The first images of Meta's Project Phoenix mixed reality headset have leaked and there's a reason it's so thin and light

Date:
Sat, 12 Sep 2026 13:30:00 +0000

Description:
We've got our first proper look at Meta Project Phoenix and the headset looks more like a pair of smart glasses.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter We may have our first proper look at Meta's Project Phoenix The glimpse comes from inside the Horizon OS software An official launch is expected to happen sometime in 2027 We've
known for a while now that Meta is working on a new mixed reality (MR) headset, able to blend the real world and digital landscapes together, under the codename Project Phoenix and the first images of the device just leaked out.

The leak comes courtesy of UploadVR (via Engadget ), and the pictures were apparently hidden away in the latest version of the Horizon OS software for the Meta Quest devices. They're part of the support section of the software, showing how prescription lenses can be fitted inside the Project Phoenix headset. You can see from the image (embedded below) that the line between headsets and smart glasses is blurring here. In terms of size and shape these look more like specs than something along the lines of the Meta Quest 3S . Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

Nevertheless, the device has cameras on the front for 'seeing' rather than transparent lenses, so it's technically very much a 'headset'. Perhaps we'll need to come up with another word for this product category, or maybe Meta will do it for us. Coming soon First official visuals of Meta's Project Phoenix, found in the HorizonOS Prescription Lens firmware package! pic.twitter.com/YmN0SCJNCD September 10, 2026 Besides the design, the images don't reveal a whole lot about Project Phoenix, except how you put prescription lenses in and scan a QR code presumably to get them configured properly so you're able to see the outside world properly. You may like Metas super-sensing AI glasses edge one step closer to reality I finally tried
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However, we do see a cable running down from the device, backing up previous rumors that there will be a connected component somewhere else, holding the battery and possibly some of the processing power.

That's what makes the Project Phoenix headset so thin and light, and it's something we've seen on other hardware like this, including the Apple Vision Pro . A battery especially takes up a lot of space and adds a lot of weight, so it makes sense to have it somewhere else (though it's not clear exactly
how you'll keep it attached to your person). Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

With a 2027 launch date previously predicted by those in the know, all eyes will now be on the Meta Connect event that gets underway on Wednesday, September 23. Meta is going to be announcing updates on a lot of its
products, and maybe on this MR headset too. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Today's best VR headset deals Sony PlayStation VR2 469 442
View See all prices voucher gift Low Stock Meta Quest 3S 69.99 View See all prices Samsung Galaxy XR 249 View See all prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/virtual-reality-augmented-reality/the-firs t-images-of-metas-project-phoenix-mixed-reality-headset-have-leaked-and-theres -a-reason-its-so-thin-and-light


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