Meta is preparing to showcase its upcoming Project Phoenix mixed-reality headset alongside a full-body, photorealistic hologram calling experience during the keynote at Connect 2026, according to a report by The Information. The device, which has surfaced under codenames including Phoenix, Stanley, and Loma in Horizon OS firmware packages, features a slim glasses-like form factor paired with a tethered compute puck designed for productivity and entertainment tasks.
Project Phoenix Hardware and Firmware Leaks
First clear visuals of the Project Phoenix headset appeared in Horizon OS firmware earlier in August 2026. According to reporting from UploadVR and Road to VR, the device operates on similar basic principles to Meta Quest 3 and 3S through passthrough mixed reality, utilizing a tethered puck to shift compute and battery weight away from the head for long-term comfort. Horizon OS Prescription Lens firmware packages and internal string references point to the device utilizing a sleek profile with nose pads rather than a traditional thick facial interface. While some firmware strings refer to the device non-finalistically as “VR Glasses,” outlets note that the hardware functions as a passthrough mixed-reality system aimed at virtual screens and media consumption.
Codec Avatars and Hologram Calling Integration
Alongside the hardware reveal, Meta plans to demonstrate a live full-body telepresence experience powered by its long-running Codec Avatars research, as reported by The Information and covered by Metaverse Watcher. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and CTO Andrew Bosworth reviewed the hologram video call technology earlier in August, leading to plans for a live keynote demonstration where Bosworth will appear as a photorealistic hologram. Codec Avatars rely on inward-facing and SLAM sensors on the headset to drive high-fidelity spatial telepresence, mirroring capabilities found in Apple’s visionOS Personas. Horizon OS social platform packages and August 2026 builds of the Meta AI mobile app contain sub-frameworks referencing “Hologram Calling” and setup flows for “Hologram” avatars on wearables resembling Ray-Ban Display-like smart glasses.
Did you know? Meta’s Codec Avatars research dates back to 2015, shifting from heavily rigged studio setups—such as Mark Zuckerberg’s VR interview with Lex Fridman—toward mobile-class hardware capable of generating full-body avatars from limited sensor input.
Meta Connect 2026 Schedule and Industry Context
Meta Connect 2026 is scheduled to take place from September 23 to 24 in Menlo Park, highlighting the company’s latest developments in artificial intelligence, smart glasses, and mixed reality hardware. The event arrives during a crowded September hardware window that includes Snap’s SPECS launch event and Valve’s Steam Frame. While firmware discoveries and supply chain reports suggest Project Phoenix occupies a high-end positioning similar to the Meta Quest Pro, outlets like Road to VR note that it remains unconfirmed whether the Connect keynote demonstration marks a full commercial product launch or another advanced research preview.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Meta’s Project Phoenix?
Project Phoenix is an upcoming ultralight mixed-reality headset developed by Meta that features a glasses-like form factor paired with a tethered compute puck, according to firmware leaks and reports from UploadVR and The Information.
What are Codec Avatars?
Codec Avatars represent Meta’s long-term research project aimed at achieving photorealistic spatial telepresence and video calls using face and eye-tracking sensors integrated into headsets and smart glasses.
When is Meta Connect 2026?
Meta Connect 2026 takes place on September 23 and 24, featuring keynote presentations on the company’s latest artificial intelligence and extended reality breakthroughs.
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