If you thought Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s subtle jab at Apple’s Vision Pro was the pinnacle, you’re mistaken. Meta has bigger plans in the works. After establishing dominance in the VR glasses realm with its Quest headsets, the tech giant is now developing its first “true” AR glasses called Meta Orion.
This revelation stems from a Business Insider report, hinting at a possible demo of Meta Orion at the Meta Connect event later in 2024. For context, the Meta Connect 2023 event took place in September last year, so we anticipate this year’s event to follow a similar timeline.
While Meta recently launched its Ray-Ban smart glasses, don’t confuse the upcoming Orion with these. However, this development was somewhat expected, especially considering Meta’s venture into mixed reality AR/VR with the latest Meta Quest 3 headset. With VR in their portfolio, and AR/VR on the horizon, it’s not hard to predict Meta’s next strategic move.
Meta Orion Launch Date
It’s well-known that VR glasses aren’t designed for all-day wear. They’re bulky and can feel heavy on the face, like Apple’s new Vision Pro, which weighs around 600 grams. On the other hand, AR glasses like Meta’s Orion are crafted for extended use, offering comfort that rivals smartphones. Meta envisions these AR glasses replacing smartphones, aiming for less dependence on handheld devices.
The Orion project has been in development for 8 years, underscoring Meta’s serious commitment. During a presentation last year outlining Meta’s AR/VR device roadmap, Alex Himel, Meta’s Vice President for AR, emphasized the company’s strategy:
“If we can put on shelves a great product at a great price with the right value, we believe we can get into these upgrade cycles and have a lot of growth of our devices. It’s on us to deliver.”
Himel also mentioned that the Orion would be internally tested by Meta employees in 2024. However, the public release of Meta Orion is not expected until 2027, despite being in advanced stages of development.
Meta Orion AR Glasses: What’s to Expect?
While the exact capabilities of the Orion are still uncertain, one can anticipate it to offer functions similar to Brilliant Labs’ Frame AI glasses. These may include features like identifying objects through eye tracking, accessing the internet, and serving as a real-time translator, presenting a range of possibilities.
Essentially, it’s akin to having a lightweight AI computer perched on your nose and ears, far lighter than the Apple Vision Pro. Additionally, these glasses are expected to accommodate prescription lenses with an additional layer.
Furthermore, Meta AI is likely to serve as a constant companion on these glasses, especially for those already part of the Meta ecosystem. This aligns with the brand’s overarching goal of establishing a cohesive ecosystem of Meta products that synergize effectively.
Although the product’s full potential may seem distant, are you eager to witness the Meta Orion in action during the demo? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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