Contents
LG Halts XR Product Plans, Shifts Focus to R&D and HVAC
LG Electronics has officially confirmed the discontinuation of its XR product commercialization efforts, opting to concentrate on long-term research and development along with its HVAC and robotics sectors.
Lead: LG Electronics, a prominent player in the tech industry, announced that it will cease commercialization of extended reality (XR) products, a decision attributed to slower-than-anticipated market growth. This shift was reported by the South Korean news outlet The Bell and confirmed by LG in a statement indicating a commitment to ongoing XR research. The decision affects their partnership with Meta on the anticipated Quest Pro headset, initially set for release in 2025.
What Led to LG’s Decision?
– LG’s decision stems from a reassessment of the XR market, which is not growing at the expected pace.
– The company aims to refocus its efforts on more established sectors such as:
– Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
– Robotics
– Despite the commercialization halt, the firm remains dedicated to long-term XR research and development.
History of LG in the XR Market
– LG’s journey in the virtual reality space has been brief:
– In 2016, they launched a smartphone-tethered headset, which received poor reviews.
– A 2017 prototype for a PC-tethered SteamVR headset was never released.
– Reports from 2023 revealed LG’s partnership with Meta, aimed at producing future Quest Pro headsets.
Recent Developments in the LG-Meta Partnership
– In early 2024, LG and Meta officially confirmed their XR strategic collaboration.
– Initial plans included developing high-end XR devices with a target launch in 2025. However, the timeline faced setbacks:
– Reports surfaced suggesting delays or even cancellation of the headset, with some rumors indicating it may not arrive until 2027.
– Notably, LG was excluded from Meta’s announcement about rebranding the Quest software to Horizon OS, which highlighted partnerships with alternative manufacturers like Asus and Lenovo.
Conclusion: LG’s retreat from the XR product market illustrates the volatility of the tech industry, especially within niche fields like extended reality. While the future of its collaboration with Meta regarding the Quest Pro headset remains uncertain, LG’s pivot to HVAC and robotics signals a strategic realignment towards more stable market segments. This move may redefine LG’s technological contributions in the coming years, while its commitment to XR R&D suggests it is not completely abandoning the space.
Keywords: LG Electronics, XR Products, Extended Reality, Meta, Virtual Reality, HVAC, Robotics, Strategic Collaboration, Quest Pro Headset, Technology News.
Hashtags: #LG #XR #Meta #VirtualReality #Technology #Innovation #HVAC #Robotics
Source link