Reality Labs Research is set to unveil its latest virtual reality (VR) innovations at SIGGRAPH 2025 in Vancouver next week. The company, known for pushing the boundaries of immersive technology, will showcase new prototype headsets that promise to bring virtual experiences closer to reality than ever before. This marks a significant step towards achieving the elusive visual Turing test, where virtual experiences become indistinguishable from the physical world.
The announcement comes as Reality Labs continues its mission to redefine the future of VR. Over the past few years, the company has introduced groundbreaking technologies such as the Butterscotch Varifocal and Flamera, which have captivated the SIGGRAPH community. Now, with the introduction of the Tiramisu and Boba 3 prototypes, Reality Labs aims to set new standards in visual fidelity and immersion.
Tiramisu: A Leap Forward in VR Realism
The Tiramisu prototype is poised to revolutionize the VR landscape with its hyperrealistic visuals. Featuring a contrast ratio three times higher than the Meta Quest 3 and an angular resolution of 90 pixels per degree, Tiramisu offers a level of detail that has never been seen before in VR. With brightness levels reaching 1,400 nits, the device promises a vivid and lifelike experience.
Despite its impressive specifications, Tiramisu is not without its trade-offs. The headset is bulkier and heavier than current consumer models, and its field of view is limited to 33° x 33°. However, the device’s dual high-resolution µOLED displays and refractive viewing optics ensure sharper text and enhanced color contrast, akin to high-end HDR televisions.
“Our mission for this project was to provide the best image quality possible,” explains OPALS Optical Research Scientist Xuan Wang. “We deprioritized the form factor and used glass instead of plastic lenses, providing much better image quality—albeit at a heavier weight.”
Boba 3: Expanding the Field of View
While Tiramisu focuses on visual clarity, Boba 3 addresses the field of view limitations of current VR headsets. Developed by the Display Systems Research (DSR) team, Boba 3 offers a horizontal field of view of 180° and a vertical field of view of 120°, significantly surpassing the Quest 3’s capabilities. This expansion allows users to experience a more immersive and encompassing virtual environment.
The Boba 3 prototype leverages advanced optical and display technologies, including high-curvature reflective polarizers and pancake lenses. These innovations enable a resolution of 4K by 4K per eye, providing a visual experience that covers approximately 90% of the human visual system’s field of view.
“The constraint is basically the total bandwidth that you can provide to your visual system,” says DSR Optical Scientist Yang Zhao. “With Boba 3, we’ve managed to achieve a resolution that was not possible with earlier prototypes.”
The Road to the Visual Turing Test
Reality Labs’ pursuit of the visual Turing test is driven by a commitment to innovation and excellence. Both the Tiramisu and Boba 3 prototypes represent significant milestones in the journey towards creating VR experiences that are virtually indistinguishable from reality. While these prototypes may never reach the consumer market, they provide valuable insights and pave the way for future advancements.
Douglas Lanman, Director of Display Systems Research, emphasizes the importance of hands-on demonstrations in understanding the potential of these technologies. “Most of the people I work with are makers at heart. We’re just trying to make something awesome—not just as a demo, but as something that we’d use every day.”
“Turning inventions into demos is deeply rewarding, and this collaborative spirit also drives me personally,” adds OPALS Optical Science Manager Ying “Melissa” Geng. “Amazing innovations happen when passionate inventors take on a new challenge together.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of VR
As SIGGRAPH 2025 approaches, the anticipation surrounding Reality Labs’ latest prototypes continues to build. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience Tiramisu and Boba 3 firsthand, gaining insight into the future of virtual reality. For those unable to attend, the event serves as a reminder of the rapid advancements in VR technology and the potential for even greater breakthroughs in the years to come.
With each new prototype, Reality Labs moves closer to achieving its vision of a truly immersive and realistic virtual world. The company’s dedication to innovation and collaboration ensures that the future of VR remains bright and full of possibilities.
