Meta Unveils Three Experimental Virtual and Mixed Reality Headset Prototypes at SIGGRAPH 2025

Meta will showcase three research prototypes at SIGGRAPH 2025: Tiramisu, Boba 3, and Boba 3 VR. Tiramisu focuses on near-photorealistic VR visuals with high dynamic range, denser pixels, and advanced optics. Boba 3 and Boba 3 VR explore wider fields of view for enhanced peripheral vision and blended physical and digital worlds. The prototypes prioritize different trade-offs in size, weight, and GPU demands.

Meta, the tech giant, is set to unveil three advanced virtual and mixed reality (VR/MR) headset prototypes at the SIGGRAPH 2025 conference in Vancouver, Canada, on August 11. The prototypes, named Tiramisu, Boba 3, and Boba 3 VR, are described as purely research-oriented devices designed to explore innovative technologies that may not enter consumer production. Each headset focuses on different aspects of immersive experiences, including display quality, field of view (FOV), and realism.

Tiramisu: Pushing VR Clarity

Tiramisu is designed to deliver near-photorealistic VR visuals through high dynamic range (HDR), denser pixels, and advanced optics. Key specifications include an angular resolution of 90 pixels per degree (PPD), which is about 3.6 times the PPD of the Quest 3. The display boasts a peak brightness of up to 1,400 nits, roughly 14 times that of the Quest 3, and a contrast ratio around three times higher. The headset features dual high-resolution microOLED panels and custom glass lenses to minimize visual artifacts such as the screen-door effect. However, Tiramisu is bulkier and heavier than consumer headsets, with a field of view of 33 degrees by 33 degrees. The rendering cost is offset by NVIDIA DLSS 3 technology [1].

Boba 3 and Boba 3 VR: Wider Perspective

Boba 3 is a mixed reality prototype with high-resolution passthrough video and an ultrawide FOV, blending physical and digital worlds seamlessly. Boba 3 VR, on the other hand, focuses solely on VR immersion while retaining optical upgrades, potentially lowering power demands and weight. Both models feature a horizontal FOV of 180 degrees and a vertical FOV of 120 degrees, significantly expanding peripheral vision compared to the Quest 3. Each model offers a 4K by 4K per-eye resolution and uses mass-production displays with high-curvature reflective polarizers and pancake lenses. The Boba 3 prototype weighs around 840 grams, while the Boba 3 VR variant is around 660 grams [1].

Trade-offs and Future Implications

The prototypes showcase Meta’s commitment to foundational research, even as it navigates a competitive and evolving XR market. While Tiramisu represents a maximalist approach to visual quality, Boba 3 and Boba 3 VR focus on expanding the user’s peripheral vision. These prototypes serve as a tangible glimpse into Meta’s long-term strategy for the next computing platform, setting new benchmarks for the industry. However, they are not expected to hit mass-market price points soon and remain in the research domain [1][2].

References

[1] https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/meta-research-prototypes-highlight-mixed-reality-headset-future-details-tiramisu-boba-3-vr-125080800815_1.html
[2] https://www.meta.com/blog/reality-labs-research-tiramisu-boba-3-siggraph-2025-ultrawide-fov-hyperrealistic-vr/?srsltid=AfmBOoq5usi2p5f8B0ZhMJw7NQ7mNJdkU07NZYA5HEjrqUS8d9sS46KV