At Meta Connect 2024, Meta introduced Orion, its first True Augmented Reality (AR) glasses, previously known as Project Nazare. The company also unveiled the Meta Quest 3S headset and announced new AI features for the Ray-Ban | Meta Glasses, along with additional partner integrations.
Orion: The Next Step in AR Glasses
Meta claims that Orion is the most advanced AR glasses to date, designed to merge the physical and virtual worlds. These glasses aim to enhance human interaction by keeping users more present, connected, and empowered.
Meta outlines three key advantages of its AR glasses:
- Expanded Digital Experiences: Users can access large holographic displays, placing 2D and 3D content in their surroundings without the limitations of a smartphone screen.
- Contextual AI Integration: The glasses feature AI that understands the environment, anticipating users’ needs.
- User-Friendly Design: Orion is lightweight and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, allowing users to maintain eye contact and see each other’s expressions.
Technical Challenges and Achievements
Meta highlighted the significant effort involved in miniaturizing the components for Orion, resulting in a lightweight, wearable design with the largest field of view among AR glasses. Despite the technical challenges, Orion delivers immersive multitasking, big-screen entertainment, and holographic interactions.
Initially, Meta estimated less than a 10% chance of success, but through advanced miniaturization techniques, they achieved a comfortable, everyday wearable that seamlessly integrates holographic display capabilities.
Orion’s Unique Features and Developed Prototype
Orion is designed to resemble regular glasses, featuring transparent lenses for natural interactions, a critical advantage over typical AR headsets. Integrated with Meta AI, Orion offers hands-free assistance for tasks such as messaging, scheduling, and cooking.
Users can make video calls and interact via WhatsApp or Messenger without needing to pull out their phones. While Orion is not yet available for consumers, it represents a refined prototype showcasing the potential of future AR glasses, with Meta focusing on further development before a public release.
Future Plans for Orion
Beginning at Meta Connect 2024, Meta will provide access to the Orion prototype for employees and select external partners.
This controlled release aims to gather feedback and refine the design in key areas, including improving AR display quality, miniaturizing the technology for enhanced comfort, and scaling production to ensure affordability.
Meta plans to develop new devices based on the advancements achieved with Orion, envisioning a future where AR glasses enhance users’ presence in the physical world while seamlessly integrating digital technology.
Meta Quest 3S
Meta also introduced the Meta Quest 3S, a mixed reality headset that offers the same capabilities and performance as the Meta Quest 3 but at a more affordable price. The company claims the Quest 3S is ideal for newcomers to mixed reality and those looking for a budget upgrade from the Quest or Quest 2.
Meta emphasized that the Quest 3, launched last year, not only outperformed the Quest 2 but also established a new standard for mixed reality devices at accessible prices. The Quest 3S continues this legacy with several key features:
- Full-Color Passthrough: Seamlessly blends virtual and physical worlds.
- Enhanced Meta Horizon OS: Improved spatial computing and support for popular apps like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Improved Spatial Audio: Offers a more realistic and immersive experience.
- Travel Mode: Allows users to enjoy the headset while on the move, with future enhancements planned for train use.
- Privacy Features: New tools to protect user information and data security.
- Voice Commands: Future plans include enabling “Hey Meta” for voice interactions.
- Diverse Experiences: Offers concerts in Horizon Worlds’ Music Valley, creative tools like Painting VR and Gravity Sketch, and a home theater setup with support for Prime Video, Twitch, YouTube, Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), and Netflix in HD.
- Dolby Atmos Support
- Supernatural Fitness App: Features a new group workout mode.
In terms of compatibility, the Quest 3S supports a vast library of apps and games, including exclusive titles like Batman: Arkham Shadow, with Quest 3-specific performance enhancements ensuring upgraded visuals and faster load times.
Quick Specifications: Quest 3S
AI features and partnerships: Ray-Ban Meta glasses
Meta also announced new AI features and expanded partnerships for their Ray-Ban Meta glasses.
New AI Features
Conversational AI: Users can start conversations with Meta AI by saying “Hey Meta” and continue asking follow-up questions without repeating the wake phrase. The phrase “look and” is no longer needed for questions about their view.
Memory Aid: The glasses help users remember key details, such as where they parked at the airport. Users can also set voice reminders to send texts to loved ones upon arrival.
Voice Messaging: Users can record and send voice messages through WhatsApp and Messenger, making it easier to communicate when their hands are busy.
Video Assistance: Meta AI now includes video support for real-time help. Users can ask for information about landmarks while walking in a new city or receive meal suggestions at grocery stores based on what they see.
Real-Time Translation: The glasses will soon translate speech into English during conversations with speakers of Spanish, French, or Italian, aiming to improve travel experiences and reduce language barriers. Additional language support is planned for the future.
New Partnerships for Enhanced Utility
Be My Eyes Partnership: Meta is collaborating with Be My Eyes, an app that connects blind or low-vision individuals with sighted volunteers. Using the glasses and POV video calls, volunteers can assist users by describing their surroundings and offering hands-free help with tasks.
Music Integrations: Meta is enhancing integrations with Spotify and Amazon Music and partnering with Audible and iHeart. Users can easily search for and play content using voice commands, and ask for more details about the music or audiobooks they’re listening to.
Special Edition Frames and Lenses
Meta is introducing a limited edition of Shiny Transparent Wayfarer frames, showcasing the technology inside. This edition emphasizes innovation and design.
Additionally, the new UltraTransitions GEN S lenses from EssilorLuxottica will be added, providing users with improved adaptability to various lighting conditions.
Pricing and Availability
The Meta Quest 3S is available for pre-order on Meta.com at the following prices:
- 128GB: USD 299.99 (Rs. 25,100 approx.).
- 256GB: USD 399.99 (Rs. 33,465 approx.).
Additionally, the price for the 512GB Meta Quest 3 has dropped to USD 499.99 (Rs. 41,830 approx.).