On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, during the Connect 2024 event, Meta presented the concept of the company's first "real" augmented reality glasses, which were first introduced five years ago but started working on more than a decade ago.
Meta calls them the most advanced pair of augmented reality glasses ever created. Orion will allow you to place 2D and 3D content wherever you want, and in addition, the glasses integrate contextual artificial intelligence that can analyze and "sense" the environment to help users.
The Meta AI smart assistant built into the glasses understands what the wearer is looking at in the physical world and can help with useful visualizations. For example, you can open the fridge while wearing glasses and ask for a recipe based on what's inside. Or make a video call to a friend while setting up a digital family calendar while doing the dishes.
The glasses have a field of view of approximately 70 degrees, which, according to Meta, is the largest among augmented reality glasses in a smaller form factor. Instead of glass, they also use lenses made of silicon carbide, a lightweight material that does not create optical artifacts or scattered light and has a high refractive index.
The environment will be easily perceived thanks to 7 built-in cameras, and for eye tracking, Orion has a specially designed new sensor that will use miniaturized cameras.
To control augmented reality, Orion will use voice, eye tracking, and hand tracking with an EMG bracelet that allows you to swipe, click, and scroll while comfortably holding your hand near you.
Starting on September 25 and continuing throughout the year, Meta will open access to the Orion prototype to Meta employees and gather external audiences to further test and refine the product to integrate and develop a line of consumer augmented reality glasses that the company plans to release "in the near future."