Huawei is tipped to be working on a virtual reality (VR) headset that will compete with the Apple Vision Pro. The alleged high-end headset will be launched by the company in late 2024, according to details shared by a tipster. Apple's advanced spatial computer supports both augmented reality (AR) and VR content and runs on a special operating system called visionOS, while users can interact with the device using their eyes, finger gestures and through a virtual keyboard.
X (formerly known as Twitter) user Mochamad Farido Fanani shared details of Huawei's rumored VR headset in a message stating that the Chinese tech conglomerate's device will be powered by a “flagship processor”. However, it is worth viewing these claims with some skepticism, as the user does not have a proven track record of reliably leaking information.
While there's no word on which chip will power Huawei's headset, Apple's first mixed reality headset will be powered by two processors: Apple's M2 chip for standard operations and a new dedicated R1 chip to handle spatial input from the camera, microphones and sensors .
According to Fanani, Huawei's alleged VR headset will come equipped with an internal fan-powered heat dissipation system for thermal management, while the device would run on external batteries. This sounds similar to Apple's approach with the first-generation Vision Pro headset, which also runs on external batteries.
Huawei isn't the only one trying to develop a VR headset, Fanani says. Former Huawei sub-brand Honor is also working on a virtual reality headset system. However, the tipster did not share any details regarding the hardware of the device. Samsung is also reportedly working on its 'Infinite' extended reality (XR) headset, which could arrive in the second half of 2024.
Months before Apple unveiled the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset at WWDC 2023, Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi at MWC 2023 unveiled its Wireless AR Glass Discovery Edition, a headset powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR 2 Gen 1 chip. The smart glasses support both AR and VR content. The headset features advanced “retina-level” displays and supports Xiaomi's AR gesture control.
Last year, Oppo launched its second assisted reality headset, the Oppo Air Glass 2, at the company's annual Oppo Inno Day in China. The device supports speech-to-text functions and can translate conversations in real time, make phone calls and display location-based navigation instructions. The wearable device weighs 38 grams, according to the company.