Mixed Reactions to Meta's Latest Wearable
Following the unveiling of Meta's new VR glasses at Meta Connect 2026, the community has been vocal about the device. While some users are eager to experience the new hardware, a significant portion of the audience is debating whether the device qualifies as true VR or if it leans closer to AR territory.
The Dilemma of Immersion vs. Awareness
A primary point of contention among enthusiasts is the device's technical specifications, specifically the 70-degree field of view (FOV). Many users feel this is a significant step backward compared to the 110-degree FOV found on the Meta Quest 3.
Critics argue that the intentional design choice to allow peripheral light leakage undermines the immersive experience typically expected from virtual reality. As one commenter noted:
«Looks like two steps back for VR to me. 70 fov may be enough for AR, not for VR. All that light leakage may be good enough for AR, for VR it breaks immersion. These are AR glasses, not VR.»
However, some supporters argue that VR does not necessarily need to be fully encompassing, noting that Meta implemented these peripheral gaps intentionally after surveying users who desired better spatial awareness.
Pricing Concerns
Beyond technical debates, the $1,299 price tag has acted as a barrier for many potential early adopters. When compared to the $549 Meta Quest 3, users feel the cost is prohibitive. Even those interested in the technology are hesitant, suggesting that for the platform to succeed, the hardware needs to become more accessible.
One prospective user shared their perspective:
«This is a huge step indeed, but it has to get cheaper, not more expensive. Now if you want to keep gaming, you have to be rich or make choices again.»
While some hope for a future where such devices are more affordable—particularly those looking for lightweight alternatives to bulkier headsets for fitness applications—the current consensus remains cautious. The skepticism surrounding the design philosophy versus the premium cost suggests that Meta faces a challenge in convincing the core gaming community of the value proposition behind these new glasses.