Meta unveiled its next-generation augmented reality (AR) smart glasses ‘Orion’ for the primary time.
Bloomberg reported on the twenty fifth (local time) that Meta held the annual developer conference ‘Connect 2024’ and introduced the Orion prototype. That is CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s ambitious plan to supply a hands-free product that may replace smartphones in the long run.
CEO Zuckerberg said in his keynote speech that day, “For now, it is suitable to view Orion as a product of the long run,” and added, “These glasses could present a reasonably exciting future.”
This product, which looks like black, thick horn-rimmed glasses, is a form factor that replaces existing closed-front and heavy mixed reality (MR) headsets. You’ll be able to see the surface through the lens, or access the virtual world through the within screen.
Along with text messaging, you can even make video calls or watch YouTube videos. Equipped with a micro lens that may display within the user’s field of view, it projects a 3D image through a projector to implement the holographic AR function.
It provides the biggest viewing angle of 70 degrees amongst smart glasses which have appeared to date, and is of a size and weight that might be worn each day. Unlike Apple’s ‘Vision Pro’ or Meta’s ‘Quest’, Orion doesn’t require a bulky head strap or battery pack and weighs only about 100g.
This product consists of ▲glasses ▲wrist band ▲wireless computer ‘puck’. The glasses are fabricated from magnesium alloy and are powered by 10 custom built-in silicone blocks. It has a complete of seven cameras built-in, including 5 front cameras and a couple of cameras that track eye movements.
You’ll be able to control the screen that unfolds in front of you together with your hands and voice. If you happen to attach a wristband to it, more detailed control is feasible through a neural interface.
This product will not be yet scheduled for consumer release. Meta plans to release a smaller, more sophisticated consumer version in the following few years, but it surely currently costs $10,000 to fabricate, necessitating a price reduction.
CEO Zuckerberg personally wore Orion in the course of the announcement. Nonetheless, as a substitute of demonstrating the features in person, they played a video showing how people reacted after they tried the device. Within the video, you possibly can see text messages and pictures displayed through the glasses.
Particularly, within the demonstration video, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang made a surprise appearance as certainly one of the testers. He wore Orion and introduced its benefits.
As well as, Meta also unveiled the ‘Meta Quest 3S’, a mid- to low-priced mixed reality (MR) headset. The small capability starts at $299 and the big capability starts at $499, and will probably be released in america on October fifteenth.
Latest features of Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses were also introduced. AI features have been added, corresponding to real-time translation and answering questions on what the user is taking a look at. It will possibly also remember facts corresponding to where the user parked the automobile, or scan QR codes and phone numbers.
Meanwhile, Meta’s stock price rose 0.9% to $568.31 after the event, hitting a record closing high.
Reporter Park Chan cpark@aitimes.com
