best shot at mass adoption for VR/MR.

Wrap-Up

If I could get something like Google Glass that worked well at a reasonable price, I’d buy it. It would be great for work — I could pop up giant, virtual screens while still seeing the trees out the window.

But I wouldn’t wear a computer on my face all the time. I want to experience the real world. See the sun, touch the grass.

And I don’t want a computer in the way.

Still, I’m excited to see what Meta releases. Even if their next headset isn’t perfect, it may be a step toward an incredible product in the future…

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