Attendees at this year's Meta Connect event were introduced to the company's newest, shiniest product, the Orion AR Glasses. Sporting a full set of sensors that would normally belong on a large AR headset, the device is described as "the most advanced glasses the world has ever seen" by CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
The Orion Glasses are designed to superimpose digital information onto the real world, representing a significant step forward in developing wearable devices.
Zuckerberg Explains The Vision Behind Orion
Orion has been under development for over a decade, the result of Meta's long-term commitment to AR technology.
During the device presentation on 25 September, Zuckerberg explained the process of developing it had been extremely challenging. As they stand now, the Onion AR Glasses boast holographic displays, which aim to develop a new human-computer interaction paradigm and deliver cutting-edge AR experiences.
While still in its prototype stage, the Orion AR Glasses offer a glimpse into a future where AR seamlessly integrates into our daily lives, opening up a world of possibilities.
Key Features and Capabilities
Enhanced Field of View
Orion's expansive field of view, surpassing other competing AR glasses, offers an immersive and natural experience. This means you’ll be able to see digital content overlaid on the real world, engaging with both in a new and exciting way.
It also allows for more realistic and immersive interactions with virtual objects, making AR feel less like a separate layer and more like an integrated part of the environment.
Neural Interface
Zuckerberg used the phrase “neural link” to describe how users would be able to control their Orion Glasses. This is facilitated by an EMG wristband that allows swiping, clicking, and scrolling by reading a user's hand movements and translating them into digital commands.
The bands, which look like a fitness tracker minus the screen, use electromyography technology to interpret neural signals associated with hand gestures. The band can detect and translate hand movements into digital commands by monitoring the electrical activity in the user's muscles.
AI Integration
Orion also uses Meta's advanced AI to understand and interpret complex data to provide several intelligent features. This enhances the user experience and expands the possibilities for AR applications.
For example, the glasses can offer real-time translation, allowing seamless communication with people from different language backgrounds. This feature will be handy for frequent travelers and business professionals.
Holographic Displays
Orion also has the ability to project life-size holograms. Being able to see virtual objects in the real world opens up many immersive communication and entertainment possibilities.
For example, imagine having face-to-face conversations with friends and family living far away. Holographic communications also have the potential to make long-distance relationships feel more intimate and personal by breaking down the barriers of physical distance and fostering a deeper sense of connection.
Meta Orion's Future: Developer-Only for Now
Currently, Orion is only available to developers. This is because Meta, along with external developers, are trying to refine the technology and create applications for future AR products. While there is no confirmed release date for a consumer version, Zuckerberg hinted that the price of these glasses will be comparable to that of a high-end smartphone or laptop.