Palmer Luckey, the founder of the company that pioneered the modern era of virtual reality (VR), has announced plans to release a new VR headset. Despite being acquired by Facebook (now Meta) in 2014, Luckey has expressed dissenting views on Meta’s approach to VR development. In a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Luckey revealed his upcoming announcement at the Augmented World Expo (AWE).
Luckey’s decision to venture out on his own stems from his belief that low-cost VR headsets, championed by Meta, have not effectively driven the advancement of virtual reality. Since parting ways with Meta in 2017, Luckey has consistently advocated for higher-quality VR experiences.
The VR landscape has evolved significantly since Luckey’s departure from Meta. Apple has entered the fray with its highly anticipated Apple Vision Pro, while Meta continues to refine its offerings with the Quest 3. Sony has also made waves with its console-supported PSVR2, and HTC has introduced the midrange Vive XR Elite.
Despite the competitive landscape, Luckey’s experience and understanding of the VR market make him a formidable player. His announcement has generated significant buzz in the industry, and it remains to be seen whether he can replicate the success he achieved with the original Oculus Rift VR headset.
