Tech Titans Google, Apple, Meta Closer To Regulatory Green Light For Next-Gen Augmented, Virtual Devices

Alphabet Inc.'s GOOG GOOGL Google, Apple Inc. AAPL, and Meta Platforms Inc. META are poised to secure approval from US regulators for the deployment of mobile virtual and augmented reality devices. 

These gadgets, including goggles and in-car connections, are set to harness airwaves currently used by Wi-Fi-enabled devices. 

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel revealed this proposal, Bloomberg noted, with a decisive vote scheduled for October 19. 

Given Rosenworcel's Democratic majority at the agency, approval is widely anticipated.

Wednesday, Meta Platforms unveiled Quest 3, the latest addition to its acclaimed VR headset lineup. 

This announcement comes amid a mounting rivalry with Apple, poised to launch its eagerly awaited Vision Pro headset, which was initially announced in June.

The move to tap into the 6 GHz band is seen as a catalyst for a new wave of innovation in devices, ultimately benefiting consumers and reinforcing U.S. leadership in advanced wireless technologies, according to Rosenworcel.

Two years ago, the three tech giants fervently implored the FCC to grant them access to this unlicensed spectrum, citing its critical importance for future innovations in augmented and virtual reality. 

For instance, all three companies are actively developing augmented reality eyeglasses and could leverage the 6 GHz band for seamless smartphone connectivity. 

Additionally, this spectrum could facilitate the exchange of navigation data between smartphones and vehicles.

In a concurrent move, the FCC will also discuss net neutrality rules for broadband providers during its October meeting.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.