ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is reportedly expanding its product line by developing a mixed reality headset. According to a report from The Information, this ambitious project is being spearheaded by Pico, a virtual reality startup acquired by ByteDance.
Mixed Reality Headset Details
The new headset aims to differentiate itself from the competition by featuring a slim and compact design, comparable in size to the Bigscreen Beyond VR headset. This design strategy involves offloading most of the computing workload to a separate device, often referred to as a “puck,” which will connect to the headset via a wire. This approach is reminiscent of the Apple Vision Pro, which also utilizes an external battery pack for processing power.
In addition to its design, the headset is expected to incorporate specialized chipsets designed to reduce lag and latency, enhancing the user experience and setting it apart from existing products on the market.
Competitive Landscape
Despite the potential for innovation, ByteDance will face significant competition as it enters the mixed reality space. Notably, Apple is rumored to be working on a second-generation version of the Vision Pro, while Meta continues to expand its portfolio of headsets and smart glasses.
Furthermore, tech giants Google and Samsung are also in the mix, developing their own devices under Project Moohan. Google has additionally created Android XR, a specialized platform tailored for mixed reality applications.
While Meta currently dominates the market with products like its Ray-Ban smart glasses, the wearable technology sector is still developing. ByteDance’s entry into this field could disrupt the status quo, much as TikTok did upon its launch.
As the landscape evolves, it will be intriguing to see how ByteDance leverages its existing strengths to carve out a niche in this competitive arena. The company’s move into mixed reality could signal a new chapter in its growth trajectory, pushing beyond its well-established TikTok brand.
