At Meta Connect 2024, CEO Mark Zuckerberg surprised the audience with the reveal of Meta’s prototype AR glasses, codenamed Project Orion. Though rumors hinted at the announcement, the details unveiled about the smart glasses showcased Meta’s decade-long journey in shaping the future of augmented reality (AR). Here’s a breakdown of what we know about Meta’s Orion smart glasses.
Design: Thick Frames and Advanced Controls
The Meta Orion prototype sports thicker frames compared to the sleek Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. However, these are expected to slim down before a commercial release. The glasses are controlled through voice commands, eye and hand tracking, and an EMG (electromyography) wristband that allows for intuitive gestures like swiping, clicking, and scrolling. Zuckerberg used the term “neural link” to describe this control method, but it’s essentially an advanced wristband technology. Notably, there are no cables attached to the glasses, and they weigh a lightweight 100 grams (3.5 ounces). Currently, the glasses rely on an external processing unit to wirelessly power apps and graphics.
Lenses: Silicon Carbide for Durability and Clarity
One of the standout features of the Orion glasses is their unique silicon carbide lenses. These lenses offer greater durability and a lighter weight than traditional glass or plastic, and they use advanced projections to beam AR visuals onto the lens. The slightly tinted appearance of the lenses is reminiscent of transition lenses, yet users can still maintain eye contact during conversations. The lenses also feature a 70-degree field of view (FOV), which is impressive compared to the 96-degree FOV of the Meta Quest 3S headset.
Software: Early Hints of Capabilities
While Meta hasn’t revealed specific software applications for Orion, Zuckerberg discussed the potential for holographic communication. A demo video displayed mixed reality features such as playing AR versions of Pong on surfaces. Other potential uses include accessing RSS feeds, YouTube, Spotify, and ESPN, though it’s unclear if the glasses can currently handle these functions.
Release Date and Price: No Clear Timeline
Meta hasn’t provided a firm release date for Orion-based products. Zuckerberg emphasized that the current version serves as a developer kit, and Meta is focused on refining the design and reducing production costs. While no official price has been set, the company expects future Orion AR glasses to be priced similarly to high-end smartphones or laptops, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max serving as a potential benchmark at $1,199.
Outlook: A Developer Kit with Big Ambitions
For now, Meta is positioning the Orion glasses as a platform for developers to create software and hardware for its mixed reality ecosystem. Whether these glasses evolve into a more advanced version of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses or emerge as an entirely new product remains to be seen. What’s clear is that Meta is heavily invested in AR technology, with Zuckerberg fully committed to making Orion a commercially viable product in the near future.
