Isaiah Richard Tech 09.25.2024 20:30 PM EDT

Meta Connect Went All Out with New Wearables ‘Orion’ AR Glasses, Quest 3S

The anticipated Meta Connect event did not disappoint as the company unveiled new technology for the world to enjoy, beginning with two of its wearables that are coming soon. One very notable product that was launched during the event is the Meta Orion AR glasses.

These new AR glasses are testament to Meta's plans for augmented reality (AR) wearables. It is expected to have significant differences from the Meta Ray-Bans.

The previously leaked headset, the Meta Quest 3S, is also part of the event. This is meant to be the budget version of the original Quest 3 and will also feature mixed-reality capabilities.

Meta Connect Unveils New Wearables, Starting With Orion AR

The "first true" AR glasses from Meta have now beedn unveiled during its Connect event, which showcased the "Orion." The Orion is said to deliver a wide range of capabilities that blend the digital world with the real one through Meta's glasses. This wearable was previously known as "Project Nazare," and it is touted as the most advanced AR glasses in the world.

Orion has the power to bring AR to users, offering large holographic displays with both 2D and 3D objects floating on its display. It will also integrate contextual artificial intelligence (AI) to help with "understanding" the world around.

Meta has also claimed that this will be available for both indoor and outdoor use, which makes it more convenient to integrate it with one's lifestyle.

As of press time, Orion will only be available for Meta's employees and selected audiences who can test its capabilities and features. Meta has yet to reveal an official release date.

Quest 3S is Here, Also Brings Meta AI to Ray-Bans

The Connect event has also introduced Quest 3S, which is the most affordable new wearable from Meta and succeeds the Quest 3. This XR headset only costs $299.99, which is $200 cheaper than the original Quest 3.

It is expected to run Horizon OS right out of the box.

In addition, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses also received an upgrade, which brings Meta AI for everyday use as a personal assistant or companion for tasks like translating speech in real-time, answering queries, and more. Meta has also announced its expanded partnership with streaming platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, and iHeart.

Meta Quest and the Future of Wearable Reality

Quest has built its brand as one of the most popular wearables in the world, and Meta has boosted its capabilities to deliver different experiences that are now available, such as augmented, virtual, and mixed reality. Its latest flagship device, Quest 3, is one of its most capable and powerful devices yet, focusing on mixed reality in order to offer the best of both worlds.

That being said, Meta has made it clear in a previously leaked roadmap that it will still continue with its innovations in wearable technology, especially when it comes to exploring more specific realities. Among its many plans are AR glasses that will reportedly be available by 2027. However, Meta has yet to name what these glasses are.

Speculations have now claimed that this may be the latest Orion AR glasses, which is meant to be more of an everyday wearable companion that can blend the real world and the massive display seen through its lenses.

Additionally, one of Meta's plans for Quest's wearable technology is to be able to run the metaverse, offering the world a chance to dive into an alternate, digital reality.