Meta kicked off their Connect 2024 conference with the launch of the Meta Quest 3, the first mixed-reality headset for everyone. Plus, they teamed up with Ray-Ban to roll out some stylish smart glasses.
At the Meta Connect 2024, Mark Zuckerberg shared some exciting updates on their journey in mixed reality, AI, and wearables.
The updates are just mind-blowing, especially their Orion glasses. There is a lot to cover about the updates they made at the Meta Connect 2024. Let’s take a closer look at these innovations and see how they might change our daily lives!
Meta's Vision for the Future of Technology
Meta wants to change how we use technology in our daily lives. They're working on new tools to help people connect better and do more. Here's what Meta is focusing on:
Making devices that mix the real world with computer-made images
Creating smart computer helpers that can understand and talk to us
Developing glasses and other wearable gadgets that are easy to use
Meta believes these new technologies will change how we use computers. They want to make a new type of computer system that puts people first. This means:
Headsets that let you see both real and digital things at the same time
Smart assistants that can help you with many tasks
Wearable devices that fit naturally into your day
The company is trying to make new and better ways for people to:
Talk to each other, no matter where they are
Work and have fun using new kinds of screens and displays
Use technology that feels more natural and less like a machine
Meta's Mixed Reality Push: Meta Quest 3S
Meta is taking a big step forward with their new Meta Quest 3S headset.
This new device is more affordable, starting at just $299.99, and offers high-quality mixed-reality experiences. You can pre-order it now and get your hands on it from October 15.
The Meta Quest 3S comes with some exciting features that make it stand out:
Powered by a strong Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 platform
Full-color mixed reality that blends real and virtual worlds
Hand tracking for natural movements and Touch Plus controllers for precise actions
Meta is offering the Quest 3S as part of a family of headsets. You can choose from the 128GB entry model, a 256GB version for more storage, or go for the top-of-the-line 512GB Quest 3. To sweeten the deal, each new headset comes with a free Batman game for a limited time.
The Quest 3S isn't just for gaming. It's designed to be a new kind of computer that can do all sorts of tasks. You can watch movies, listen to music, play games with friends, exercise using fitness apps, and even work on big virtual screens. Meta is aiming to make the Quest 3S a device that fits into many parts of your daily life.
With regular updates, the headset will keep getting better over time. Meta's goal is to create a device that's more than just for fun – they want it to be a useful tool that changes how we use technology every day.
Horizon OS: All-in-One Entertainment and Productivity Platform
Horizon OS is Meta's special software that powers their mixed reality headsets. It's designed to be an all-rounder from entertainment to work needs. With Horizon OS, you can do many things without switching devices.
Here are some of the things you can enjoy with Horizon OS:
Listen to music on Amazon Music or Twitch
Work on big virtual screens using Remote Desktop
Get fit with apps like Alo Moves XR and Supernatural
Watch your favorite shows on streaming services like Prime Video
Meta has been working with other companies to make Horizon OS even better. They've teamed up with Microsoft to improve Remote Desktop. Soon, you'll be able to easily connect to Windows 11 PCs just by looking at your keyboard.
Horizon OS isn't just about fun and games. It's also great for work. You can use it to look at big spreadsheets or focus on your projects without distractions. It's like having a super-powered computer that you wear on your head.
Meta is also making it easier for people who make apps to build things for Horizon OS. This means you'll have even more cool stuff to try out in the future. Whether you want to relax, get some work done, or hang out with friends, Horizon OS has something for everyone.
Enhancing Experiences with Ray-Ban Meta Glasses
Meta is making their Ray-Ban glasses even better with new features. These glasses are getting smarter and more helpful in your everyday life. They're adding new ways to use the glasses that make them more fun and useful.
One big change is how you can talk to the glasses. Now, you only need to say "Hey Meta" once to start a conversation. After that, you can keep talking to the glasses naturally, just like you would with a friend. This makes using the glasses feel more normal and easy.
The Ray-Ban Meta glasses are also getting some new tricks:
They can help you remember things, like where you parked your car
You can ask them to call a phone number you see on a sign
They can translate what people say into English in real-time
Meta is working with other companies to add more features. Soon, you'll be able to use Spotify, Audible, and iHeart with your glasses. This means you can listen to music, audiobooks, and podcasts right from your glasses.
For people who need help seeing, the glasses can work with an app called Be My Eyes. This app connects you with someone who can describe what's around you, using the camera in your glasses.
Meta is also adding new styles to choose from. You can get glasses that change color in the sun, or special see-through frames that show off the tech inside. These new options let you pick glasses that fit your style while still having all the smart features.
Orion: Meta's First AR Glasses Unveiled
Meta has just shown off their new product called Orion. These are special glasses that have been in the works for ten years. Orion is not just an idea - it's a real product that's almost ready for people to use.
Here's what makes Orion special:
They're lightweight, weighing less than 100 grams
They have wide screens that are bright and clear
You can see the real world and computer images at the same time
Orion is packed with cool technology. It has ten special computer chips inside and a new way of showing images. The glasses also come with a wristband that helps you control them easily.
With Orion, you can do many things without needing to hold a phone or computer. You can talk to the glasses to make them do things. They can also follow your eye movements and hand gestures. This means you can use them in ways that feel naturaland don't look strange to other people.
Meta thinks Orion is a big step forward in making computers that are easy for people to use. They want these glasses to help people feel like they're really with others, even if those people are far away. Orion shows that the future Meta has been talking about is getting closer to being real.
Conclusion
Meta aims to revolutionise technology by creating innovative tools for better connectivity and productivity. They are focusing on developing devices that blend real-world elements with digital imagery, smart assistants for seamless interaction, and wearable gadgets for effortless use.
Meta believes these advancements will prioritise user experience and enhance human-computer interaction. They are introducing the Meta Quest 3S headset, a cost-effective mixed-reality device offering features like hand tracking and Touch Plus controllers.
Furthermore, Meta's Horizon OS platform enables a wide range of activities, from entertainment to work-related tasks. The company is enhancing their Ray-Ban Meta glasses with new features like hands-free interaction and real-time translation.
Additionally, Meta has unveiled Orion, lightweight AR glasses with advanced technology for intuitive control and seamless integration of digital and real-world experiences. Meta wants to create a future where technology seamlessly integrates with everyday life, making advanced tools accessible to all users.
FAQs
1. What was announced at Meta Connect?
At Meta Connect, Meta introduced groundbreaking innovations, including the Meta Quest 3S mixed reality headset, Horizon OS for entertainment and productivity, enhanced Ray-Ban Meta glasses, and Orion AR glasses. These products aim to revolutionize user experience with seamless digital and real-world integration.
2. What are Orion AR glasses?
Orion AR glasses, unveiled by Meta, are lightweight, under 100 grams, and offer advanced augmented reality features. They combine real and digital views, allowing intuitive control via voice, eye movement, and hand gestures, pushing the boundaries of user-friendly, wearable technology.
3. Who made the first AR glasses?
The first AR glasses were developed by Ivan Sutherland and his student Bob Sproull in 1968. Their creation, the "Sword of Damocles," is recognized as the first AR/VR headset, marking the beginning of augmented reality technology as we know it today.
