When it comes to advancing standalone XR headsets, reducing weight and boosting performance are critical elements. Meta, the tech giant, recently demonstrated its Orion AR glasses prototype featuring a wireless compute unit, but according to Meta’s CTO, Andrew Bosworth, such a setup isn’t the ultimate solution for standalone VR gaming systems.
Bosworth, who spearheads the Reality Labs XR team at Meta, often engages in lively Instagram Q&A sessions. These interactions cover a broad spectrum of topics, blending both professional insights and personal anecdotes. During a recent session, he shed light on the topic of wireless compute units and explained why Meta doesn’t see them as a suitable option for its standalone VR headsets.
“We’ve explored this concept multiple times. But, the idea of using wireless compute pucks doesn’t quite hit the mark,” Bosworth elaborated. “Even if you go wireless, the headset still requires a battery, which significantly contributes to its weight. True, you might benefit from greater thermal space, potentially enhancing performance. However, you’re somewhat limited by bandwidth, given the reliance on a radio connection.”
Amid these technical challenges, Meta is concentrating on developing products that are accessible to a broad range of consumers. Take their Quest 3S, for instance, which starts at a budget-friendly $300 for the 128GB version. Bosworth delved deeper, explaining: “Going down this road increases costs significantly. Even if your primary chip is within the wireless compute puck, you still need substantial silicon to power the displays, manage local corrections, and handle the data stream. Essentially, the math doesn’t add up. It barely shaves off any weight and ramps up both cost and complexity.”
Interestingly, this stance contrasts with Meta’s approach with their Orion prototype, which does include a wireless compute unit. Despite its sky-high production cost—around $10,000 per unit due to its intricate silicon carbide lenses—the Orion proves that there are scenarios where wireless pucks are practical, particularly for AR glasses that deliver less intensive graphics.
However, Bosworth has cautioned that when Meta eventually rolls out its first AR glasses for consumers, they won’t match the Quest’s price tag. Back in September, he indicated that this device won’t be cheap, though the company strives to position it within the realm of standard phone or laptop prices, aiming to maintain some level of affordability.
