Meta strikes deal with Tencent to introduce affordable VR headsets in China

Meta Platforms has reached an agreement with Tencent Holdings to introduce a new, more affordable version of its virtual reality (VR) headset in China. This marks a significant return to the Chinese market for Meta, formerly known as Facebook, after a 14-year absence due to regulatory restrictions. 

According to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal, Tencent will be the exclusive distributor of Meta's VR headsets in China. The preliminary deal outlines plans for Tencent to commence the sale of the VR headset in late 2024. As of now, there has been no immediate response from Meta or Tencent to requests for comments from Reuters.

It's noteworthy that Facebook has been inaccessible in China since 2009. The move to collaborate with Tencent underscores Meta's strategic efforts to re-enter and establish a presence in the Chinese market through the sale of VR technology.

(With Reuters inputs)