Source – thinglabs.io
Meta Showcases Groundbreaking Technologies
Meta, the tech giant formerly known as Facebook, revealed a series of technological innovations on Wednesday, including an affordable virtual reality headset and updates to its Ray-Ban smart glasses. These announcements come as part of the company’s larger efforts to establish itself as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation computing, going beyond traditional smartphones and computers. The event took place at Meta’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California, where CEO Mark Zuckerberg also introduced a prototype of advanced augmented reality (AR) glasses, named Orion.
Zuckerberg described Orion as “the most advanced glasses the world has ever seen,” highlighting the technical challenges in creating them. Unlike typical virtual reality headsets, Orion is designed as lightweight, wire-free glasses weighing less than 100 grams. It features a “wrist-based neural interface,” enabling users to control the device through brain signals via a wristband. Although there is no release date for Orion, Zuckerberg emphasized that it offers a “glimpse of the future.”
AI-Powered Enhancements and Celebrity Voices
In addition to the hardware announcements, Meta introduced several updates to its AI systems. A major update to its Llama model now allows users to interact with Meta AI by speaking, using voices from celebrities like John Cena, Judi Dench, and Awkwafina. This move aims to create a more natural and accessible AI experience, enhancing user interaction through voice commands.
One of the standout AI features is a tool for influencers to craft AI versions of themselves, which can engage with fans. During the event, an AI version of Don Allen Stevenson III, a digital creator, answered questions on stage, demonstrating how AI can mimic personal responses. Other AI advancements include live translation, showcased by Zuckerberg in real-time with Mexican mixed martial artist Brandon Moreno. The AI-powered smart glasses also offer the ability to dub videos in different languages while syncing lip movements, further enhancing cross-lingual communication.
With these innovations, Meta’s AI user base has surged to 500 million. Jeremy Goldman of research firm Emarketer described this achievement as “jaw-dropping,” noting Meta’s transformation into an AI powerhouse. Goldman further highlighted the company’s use of celebrity voices as a competitive move against OpenAI, focusing on practical applications of AI in everyday life.
Meta’s VR and AR Push: Competing in the Market
To stay competitive in the augmented and virtual reality market, Meta also introduced a more affordable version of its virtual reality headset, the Quest 3S, priced at $299—significantly less than its regular Quest 3, which costs $499. The 3S is set to start shipping on October 15, positioning itself as a direct competitor to Apple’s high-end Vision Pro, priced at $3,500.
While VR goggles have garnered significant attention, Meta’s Ray-Ban augmented reality glasses have become a surprise success. Despite earlier supply issues due to high demand, Zuckerberg stated that these glasses have exceeded the company’s expectations. With AI integration, these glasses can assist users in various daily tasks, such as locating a parked car or providing recipe suggestions. Meta continues to invest heavily in these emerging technologies, while its core revenue still comes from advertising, generating 98% of its $39 billion earnings last quarter.
Experts like Mike Proulx from Forrester Research, however, remain skeptical about the mainstream appeal of virtual reality headsets, citing their bulkiness and limited use. In contrast, Proulx sees potential in smart glasses like Orion, which integrate computing power into a familiar form, predicting that they could revolutionize how consumers interact with brands in the future.
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