meta XR smart glasses “Phoenix” It might not be launched but, but when there’s one factor we already know, it is that when it’s, it is going to want just a little assistance on the compute aspect. The assistance is Probably coming from the pack It is a pack we might have simply seen for the primary time.
new Mockup rendering shared on X by NoridoesvrClaiming to have seen a prototype of Meta’s {hardware} (rumored light-weight XR glasses formed like goggles), he gives extra perception into what the Undertaking Phoenix pack means.
Get your first take a look at Meta’s 2027 Undertaking Phoenix VR Glasses Compute Unit.
I modeled this based mostly on a bodily prototype I noticed. Be aware the waistband clip and high cooling vent. The design is topic to alter, however this represents a number of variations at present being examined. https://t.co/M0KgoTPlEU pic.twitter.com/IJPszfLfJg
— Nori🦈 (@noridoesvr) February 6, 2026
At first look, the Compute Pack seems very straightforward to make use of. It isn’t too huge and appears comparatively secure. It additionally has a waistband clip so you may carry it with out pockets. It does not appear to be a giant deal, however this might be one of many issues that turns folks away from Meta’s AR glasses.
As promising as the way forward for AR glasses is rapidly, cramming a whole pc right into a body that matches comfortably in your face isn’t any straightforward process. Miniaturization is troublesome, and sooner or later even perhaps inconceivable. Miniaturizing computer systems to suit your face straight violates Moore’s Regulation. You want the flexibility to do all types of processing in a light-weight, ergonomic type issue, and you want to do all of it with out burning a glasses-sized gap in somebody’s head (warmth isn’t any joke).
As a workaround to all these points, Meta appears interested by offloading the compute to the pack. It is a resolution that Google and Xreal are additionally interested by pursuing with Undertaking Aura. The partnership between Google and Xreal was just lately introduced in December and leverages wired packs to create a computer-like expertise that allows you to use Android apps on a big digital display. Think about Imaginative and prescient Professional. Nonetheless, the shape issue is far smaller.
Framed this manner, the worth proposition of tethered sensible glasses is smart. The Imaginative and prescient Professional could also be a powerful technological feat, however its weight and ensuing not-so-great battery make it a ache to put on for prolonged durations of time. Tethered sensible glasses take all the burden and do not put it in your face, which objectively places much less stress in your nostril and brow.
Nonetheless, in different respects each these type elements share the identical issues. Like Meta’s Phoenix sensible glasses and Undertaking Aura, the Imaginative and prescient Professional additionally requires its personal pack: a battery pack. To cut back weight, the Imaginative and prescient Professional is related to a battery together with wires, and you must carry the battery with you. This is not ultimate, however it’s a trade-off for a face-worn pc that does greater than mirror the display of a related gadget.
It is even much less ultimate contemplating the pack is on high of your physique. As you might have observed, there are This seems to be an exhaust fan on a computing pack, and is probably going accountable for drawing warmth away from the physique. It is onerous to inform, however should you take a look at the rendering, it is perhaps pointing upwards, proper? It is a unusual selection, and what I believe is the appropriate course may very well be the other. I hope this does not blow sizzling air into your torso.
Both approach you spin it, there are lots of drawbacks to utilizing pucks for computing, and people drawbacks could also be just a little an excessive amount of for some folks. The worst half is that you might be ready perpetually should you look ahead to Google, Meta, or ultimately Apple to shrink the shape issue to suit glasses with no pack. There isn’t any assure that the pack is the issue to resolve, however Meta’s upcoming Phoenix sensible glasses might present additional proof.
For now, we will not less than benefit from the showdown between Meta and Google when it is lastly launched. sometime in 2027 Each can be within the second half of 2026. Aren’t one of the best XR video glasses with moveable pc pack a winner?

