Meta is considering new mixed reality glasses as an alternative to headsets, Information By Reuters reports

(Reuters) – Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: ) is planning a mixed reality device that resembles a pair of bulky glasses, The Information reported on Wednesday, citing two employees of the social media giant.

Internally codenamed “Puffin,” the new project is focused on designing an alternative to parent Facebook’s bulky headsets, which have limited consumer appeal, the report said.

Meta did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Mixed reality combines augmented and virtual reality and allows real and digital objects to interact.

Augmented reality overlays text, sounds, graphics, and video on real-world images that users see in front of them, while virtual reality places users in a completely artificial environment, creating computer-generated experiences.

The Puffin would be a significantly smaller device than Meta’s existing Quest headset, the report said, adding that the project is still in the early stages, with a planned launch in 2027.

Meta’s Reality Labs division, responsible for developing and marketing the Quest line of VR headsets, suffered billions in financial losses. Despite this, CEO Mark Zuckerberg remains optimistic about the future prospects of augmented and virtual reality technologies.

Unlike the Quest headset, the new Puffin device will not include handheld controllers, as users will be able to operate it with hand gestures and eye movements, according to the report.

The virtual and mixed reality headset market gained renewed attention following Apple’s (NASDAQ: ) entry last year, though the Vision Pro has faced sales challenges due to its nearly $3,500 price tag.