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Hands-on with Meta's next VR headset
Meta's new virtual reality glasses aim to be more appealing to the average person by reducing bulk and eliminating the need for handheld controllers. This is a significant step for Meta, as its previous VR devices have largely remained within the gaming community. To achieve a slimmer design, the new glasses require a wired external "puck" containing essential components like the processor, battery, and storage. Prototypes allow control through eye-tracking, hand gestures, and voice commands. Prescription lens inserts can be easily attached, similar to Apple's Vision Pro. These glasses are designed for diverse uses, including entertainment, gaming, and work. Early demonstrations included a unique hand-motion controlled game, watching sports, and using virtual monitors for coding. Meta envisions these VR glasses as a versatile "general device" not tied to a specific purpose. The product is considered the most practical combination of advanced features in a wearable form factor seen so far. Google is also developing a similar device, Project Aura, with Xreal, expected later this year. Meta claims its glasses offer advantages over Aura, such as a wider field of view and superior optical quality. The release is planned for next spring to ensure a high-quality software experience and make a strong initial impression. Meta anticipates modest sales but defines success by attracting users beyond the current gamer demographic.