Meta Quest Pro Prototype Is Reportedly Leaked Before Official Launch

Some of the biggest tech leaks of all time are due to prototypes left behind by early testers and engineers.

Whether it’s a bar, the back seat of a taxi, or elsewhere, forgotten pre-release units are an enduring backbone of tech journalism.

Following that tradition, today we have an archetype of MetaThe upcoming Meta Quest Pro headset is on display after its tester was apparently left in a hotel room.

The leak comes through Zectariuz Gaming Facebook PageWho recorded a video of myself Remove the device from its packaging. The account also posted some photos, but those photos appear to have been deleted at the time of this writing.

Abandoned prototype, later claimed by its rightful owner (per The Verge), seems to match the Project Cambria headset that Meta teased in its recent VR and Metaverse-related content.

The interior of the device seems to have a “halo” design, similar to the PSVR and PlayStation VR2would hang the display in front of the user’s eyes by distributing weight around their head, rather than relying on an eyeglass-like mounting system that attaches the head-mounted display to the user’s face and nose, like Mission 1 and Mission 2 do.

Than: Sony reveals first images of redesigned PlayStation VR2

In addition to the heavily remodeled headset, the included controls also appear to have undergone a complete overhaul. The new design is a bit more compact, has a different button layout, and does a better job of hiding any LEDs or sensors that Meta is using this time around by skipping the Task 1 light ring and 2.

A new, angled, flat spot for the user’s thumb seems to have been added as well, which I’m personally looking forward to testing. I never quite found a comfortable position for that digit to land without accidentally pressing a button on the Quest 2 controller.

Finally, a small dent that looks like three metal contacts can be seen on the side of the controller. The pogo pin-like connector can, if we let our imagination run wild, be able to use additional accessories such as new sensors or controller peripherals. As pictured, a two-handed gun collar that can connect to both controllers at the same time for a true FPS-like experience, or a fishing rod handle that includes a built-in reel that you actually can rotate. Third-party accessory makers have been trying to create products like this for years, but have been stymied by the lack of first-party support. It’s time to change.

With the leaked prototype apparently now back in Meta’s hands, we’ll likely have to wait until October for more information. Meanwhile, it looks like Facebook’s new flagship headset will offer some compelling changes and slimmer profile when it finally launches.