Meta continues to push boundaries in the world of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) by unveiling several new products at its recent Meta Connect event in 2024. Among the headlining announcements are the Meta Quest 3S, the Orion AR glasses prototype, and an updated version of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. These innovations show Meta’s determination to make immersive technologies more accessible while shaping the future of augmented reality.
Meta Quest 3S: A More Affordable Gateway to VR
At the forefront of Meta’s new offerings is the Meta Quest 3S, a budget-friendly version of its popular Quest VR series. Priced at $299 for the 128GB model, the Quest 3S offers a more accessible entry point into virtual reality compared to last year’s Quest 3, which is now priced at $430. However, some compromises have been made to keep costs down.
The Quest 3S combines elements from both the Quest 2 and Quest 3 models. While it retains the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset and 8GB RAM as the higher-end Quest 3, it features a lower-resolution single LCD display (1,832 x 1,920 pixels per eye) compared to the Quest 3’s dual displays (2,064 x 2,208 pixels). Additionally, the Fresnel lenses used in the Quest 3S, inherited from Quest 2, result in a narrower field of view: 96° horizontal and 90° vertical compared to Quest 3’s 110° and 96°.
Despite these trade-offs, the Quest 3S still supports full-color passthrough, which allows users to experience AR content by overlaying virtual objects onto the real world. With up to 2.5 hours of battery life, slightly longer than the Quest 3’s 2.2 hours, the Quest 3S promises to deliver a balanced, affordable VR experience for casual users. Pre-orders are now open, with shipping slated for mid-October 2024.
Orion AR Glasses: The Next Frontier in Augmented Reality
Alongside the Quest 3S, Meta revealed its most ambitious AR project yet, the Orion AR glasses. While still in the prototype stage, Orion offers a glimpse of Meta’s vision for future AR glasses. Unlike current consumer-grade smart glasses that primarily offer camera and voice assistant capabilities, Orion introduces a pair of holographic displays that project virtual content into the real world.
Meta has designed the Orion AR glasses to be both compact and lightweight, suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Equipped with 3D mapping capabilities, Orion can recognize objects in the environment and provide contextual information. In one demo, Meta showcased how the glasses could identify ingredients on a kitchen counter and suggest recipes in real time. Orion’s interface is controlled using a neural wristband, which tracks muscle movements to execute commands.
Despite its cutting-edge features, Meta has made it clear that Orion is not yet ready for consumers. The company plans to use this prototype for further internal testing and development, with the goal of refining the display technology and making the glasses more affordable in the future.
Ray-Ban Meta Glasses: Smarter, More Functional
Rounding out the announcements, Meta also introduced updates to its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which continue the partnership with Ray-Ban to blend fashion with technology. The new iteration retains its familiar look but introduces several AI-powered enhancements designed to improve user experience.
The Meta AI embedded in the glasses has been updated to support more natural voice commands, eliminating the need to repeat “Hey Meta” for every interaction. Users can now ask the assistant to remember specific details, such as where they parked their car, or scan QR codes to make phone calls and interact with text. These smart glasses are also capable of real-time translation across multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Italian, enhancing their utility in everyday life.
Meta has also integrated its AI with popular media platforms such as Spotify and Audible, allowing users to control their audio experience via voice commands. Additionally, the glasses can now stream point-of-view video to support visually impaired users through a collaboration with Be My Eyes, a service connecting blind users with sighted volunteers.
Starting at $300, the updated Ray-Ban Meta glasses are an appealing option for those who want a stylish yet functional piece of wearable tech. The premium Shiny Transparent edition with UltraTransitions lenses, which automatically adjust to varying lighting conditions, is priced at $430.
Final Words
Meta’s latest announcements solidify its commitment to advancing augmented and virtual reality experiences for the mainstream audience. With the Meta Quest 3S, Orion AR glasses, and the updated Ray-Ban Meta glasses, Meta continues to refine its vision of the future where digital content seamlessly interacts with the real world. While Orion may still be a work in progress, the company’s AR and VR offerings are inching closer to becoming a part of everyday life for consumers.
As these technologies evolve, Meta’s long-term success will hinge on striking a balance between innovation and accessibility, ensuring that their products not only impress early adopters but also meet the needs of a wider audience.
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