On September 25, 2024, Metarevealed its highly anticipated augmented reality (AR) glasses, named Orion, at the Meta Connect event. Formerly known as Project Nazare, these glasses are touted as the most advanced AR eyewear to date, merging cutting-edge technology with everyday usability. Meta’sCEO, Mark Zuckerberg, expressed the company’s ambition, stating, “We believe Orion bridges the physical and virtual worlds, putting people at the centre so they can be more present, connected and empowered in the world.”
Here’s a sneak peek at Meta’s new small form glasses, called Orion. They’re fully standalone and feature eye, hand, and even neural tracking. Can’t wait to try these! pic.twitter.com/gIN2NOllMW
Zuckerberg highlighted three critical reasons AR glasses like Orion are essential for the future of human-oriented computing. First, they provide expansive digital experiences that surpass the limitations of smartphone screens. Second, they incorporate contextual AI that can respond to user needs in real-time. Finally, their lightweight design allows for comfortable use in various environments, enabling wearers to engage with others while using the technology.
Innovations in Design and Functionality
Orion represents a significant evolution from Meta’s previous smart glasses, such as the Ray-Ban Meta model. These glasses feature a custom-designed display powered by Micro LED projectors, delivering a remarkable 70-degree field of view. Meta’sVP of Augmented Reality,Alex Himel, emphasised the engineering challenges faced: “We thought we had less than a 10% chance of pulling it off successfully. Until now.”
Moreover, Orion’s frames, crafted from magnesium, weigh 98 grams, making them significantly lighter than traditional mixed reality headsets. The glasses are equipped with seven embedded cameras that facilitate eye and hand tracking, enhancing the immersive experience. “Your eyes act as the pointer in Orion’s interface,” Zuckerberg explained, showcasing a seamless blend of digital and physical interactions.
Real-World Applications and Experiences
During a demonstration, users experienced Orion’s capabilities, such as making hands-free video calls and accessing recipes using the Meta AI assistant. Zuckerberg recounted a scenario where he used the glasses to identify ingredients for a smoothie, highlighting the potential for everyday applications. “Imagine putting on a pair of glasses and a bracelet that tracks your thoughts by sensing electrical impulses from your skin,” he envisioned, as he described how Orion integrates digital information into the physical world.
Today, Mark Zuckerberg gave us a sneak peak of Meta's new Orion AR glasses. They are currently in prototype and they are dogfooding it internally. They have eye, hand and supposedly neural tracking. Thoughts? #MetaConnect#MetaConnect2024$METApic.twitter.com/DnpPnKgPf5
Despite its impressive features, Orion is not yet available to consumers. Instead, it serves as a polished prototype aimed at further internal development. Zuckerberg stated, “We decided to focus on internal development first… which means we can keep building quickly and continue to push the boundaries of the technology.” Meta plans to gather employee feedback and select external testers to refine the product.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AR Glasses
Zuckerberg envisions a gradual evolution towards consumer-ready AR glasses, with Orion paving the way. He expressed optimism about the future, stating, “We have a line of sight to… higher resolution, higher brightness, and lower cost.” As part of Meta’s broader strategy, Orion is positioned as a stepping stone towards a fully integrated AR experience that could one day replace smartphones.
In conclusion, while Orion may not yet be available for purchase, it represents a significant leap forward in the development of AR technology. Meta’s commitment to refining this prototype indicates a promising future for augmented reality devices that could transform how users interact with digital and physical worlds.
