Meta to unveil lightweight headset, hologram calls at Connect next week

Meta ↗ 0.84% is preparing to unveil Project Phoenix, its next-generation mixed reality headset, at the company's annual Connect developer conference on September 23–24 in Menlo Park, California. The demo is also expected to feature a "hologram-like" video calling experience powered by an advanced version of the company's photorealistic Codec Avatars, according to a report from The Information.roadtovr

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and CTO Andrew Bosworth are expected to showcase the avatar call experience live during the keynote speech, citing a person familiar with the matter. The company has been developing Codec Avatar technology since 2015, building 3D digital twins of human faces that render realistic eye contact, expressions, and gestures.meta+1

A Headset Already Exposed by Its Own Software

Much of Project Phoenix's hardware design has already leaked ahead of the event. Images discovered inside Meta's HorizonOS Prescription Lens app by UploadVR revealed a slim, glasses-style mixed reality headset with nose pads and side-mounted sensors. The device reportedly weighs under 110 grams on the wearer's face, with heavier computing hardware offloaded to a tethered external puck.gadgetreview+2

Meta is describing the headset as a premium, open-periphery passthrough MR device, allowing users to see the real world while digital content overlays their field of view. Internal memos cited by UploadVR point to a first-half 2027 consumer launch, a delay from an earlier 2026 target.cryptobriefing+2

From Cartoon Avatars to Holograms

The Codec Avatar demo could mark a turning point for Meta's approach to virtual communication. For years, the company relied on cartoony avatars tied to its metaverse ambitions, which it has since deemphasized in favor of AI and smart wearables. Code references to "Hologram Calling" frameworks tied to Codec Avatars were found in August 2026 builds of both the Meta AI mobile app and Horizon OS.vr+1

It remains unclear whether the Connect presentation will signal a full commercial launch of Codec Avatars or another research preview. If commercialized, the technology would put Meta in more direct competition with Apple ↘ 0.52% and its Personas avatars for the Vision Pro.roadtovr

Wall Street Is Watching

Ahead of the conference, Citi added Meta to its 90-day upside catalyst watchlist. Analyst Ronald Josey maintained a Buy rating and $800 price target, noting that he expects Meta to unveil its next-generation AI model, Muse, alongside a broader product strategy for Meta Glasses. The catalyst watch period expires on December 15.moomoo