The wearable will be equipped with the most advanced technologies for displaying practical information superimposed on a real-world environment.
Meta’s programme to develop augmented reality glasses is moving forward, slowly but surely.
A year after disclosing its Aria project, which involves working on new glasses integrating various components – starting with a mini-screen capable of projecting images and information in augmented reality – things seem to be getting clearer.
Meta is expected to present a prototype of its augmented reality glasses at its annual Connect conference this fall. The project is code-named Orion.
According to Business Insider, a handful of employees have already tested these glasses, and the prototype is said to be at an advanced stage. The idea is above all to make an impression, before bringing a product of this type to market on a large scale two or three years later.
For Meta, this is a new challenge, unlike the smart glasses it produced in collaboration with Ray-Ban or its Quest headsets.
Meta’s Reality Labs division is working on these glasses which, in form, will resemble conventional eyewear models, but which will nevertheless enable information and various virtual elements to be viewed directly in the wearer’s field of vision.
In terms of uses, Meta has yet to communicate on the subject. However, the main utility of this kind of product is to be able to display practical information in real time. This could include the name of an establishment or a direction to take, notifications or game elements in augmented reality.
Today, connected eyewear remains a niche market. Meta, in collaboration with Ray-Ban, and Snap already offer models of connected glasses, but these are still very limited devices, mainly for discreet photo-taking or filming.
Apple recently launched its Vision Pro mixed reality headset, and the start-up Magic Leap has already demonstrated a much more advanced product, albeit relatively complex to use and imposing to wear.
It’s now up to Meta to show that it can do better.