Meta is working on mixed-reality glasses, but they’re probably years away

Meta is working on a smaller mixed-reality device that looks like a large pair of glasses, according to a report from The Information. The glasses, reportedly codenamed Puffin, may not arrive until 2027 - if the project comes to fruition at all.

Sources tell The Information that the glasses could weigh around 110 grams, putting it somewhere between Meta's lightweight Ray-Ban smart glasses and the bulkier Quest 3 headset. It seems Meta will have to make some adjustments for the device's smaller form factor, though, as The Information reports the glasses may have an external pack containing its battery and processor - similar to the wired battery pack that comes with the Apple Vision Pro.

The mixed reality glasses are rumored to feature pancake lenses, which could allow the device to have a slimmer profile. It will also reportedly offer video passthrough so wearers can see their surroundings beyond the displays, as well as use hand- and eye-tracking for controls.

This latest rumor could suggest that Meta is exploring ways to make its devices more appealing to users who may not want to don a heavy headset for long periods of time. Last week, a report from The Information revealed that Meta had ended development on a high-end mixed-reality headset codenamed La Jolla. Meta is also getting ready to reveal its new Orion smart glasses during the company's Connect conference in September.