ByteDance's Pico Developing Lightweight MR Glasses to Rival Meta
ByteDance's Pico Enters Lightweight MR Race Against Meta
ByteDance is making strategic moves in the mixed reality space through its VR subsidiary Pico, according to industry reports. The company is developing new lightweight MR glasses designed to compete directly with Meta's next-generation product, marking a significant shift in the spatial computing competition between the two tech giants.
Design and Technical Specifications
The upcoming device represents a departure from Pico's previous strategy of competing with Meta's Quest series. Key features include:
- 127-gram weight (comparable to niche products like Bigscreen Beyond)
- Ultra-thin form factor
- Split computing architecture (processing handled by external unit connected via cable)
Technological Approach
Pico's technical solution mirrors Meta's Orion AR glasses prototype showcased in late 2024. To ensure optimal performance, Pico is reportedly developing:
- A dedicated chip for sensor data processing
- Advanced algorithms to minimize motion-to-photon latency
- Enhanced AR visual rendering capabilities
Industry Shift Toward Lightweight Designs
This development aligns with broader industry trends:
- Meta has reportedly paused Quest 4 development in favor of lightweight MR glasses
- Both companies are focusing on wearable AI devices (Meta recently partnered with Oakley on smart glasses)
- Next-generation products are expected to resemble smart glasses rather than traditional VR headsets
Competitive Landscape Analysis
The parallel strategies suggest:
- Shared vision for the future of spatial computing
- Emphasis on all-day wearable devices over occasional-use headsets
- Potential convergence of AR and VR technologies into unified MR platforms
Key Points:
- ByteDance's Pico developing 127g MR glasses targeting Meta's next-gen device
- External processing unit enables ultra-thin design
- Dedicated chip being developed for sensor processing
- Industry shifting focus from VR headsets to lightweight MR wearables
- Meta has reportedly paused Quest 4 development for similar product category