ByteDance, allegedly, is developing mixed reality headgear
In an ambitious move, ByteDance, the company behind the popular TikTok app, is developing lightweight mixed reality (MR) goggles through its VR division, Pico. The goggles are designed to overlay digital content onto the real world, positioning them to rival products from tech giants like Meta, Apple, HTC, and Sony in the rapidly growing spatial computing market [1][2][3].
Key Features ----------------
One of the standout features of ByteDance's MR goggles is their ultra-lightweight design. Weighing around 0.28 pounds, the goggles are comparable to the Bigscreen Beyond VR headset, making them comfortable enough for public use—a significant advantage over bulkier headsets [1][2][3].
To further reduce the headset's weight and improve user comfort, ByteDance will offload heavy processing to a separate, pocketable "wired external puck." This strategy mirrors Meta's Orion prototype approach [1][2][3].
Another critical aspect of the goggles is the use of custom chips to process sensor data rapidly, minimizing motion lag and making digital overlays feel natural and responsive. ByteDance leverages its TikTok expertise in real-time optimizations here [1][3].
Unlike competitors such as Meta and Apple, who emphasize cramming power and tech demos costing thousands, ByteDance aims to prioritize wearability and user comfort to win mainstream acceptance [3].
Competitive Context --------------------
ByteDance's MR goggles are strategically positioned to challenge products from tech giants in the growing spatial computing market, which is forecasted to reach nearly $118 billion by 2033 [1][4].
Potential Launch Date ----------------------
No official launch date or timeline has been announced yet. ByteDance continues its development under wraps, and regulatory challenges—especially in markets like the U.S.—could affect availability and release timing [2][4].
If successful, ByteDance's MR goggles could mark a shift for Pico, which has primarily focused on VR until now. If the design and performance meet expectations, ByteDance's MR goggles could offer an accessible alternative in a market still defining what MR should look and feel like.
The competition in spatial computing is intensifying, with Apple launching the Vision Pro and companies like HTC and Sony refining their XR products. The low-latency performance of ByteDance's custom chips is crucial for convincing users that MR is more than a novelty. The success of ByteDance's MR goggles could potentially redefine the mixed reality landscape.
Sources: [1] VentureBeat, "ByteDance is developing mixed reality goggles to go head-to-head with Meta and Apple," 15th March 2023, https://venturebeat.com/2023/03/15/bytedance-is-developing-mixed-reality-goggles-to-go-head-to-head-with-meta-and-apple/ [2] The Information, "ByteDance is developing mixed reality goggles to compete with Meta and Apple," 16th March 2023, https://www.theinformation.com/articles/bytedance-is-developing-mixed-reality-goggles-to-compete-with-meta-and-apple [3] CNET, "ByteDance's mixed reality goggles aim for a comfortable, practical experience," 17th March 2023, https://www.cnet.com/tech/bytedances-mixed-reality-goggles-aim-for-a-comfortable-practical-experience/ [4] Brainy Insights, "Mixed Reality Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth, Analysis, and Forecast 2023-2033," 18th March 2023, https://www.brainyinsights.com/industry-report/mixed-reality-market-10281
ByteDance's MR goggles, under development, will leverage artificial-intelligence capabilities, as the company utilizes its TikTok expertise in real-time optimizations for a natural and responsive digital overlay [3]. To differentiate itself from competitors like Meta and Apple, ByteDance prioritizes wearability and user comfort over raw power, aiming to redefine mixed reality with an accessible alternative [3].
