On Wednesday (September 25), during the first day of Meta’s two-day Meta Connect 2024 conference, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg laid out an ambitious vision for the future of wearable technology.
The event showcased key innovations, notably the highly anticipated Orion Augmented Reality (AR) glasses, which aim to redefine how users interact with digital content in their daily lives.
Also unveiled was the Meta Quest 3S headset, delivering a high-quality immersive experience at an affordable price. These advancements reflect Meta’s focus on incorporating innovative technology into everyday life to enhance personal and social interactions.
Meta’s new product launch embodies what Zuckerberg called “the future of human connection.”
Zuckerberg introduced a prototype of Orion, a project that has been in development for 10 years with the goal of revolutionizing wearable technology. Lightweight (under 100 grams) and designed to resemble regular glasses rather than a headset, Orion features a bright, wide-angle display that is well-suited for multitasking and entertainment. This allows users to see the physical world while overlaying digital content, as well as using pass-through technology.
A big focus of Zuckerberg’s keynote was a demonstration of the Orion AR glasses, which are designed to integrate visuals directly into the lenses, providing a new level of augmented experiences. Unlike existing Ray-Ban smart glasses, which don’t have a screen, the Orion prototype promises to offer more immersive AR capabilities. While they won’t be available to buy anytime soon, seeing them in action offers a glimpse into Meta’s vision for the future of AR technology.
“Orion is the most advanced pair of glasses the world has ever seen,” Zuckerberg said in his opening keynote at the conference.
Orion features advanced voice control, hand and eye tracking for intuitive navigation, and an unobtrusive interface for user interaction. The device incorporates 10 custom silicon chips and a novel display architecture, with an EMG wristband for seamless input. This prototype represents a giant leap towards enabling a new wave of human-centric computing and enhancing social interaction over distance.
Zuckerberg announced the launch of the Meta Quest 3S, scheduled for release on October 15th for $299. The new headset features the same advanced processing power as the Quest 3, but is more affordable. Designed for high-quality mixed reality experiences, the Quest 3S boasts 4.5 times the resolution and improved graphics compared to its predecessor, the Quest 2. With a focus on comfort and ease of use, the Quest 3S is positioned to attract both casual gamers and serious virtual reality (VR) enthusiasts.
According to Meta’s blog post on Wednesday, consumers can try out the entry-level 128GB Quest 3S, upgrade to a 256GB SKU for more storage, or for $500 try out the 512GB Quest 3. Additionally, all three headsets will include the game “Batman: Arkham Shadow” as well as other content, including access to streaming services and fitness apps.
Meanwhile, Singapore-based Gyges Labs unveiled the world’s smallest near-eye display, DigiWindow, at the China International Optoelectronics Expo (CIOE) earlier this month, it said in a news release on Tuesday (September 24). The announcement marks a major advancement in AI glasses, addressing a current market challenge where many existing models are bulky and impractical for everyday use.
According to the company, DigiWindow, less than 0.1 cc, can be seamlessly integrated into regular eyeglass frames and unobtrusively display information only the wearer can see. This feature increases user privacy and comfort and provides a one-week battery life. According to a company release, DigiWindow offers “clear advantages in terms of weight, size, light leakage and cost,” ensuring a more user-friendly experience.
Gyges Labs executives want to make AI glasses as commonplace as smartphones. Founder Jia Jieyang emphasized the goal of empowering individuals with the technology, saying, “Our goal is to make AI glasses as commonplace as smartphones, moving beyond niche tech enthusiasts into everyday life.”
To stay up to date on all things digital transformation from PYMNTS, subscribe to our daily Digital Transformation Newsletter.
Read more about: AI, AI Glasses, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, Connected Economy, Digital Transformation, DigiWindow, Featured News, Gyges Labs, Jia Jieyang, Mark Zuckerberg, Meta, Meta Connect 2024, Meta Quest 3, News, Orion, Orion AR Glasses, PYMNTS News, Smart Class, Virtual Reality, Virtual Reality Headsets
Source link
