Meta’s big tease

Sep 26, 2024

Meta showcases its first AR glasses, Orion, as part of its aim to develop post-smartphone computers, focusing on high-resolution displays and AI interactions.

: Meta unveils Orion, its advanced AR glasses, as a part of Mark Zuckerberg's vision to create the next major computing platform. The device boasts Micro LED projectors, silicon carbide lenses, and generative AI capabilities, albeit with significant manufacturing costs. The hardware includes a neural wristband and a wireless compute puck. While still not ready for consumer release, Meta views Orion as a crucial step toward mainstream AR glasses.

Meta has introduced Orion, its first pair of augmented reality glasses, part of Mark Zuckerberg’s plan to shift from smartphones to advanced computing platforms. Orion's innovative features include custom-designed Micro LED projectors and silicon carbide lenses, though the device currently faces high production costs and manufacturing complexity.

These AR glasses come equipped with a neural wristband and a wireless compute puck, using electromyography (EMG) to convert neural signals into input. The demo showcased real-world applications like ingredient identification and immersive 3D gaming, highlighting the potential for AI integration within augmented reality.

Although Orion is not yet market-ready due to its approximately $10,000 unit cost, Meta continues to develop the technology towards a consumer-friendly product. Future iterations aim to combine higher resolution and brightness with reduced costs, potentially replacing smartphones and laptops in everyday use.