Meta unveils tech advancements for future Virtual Reality headsets, hinting at potential successor to Meta Quest 4.
Meta's VR Prototypes Signal Promising Upgrades for Quest 4
Meta, the tech giant behind the popular Meta Quest VR headsets, has unveiled two new prototypes, Tiramisu and Boba 3, at the SIGGRAPH 2025 conference. These prototypes offer a glimpse into the future of virtual reality (VR) technology, hinting at significant improvements for the anticipated Meta Quest 4.
The Tiramisu prototype showcases a breakthrough in display technology. With micro-OLED panels, it boasts a resolution and pixel density 3.6 times that of the Meta Quest 3. This translates to hyperrealistic visuals, with a peak brightness of up to 1,400 nits and a contrast ratio three times greater than the Quest 3. Meta claims this represents a "new milestone for realism in VR."
On the other hand, the Boba 3 prototype is focused on expanding the field of view (FOV) of VR headsets. It offers a horizontal FOV of 180 degrees and a vertical FOV of 120 degrees, a significant improvement over current models. This means the Quest 4 could offer a much wider and more immersive viewing experience.
While the Boba 3 prototype is not expected to be the blueprint for the mainstream-friendly Meta Quest 4 just yet, it's worth noting that the Quest 4 is rumoured to feature a resolution around 2160 × 3840 pixels per eye, a refresh rate near or above 120 Hz, and enhanced mixed reality capabilities, including full color pass-through and advanced depth sensors for room mapping and object recognition.
The Quest 4 is also anticipated to be powered by a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 3 or newer chipset, with improved GPU performance, 8GB to 16GB RAM, and storage starting at 256GB. Practical design improvements, such as magnetic, removable face cushions for hygiene and multi-user use, are also expected. Battery life enhancements could enable 2.5 to 3 hours of typical usage and fast charging with USB-C, plus potential charging dock support.
The Tiramisu prototype uses micro OLED panels and glass lenses for maximum optical sharpness. However, the Boba 3 prototype, while offering impressive FOV improvements, is bulkier and heavier than today's consumer VR headsets.
In conclusion, the Tiramisu and Boba 3 prototypes suggest that the Meta Quest 4 will deliver dramatically enhanced visual fidelity, wider immersive FOV, and advanced mixed reality features. These improvements could make the Quest 4 a potential "next big thing in VR" with technologies close to photorealistic virtual experiences.
While Meta has not officially confirmed all specs or the exact release date, an unveiling in late 2025 or 2026 at Meta Connect is anticipated. However, it's important to note that the Boba 3 prototype is not expected to easily hit a mass-market price point, and it requires a top-of-the-line GPU and PC system.
Gadgets such as the Tiramisu and Boba 3, which are part of Meta Reality Labs' prototypes, showcase the latest advancements in technology for VR headsets like the Meta Quest 3. The Tiramisu prototype boasts a resolution and pixel density significantly higher than the Quest 3, while the Boba 3 offers a wider field of view, energying expectations for the anticipated Meta Quest 4.
