ByteDance, the organization behind TikTok, is currently developing mixed reality goggles that are poised to compete with Meta’s offerings in the virtual and augmented reality landscape. The team responsible for the company’s Pico 4 VR headset is said to be creating a more compact and lighter wearable device designed for mixed reality experiences. This new gadget is anticipated to mirror the functionalities of Meta’s forthcoming AR smart glasses.

The anticipated goggles are rumored to be comparable in size to the BigScreen Beyond’s VR goggles, which weigh approximately 100 grams. Similar to Meta’s Orion prototype, the intensive computational tasks will predominantly be handled by an external device known as a “puck.” Unlike the Orion, however, this additional component will connect to the goggles through a wired connection.

Details on the branding of the goggles remain unclear; it is uncertain whether they will be introduced under the Pico name or when the product might make its debut. A significant consideration is the market availability—while a launch in China appears likely, navigating the complex relationship between TikTok and the U.S. government could complicate ByteDance’s efforts to introduce this hardware in the United States in the near future.

ByteDance has reportedly consented to divest its U.S. TikTok operations, in fulfillment of federal regulations aimed at preventing a nationwide TikTok ban. Additionally, the company is believed to be creating a version of the TikTok app specifically for the American market. Perhaps once the situation stabilizes, ByteDance-branded extended reality headsets could find their way to retail shelves alongside those from Meta.