MENLO PARK, California (AP) — On Wednesday, Meta presented significant enhancements to its virtual reality headset and Ray-Ban smart glasses, alongside innovative advancements in artificial intelligence. These updates are part of Meta’s strategy to showcase its capabilities in the realm of artificial intelligence and evolve computing platforms beyond traditional smartphones and computers.
During the presentation, CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced Orion, a prototype he described as “the most advanced glasses the world has ever seen.” He addressed an audience of developers and press, emphasizing the daunting technical challenges involved in developing these holographic augmented reality glasses.
Zuckerberg explained that Orion needed to function seamlessly as a pair of glasses—avoiding the bulkiness typically associated with headsets—while also ensuring the device would be lightweight, featuring no wires and weighing less than 100 grams (3.53 ounces). In addition to standard interactions through voice, typing, or hand gestures, Orion includes a groundbreaking “neural interface,” allowing users to send signals directly from their brains to the device.
Currently, Orion does not have a set release date; Zuckerberg referred to it as a “glimpse of the future.”
Meta is committed to making this future accessible to everyone through its updated headsets, glasses, and AI systems. As part of the updates to its Llama AI model, users will now be able to interact with Meta AI via voice, featuring responses from celebrity voices such as John Cena, Judi Dench, and Awkwafina.
Notably, an update aimed at influencers enables them to create AI replicas of themselves to engage with fans. During the keynote, an AI version of a creator answered questions just like the real person would, demonstrating the technology’s potential. When Zuckerberg inquired about cattle ranching, the AI responded, “my expertise lies in technology and design, not agriculture.” This feature builds on a previously available text-only version of the tool.
Other AI enhancements include real-time translation functionality, which Zuckerberg showcased by conversing in English with a Spanish speaker while wearing the smart glasses—the translation occurred live. Additionally, users can dub their videos in another language, creating the illusion that they are speaking naturally, including synchronized lip movements.
According to Meta, its AI now boasts 500 million users, a figure that industry analyst Jeremy Goldman of Emarketer deemed “jaw-dropping.” He remarked, “Meta has transformed from just a social media company into an AI powerhouse. Zuckerberg’s incorporation of celebrity voices serves a strategic purpose—it directly challenges OpenAI with a focus on practical applications.”
Meta also revealed a more affordable version of its VR goggles, the Quest 3S, which will retail for $299, significantly lower than the standard Quest 3, priced at $499. The Quest 3S is set to ship on October 15. Goldman noted, “Meta is aggressively undercutting Apple’s Vision Pro to dominate the mid-tier AR/VR market,” as Apple’s VR goggles were launched amid much expectation at a steep price of $3,500.
While the VR goggles have generated considerable buzz, the augmented reality Ray-Ban glasses have become unexpected bestsellers for Meta. Although the company has not released specific sales numbers, Zuckerberg mentioned during Meta’s July earnings call that the glasses are outperforming initial expectations, thanks in part to the burgeoning AI capabilities. On Wednesday, he expressed confidence that the company has resolved previous supply challenges that had affected the Ray-Bans due to high demand.
“They are the ideal form factor for AI,” Zuckerberg stated. The glasses enable an AI assistant to “see what you see and hear what you hear,” providing assistance throughout the day. For example, users can ask the glasses to remind them where they parked, suggest smoothie recipes based on a selection of fruits, or help choose an outfit.
Despite rebranding from Facebook in 2021, Meta continues to rely heavily on advertising for revenue. During its last quarter, 98% of over $39 billion in revenue came from ads, while the company is significantly investing in AI and what Zuckerberg sees as the future of computing through VR headsets and AR glasses.
Research director Mike Proulx from Forrester expressed skepticism about the mainstream adoption of VR headsets. “They are too cumbersome, and users can only tolerate them for brief periods.” Conversely, he noted that glasses can embed computing power into a familiar and practical design. “As the technology in these glasses advances, they have the potential to revolutionize how everyday consumers interact with brands.” Proulx added that the Orion prototype “sets the stage for a future where a revolutionary 3D computing platform is within reach and can genuinely benefit everyday consumers.”
