Meta Connect 2025 may reveal a new VR headset, but not the one you think — and I can't wait for it

With Meta Connect 2025 kicking off soon, we're gearing up to hear all about new smart glasses (including the rumored Ray-Ban Meta Display specs) from CEO Mark Zuckerberg during his big keynote. So, any room for a VR headset?

It makes sense that Meta is going all-in on next-gen smart glasses, combining AI and AR into a single set of frames. With the futuristic Rokid AR glasses and Snap Specs for consumers already showcasing what the future of smart glasses looks like, Meta is coming in hot to cross the finish line first with its own Meta "Hypernova" smart glasses.

But that appears to be at the detriment of Meta's usual focus: VR headsets. Despite last year's Connect showing off the highly popular Meta Quest 3S, this year's big show is looking to have one of Meta's key products missing. So, if you were hoping for a Meta Quest 4 to be revealed, I wouldn't bet on it.

That said, there's another VR headset that may get the spotlight instead, and while it may not be a next-gen Quest, it could be a VR headset made for gaming — and it comes from Asus. It's the one VR headset I've been keeping my eye on, and there's a big chance Meta could reveal the headset at Meta Connect 2025.

Don't expect a Meta Quest 4

There's been plenty of rumors around Meta Quest 4, and while it's been reported that Meta is already working on a new VR headset, there's still no official word that it's arriving any time soon.

Still, there's a strong indication that Meta is keeping its VR headset plans on hold. This year, Meta appears to be focused on all things smart glasses. That's for good reason, as the Ray-Ban Meta Display glasses already look to impress. However, hopes of a Meta Quest 4 are dwindling, as it's recently been rumored to arrive in 2027.

According to leakers Brad Lynch and Luna on X, Meta looks to switch the launch of the Quest 4 from next year to 2027 in favor of its new smart specs. Apparently, it's due to two planned prototype headsets, codenamed "Pismo Low" (a budget model similar to the Quest 3S) and "Pismo High" (a high-end headset akin to the Quest 3), being canceled. That, and having another headset come in its stead.

At the very least, we've seen hints of what the next Quest headset could offer. That includes new Meta prototype headsets that combine a goggle-like design with ultra-wide VR. Of course, we won't know until Zuckerberg spills the beans during the keynote, but perhaps there may be another VR headset on the way instead.

Now's the time for that Asus ROG VR headset

So, remember Meta announcing a partnership with Asus ROG to develop a "performance gaming headset" in 2024? Well, hardly anything has come of it since (aside from an interesting leak), but if there was ever a time for Meta to reveal a third-party headset that's not a Quest, Connect 2025 would be that time.

Earlier this year, the Asus ROG VR headset, codenamed "Tarius," was rumored to be the first third-party headset to ship with Meta Horizon OS. Just like the Meta Quest 3 and 3S, it would offer familiar features, menus and even VR games. Think of it like the Asus ROG Xbox Ally bringing Microsoft's own gaming UI to a third-party handheld, but this time with Meta's VR space.

That already makes for an exciting headset, as Horizon OS has become the de facto platform for easy navigation around virtual reality. But aside from Meta specifically stating that Asus "will use its expertise as a leader in gaming solutions to develop an all-new performance gaming headset," there are other specs to get excited about.

According to the leak from notable tipster Luna on X, the Asus ROG "Tarius" headset will feature eye-tracking and face-tracking, with either QD-LCD or micro-OLED displays. That, and local dimming to automatically adjust brightness in specific areas to improve picture quality.

With that, we could be getting fantastic visuals like other premium VR headsets, with visuals like the PSVR 2, albeit as a standalone gaming headset instead. That's pure speculation, though, as rumors for Asus' headset are few and far between.

Will Asus join the Meta party?

It's clear Meta has its sights set on smart glasses this year, and the Meta Connect 2025 event is geared towards showcasing how far the company has come on in delivering the future of AI glasses. But Asus' ROG VR headset may be the surprise VR fans will want.

Whether this headset is announced during Meta Connect or at Asus' own event? It's unclear, but at the very least, Zuckerberg will be talking about "Meta's vision for artificial intelligence and the metaverse," according to Meta's programming agenda, and we're still getting an "in-depth look at the latest in AI, virtual reality and wearables."

That means VR isn't off the table. If a Meta Quest 4 isn't set to be revealed anytime soon, perhaps the Asus ROG "Tarius" VR headset will be Meta's next big VR venture instead.

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