ByteDance’s Pico Enters Lightweight MR Race Against Meta

ByteDance, through its VR subsidiary Pico, is developing a new mixed reality (MR) glasses designed to compete with Meta’s next-generation product, according to foreign media reports. The move signals a shift in the spatial computing battleground from bulky VR headsets to more wearable, lightweight devices.

A Strategic Shift in Design

The upcoming Pico MR glasses adopt a lightweight design, weighing approximately 127 grams—comparable to niche products like the Bigscreen Beyond VR headset. To achieve this slim profile, the device will rely on an external processing unit connected via cable, handling most computational tasks externally. This approach mirrors Meta’s Orion AR glasses prototype, showcased in November 2024.

Dedicated Chip for Enhanced Performance

Sources indicate that Pico is developing a dedicated chip for the MR glasses to process sensor data efficiently. This chip aims to minimize latency between user movements and augmented reality (AR) visuals, ensuring a smoother experience. The focus on hardware optimization underscores the intensifying competition in the MR space.

Meta’s Parallel Moves

Meta has reportedly paused development of its Quest4 headset after launching the Quest3S, shifting resources toward lightweight MR glasses. The company has also prioritized AI wearables, such as smart glasses developed with Oakley. Industry analysts suggest Meta’s next-gen Quest product may resemble smart glasses rather than traditional VR headsets.

Industry Implications

The alignment between ByteDance and Meta’s product roadmaps highlights a broader industry trend: lightweight, split-processing MR devices are emerging as the future of spatial computing. Both companies are betting on sleeker designs that prioritize wearability without sacrificing performance.

Key Points:

• ByteDance’s Pico is developing 127-gram MR glasses with an external processing unit.
• The device targets Meta’s next-gen product, reflecting a shift toward lightweight wearables.
• A dedicated chip will handle sensor data to reduce AR latency.
• Meta has pivoted from VR headsets to focus on MR glasses and AI wearables.
• The competition signals a broader industry move toward split-processing, glasses-style devices.