Meta introduced updates to its virtual reality headset and Ray-Ban smart glasses on Wednesday, aiming to showcase its advancements in artificial intelligence and the next generation of computing platforms beyond smartphones and computers.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg also unveiled Orion, a prototype he described as “the most advanced glasses the world has ever seen.” Highlighting the immense technical challenges, Zuckerberg explained, “The holographic augmented reality glasses needed to be glasses, not a bulky headset. There are no wires, and they have to weigh less than 100 grams (3.5 ounces).” Beyond voice, typing, or hand gestures, Orion features a “wrist-based neural interface” enabling users to transmit signals from their brain to the device through a wristband that translates nerve signals into digital commands. However, there is no release date for Orion, which Zuckerberg referred to as “a glimpse of the future.”
Addressing a crowd of developers and journalists at Meta’s Menlo Park headquarters, Zuckerberg emphasized the company’s mission to “bring the future to everyone” with its headsets, glasses, and AI systems. As part of an upgrade to its Llama model, users can now interact with Meta AI through voice commands, featuring celebrity voices such as John Cena, Judi Dench, and Awkwafina.
“We are aiming to build a future that is more open, more accessible, more natural, and centered on human connection,” Zuckerberg said. “This extends the values and ideas we have embedded in the apps and technology developed over Meta’s first 20 years.” One significant AI update allows influencers to create AI versions of themselves for fan interactions. During the keynote, an AI replica of creator Don Allen Stevenson III appeared on screen, answering questions in a manner akin to the actual creator. When Zuckerberg queried the AI about cattle ranching, it humorously responded, “My expertise lies in technology and design, not agriculture.” This tool was previously limited to text responses.
Additional AI updates include live translation, showcased on stage by Zuckerberg. Wearing the smart glasses, he spoke in English to Mexican mixed martial artist Brandon Moreno, who replied in Spanish, with the conversation translated in real-time. Users can also dub their videos in another language, aligning lip movements to the new speech for a more authentic appearance.
Meta AI has reportedly garnered 500 million users, a figure described as “jaw-dropping” by Jeremy Goldman of the research firm Emarketer. “Meta has evolved from a mere social media company into an AI powerhouse. The move to celebrity voices is not just for fun; it’s a direct challenge to OpenAI with a focus on real-world utility,” Goldman noted.
Alongside these announcements, Meta introduced a more affordable version of the VR goggles, the 3S, priced at $299, compared to the regular Quest 3’s $499. Shipping for the S3 begins on October 15. “Meta is aggressively undercutting Apple’s Vision Pro to dominate the mid-tier AR/VR market,” remarked Goldman. Apple’s Vision Pro, launched earlier this year, costs $3,500.
While VR goggles have attracted considerable attention, the augmented reality Ray-Bans emerged as an unexpected success for Meta. Despite undisclosed sales figures, Zuckerberg mentioned during Meta’s July earnings call that the glasses have surpassed expectations, aided in part by AI. On Wednesday, he confirmed that the company had resolved the supply issues that previously affected the Ray-Bans due to high demand.
Describing the glasses as “kind of the perfect form factor for AI,” Zuckerberg explained that they enable an AI assistant to “see what you see, hear what you hear,” and assist with everyday tasks. For instance, users can ask the glasses to remind them where they parked, pick up groceries, suggest a smoothie recipe, or help choose a party outfit.
Meta, which rebranded from Facebook in 2021, continues to generate nearly all its revenue from advertising, with 98% of its over $39 billion in revenue from ads in the latest quarter. Simultaneously, the company is heavily investing in AI and what Zuckerberg envisions as the next generation of computing platforms, such as VR headsets and AR glasses.
“Despite Meta’s claims, VR headsets will not go mainstream,” stated Forrester research director Mike Proulx. “They’re too cumbersome and only tolerable in short bursts.” However, he suggested that AR glasses could significantly impact daily consumer interactions as the smart technology behind them matures. Proulx asserted that the Orion prototype positions itself for a future where a groundbreaking 3D computing platform is accessible and beneficial to the average consumer.
