TikTok Users Pursue Integration of Augmented Reality Glasses for User Faces
ByteDance, the company behind TikTok, is reportedly venturing into the XR hardware market with the development of a new device, codenamed Phoenix, according to a report by The Information [1][2]. This device, which takes the form of lightweight goggles tethered to a pocketable "puck" that acts as a power source and computational unit, emphasizes portability and reduced latency through specialized chips that ByteDance is creating [1].
The Phoenix AR goggles are currently in development with no finalized design or release date, but the project is active as of mid-2025 [1]. Compared to Meta's planned release of its Phoenix XR device in 2027, ByteDance seems to be aiming for a competitive or earlier launch window [2].
ByteDance's strategy with the Phoenix AR goggles appears to be a shift towards lighter-weight, goggle-style XR glasses, aligning with consumer preferences for less bulky, socially acceptable form factors [2]. This contrasts with Apple's Vision Pro, which is a more substantial headset designed to deliver high-fidelity spatial computing and mixed reality experiences.
Meta’s Phoenix device and ByteDance’s goggles seem inspired by devices like Bigscreen’s Beyond headset, which is notably lightweight and portable, signaling a move away from heavier VR headsets like Meta's previous Quest line [1][2]. ByteDance's move suggests a reaction to Meta’s strategy, aiming to capture the market segment that prefers lightweight goggles offering mixed reality features [1][2].
The Phoenix AR goggles are anticipated to weigh only 100 grams, making them significantly lighter than Meta's Quest 3 (515 grams) and Apple's Vision Pro (650 grams). While the report does not mention the price of the Phoenix AR goggles, it is inferred that they may aim to be more affordable compared to the Vision Pro, which currently retails at $3,500.
Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, despite being less feature-rich compared to competitors, have resonated with consumers due to their affordability, lightweight design, and non-obtrusive appearance. The Phoenix AR goggles are expected to borrow some capabilities from more premium headsets like the Vision Pro, including a UI centered around hand and eye-tracking.
The report does not provide a direct comparison of the Phoenix AR goggles to Xreal's offerings in terms of features. However, it is suggested that the Phoenix AR goggles sit somewhere between Meta's Quest and Apple's Vision Pro in terms of features and capabilities.
The ultimate success of ByteDance's Phoenix AR goggles is uncertain, as it depends on various factors such as market acceptance, pricing, and product quality. Despite this, ByteDance's resources, including those from TikTok, may contribute to the potential success of the Phoenix AR goggles.
References: [1] The Information, ByteDance Plans to Enter XR Hardware Market with AR Goggles, https://www.theinformation.com/articles/bytedance-plans-to-enter-xr-hardware-market-with-ar-goggles [2] The Verge, ByteDance is reportedly working on AR glasses called 'Phoenix', https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/22/23641042/bytedance-ar-glasses-phoenix-meta-quest-apple-vision-pro
- ByteDance's upcoming AR goggles, codenamed Phoenix, are expected to capitalize on advancements in artificial-intelligence, incorporating hand and eye-tracking UI features, similar to high-end devices like Apple's Vision Pro.
- Gizmodo speculates that the future of tech may see an intensifying competition among tech giants, as ByteDance's Phoenix AR goggles, Meta's Phoenix device, and Xreal's offerings target different market segments, with ByteDance focusing on lighter-weight, socially acceptable XR glasses.
- Tech enthusiasts look forward to the introduction of various cutting-edge gadgets in the near future, as companies such as ByteDance, Meta, and Apple strive to deliver innovative XR hardware, transforming the realm of technology and augmenting our interactions with the digital world.
