# Ultra-Thin VR Headsets EM3's Ether Prototype Weighs Just 37 Grams By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2021-12-10 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thin-vr-headset References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/em3-released-the-worlds-thinnest-and-lightest-vr-headset-6-8mm-only-301437797.html)  Even as the hardware that powers virtual reality headsets evolves, it seems that their designs remain bulky and cumbersome but EM3 recently released a prototype for a [thin VR headset](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nothing-vr-headset-concept). Ether comes in at just 6.8 millimeters and it weighs only about 37 grams. As such, Ether is the lightest [virtual reality near-eye display](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retinalevel-vr-headset) solution of its kind. Due to the chunkiness of [conventional virtual reality headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/computerbased-vr-headsets), wearers tend to find that they are only comfortable wearing a headset for 20 minutes at a time before they begin to lose their sense of immersion. The EM3 Ether prototype glass contains two micro-displays, 2560x2560 pixel resolution in full color, and it can be tethered to a smartphone for convenient and comfortable virtual experiences. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 76% | Activity: 70% | Freshness: 11% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Ultra-thin VR Headsets:** The development of ultra-thin VR headsets can improve the user experience and increase immersion by reducing discomfort. - **Lightweight Wearable Technology:** Advances in lightweight wearable technology, like the EM3 Ether prototype, can create opportunities for new applications and use cases in multiple industries. - **Tethering to Smartphones for VR:** Tethering VR headsets to smartphones can provide a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional bulky headsets, potentially disrupting the VR industry. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Virtual Reality:** The VR industry can benefit from the development of ultra-thin and lightweight headsets, improving the user experience and widening adoption. - **Healthcare:** The use of VR headsets in healthcare can be made more practical and comfortable for patients with lightweight and less cumbersome headsets like the EM3 Ether prototype. - **Entertainment:** The entertainment industry, particularly gaming, can benefit from the development of tethered VR headsets that are affordable and more accessible to consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ultra-Lightweight VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meganex.md) - [Compact Featherlight VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bigscreen-beyond-headset.md) - [Lightweight VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightweight-vr-headset.md) - [Accessible Comfort-Focused VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meta-quest-3.md) - [3D-Printed VR Headset Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/0-vr-headset.md) - [Ultralight Wire-Free AR Glasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inmo-air2.md) - [Lightweight AR Eyewear Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nreal-air.md) - [Ultra-Lightweight AI-Powered AR Glasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aipowered-ar-glasses.md) - [Precision Visuals VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dpvr-e4-pc-vr-gaming-headset.md)