GoKawiilMeta's slim 'Project Phoenix' mixed-reality glasses leak via firmware images
UploadVR published images purportedly showing Meta's unannounced Project Phoenix headset, discovered inside a HorizonOS Prescription Lens firmware package. The design resembles a glasses-style frame with outward- and downward-facing cameras in the earpieces and a wire that likely connects to an external battery or compute puck, positioning it between bulky VR headsets and lightweight smart glasses. The device reportedly isn't expected to ship until next year, ahead of Meta Connect on September 23rd.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The leak signals Meta wants a middle-ground product to rival mixed-reality glasses from Xreal and Viture, rather than only competing at the smart-glasses or full-VR extremes. It also mirrors Google's own Project Aura effort, suggesting an industry-wide push toward wired, puck-powered glasses as a lighter alternative to standalone headsets like the Quest 3.
- Firmware files reportedly reveal Meta's unannounced Project Phoenix glasses design.
- The device appears to use an external wired puck, likely for battery or compute power.
- It targets a niche between smart glasses and full VR headsets, similar to Google's Project Aura.
Meta Quest 3S VR Headset — While Project Phoenix is still a leak, the Quest 3S is Meta's mixed reality headset you can actually strap on today. It runs the same Horizon OS ecosystem referenced in the leaked firmware, with full-color passthrough for mixed reality games, fitness apps, and giant virtual screens.
See Meta Quest 3S VR Headset on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: theverge.com — Stevie Bonifield, 2026-09-11
Published there as: “Meta may have leaked the first look at its slim ‘Project Phoenix’ headset”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.