Sept 16 (Reuters) - Global shipments for augmented and

virtual reality (AR/VR) headsets are expected to grow 41.4% in

2025, powered by more affordable devices and addition of

artificial intelligence features, research firm IDC said on

Monday.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Worldwide shipments of AR and VR headsets fell 28.1%

year-over-year to 1.1 million units in the second quarter, due

to elevated prices and a weak economy prompting customers to

rein in expenses, IDC said.

The market is expected to expand to 22.9 million in 2028

from an estimated 6.7 million units this year, IDC said.

KEY QUOTES

"We're seeing a slew of new startups and next generation

products from established brands targeting the 'smart glasses'

space," said Jitesh Ubrani, research manager, Worldwide Mobile

Device Trackers at IDC.

"What's different this time around is the inclusion of AI

along with thinner and lighter designs catering to consumers."

CONTEXT

In October last year, Meta Platforms ( META ) launched its

VR headsets called 'smart glasses' made with EssilorLuxottica's

Ray-Ban. The company said in July the latest version

was a bigger hit than expected.

Meta is expected to launch a cheaper version of its Quest 3,

called the Quest 3S, according to Bloomberg News reports.

(Reporting by Harshita Mary Varghese in Bengaluru)