First look: Meta's next-generation AR glasses coming this year
Riding the AR Wave
With Apple's Vision Pro generating significant buzz around augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR), Meta is gearing up to take the next step in its own AR project. According to reports, the company will unveil a prototype of its next-generation AR glasses, codenamed Orion, at its annual Connect conference for developers later this year.
Live Demo to Showcase AR Advancements
While not yet commercially available, the live demo at Connect is intended to showcase Meta's progress in AR technology. This comes amidst rising internal pressure to ensure smooth performance, highlighting the company's desire to stay competitive in the burgeoning AR space.
Years in the Making, Still Under Development
Meta has been developing its AR glasses for several years, offering glimpses of its progress along the way. While acknowledging significant advancements, CTO Andrew Bosworth earlier expressed concerns regarding the costliness of the current prototype, hindering its immediate consumer launch. However, Meta remains optimistic about offering a consumer version by 2027, focusing on cost reduction efforts in the meantime.
Competition Heats Up: Meta vs. Apple
Meta's decision to showcase its AR glasses likely stems from a desire to maintain its presence in the rapidly evolving AR landscape, especially with Apple gaining significant traction. The Orion is expected to be a distinct product compared to the existing Ray-Ban Stories glasses, and potentially more compact than the bulkier Vision Pro headset. Interestingly, a recent Instagram post by Mark Zuckerberg featuring various glasses/headsets might hold a sneak peek at the current working version of the Orion.
Zuckerberg Downplays Vision Pro, Emphasises Quest Pro
Adding another layer to the story, Zuckerberg recently compared the Quest Pro headset to the Vision Pro, surprisingly favouring Meta's own offering. He highlighted the Quest Pro's better value, comfort, and overall performance across various functionalities, including gaming, social interaction, and workouts. This emphasis on price aligns with Meta's focus on cost reduction and underlines the potential battleground of affordability in the AR race.
The Future of AR: A Race for Style and Affordability
As the battle for AR dominance unfolds, the key question remains: will Meta succeed in developing a stylish and affordable AR device, or will Apple's high-end approach with the Vision Pro ultimately prove more successful? Only time will tell how these competing visions for the future of AR play out.
