Celebrating a decade of innovation, Meta’s Reality Labs division has hinted at a groundbreaking development: their first pair of augmented reality (AR) glasses. This upcoming product aims to amalgamate the distinct pathways of AR and VR hardware, akin to Meta Quest 3, with the sleek, AI-integrated design of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. This fusion promises to deliver a superior experience, blending the practicality of AR with the immersive qualities of VR.
The new AR glasses are envisioned as a complement, not a replacement, to Meta’s mixed-reality headsets, likening them to the relationship between smartphones and computers. They are expected to provide robust performance in a more compact form, maintaining the balance between functionality and portability.
However, the exact release date of these AR glasses remains uncertain, with projections suggesting a possible launch in the coming years. Speculations based on a roadmap from Meta Reality Labs point towards a 2025 debut for smart glasses with a display, followed by a full-fledged AR model in 2027. Despite this, there are rumors of an earlier sneak peek, potentially at this year’s Meta Connect conference, where a prototype named ‘Orion’ might be showcased.
These AR glasses represent a significant new venture for Meta, building on its existing hardware lines of VR headsets and smart glasses. The anticipated AR glasses are set to introduce a new hardware category for Meta, following the Ray-Ban Stories launch in 2021.
Meta envisions these glasses as a blend of advanced AI capabilities, currently in beta with their Ray-Ban smart glasses, and the rich XR (extended reality) ecosystem of the Quest platform. While some existing apps may face compatibility issues due to hardware limitations, there is potential for significant software development to leverage the AR format.
In essence, Meta’s AR glasses are not just about technological innovation but also about integrating style and functionality, as demonstrated in the design of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. This approach underscores Meta’s commitment to creating devices that are both technologically advanced and user-friendly, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of wearable technology.