Meta has unveiled new VR glasses priced at $1,299, marking a significant shift in the company's virtual reality strategy by moving to a lighter glasses form factor rather than bulky headsets. The device, unveiled at Meta Connect on Wednesday, aims to provide users with an accessible, wearable alternative to existing VR headsets and represents the company's first major VR release since the Meta Quest 3 in 2024.

The new glasses weigh five times less than their predecessor, achieved by outsourcing the processor and battery to a separate puck tethered to the device by wire. Key specifications include a 5K micro-OLED display certified by IMAX, support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, three hours of battery life, an integrated AI agent, and hand-gesture controls for over 75 games at launch. Content partnerships include 3D versions of Disney films such as "The Avengers" and "Black Panther," titles from Lionsgate, streamers Peacock, HBO Max and Paramount+, and immersive sporting experiences through deals with the NBA, MLB and ESPN. The glasses will begin shipping in spring 2027.