Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is poised to transform the tech landscape once again. This week, the company gears up for its much-anticipated annual Connect conference at its headquarters in Menlo Park, California. Industry insiders and tech enthusiasts are on the edge of their seats as Meta is expected to unveil its first true augmented reality (AR) glasses. This reveal marks a significant milestone in Meta’s ambitious journey towards building immersive “metaverse” systems, a vision championed by CEO Mark Zuckerberg back in 2021.
The conference isn’t just about AR glasses; Meta is also set to announce a slew of updates to its virtual reality and artificial intelligence offerings. Among the exciting updates is an enhancement to Meta’s ChatGPT-like chatbot, which will now allow users to choose celebrity voices, including those of Judi Dench and John Cena, to personalize their interactions.
Inside Meta’s AR Ambitions: Challenges and Breakthroughs
Meta’s foray into AR has been fraught with challenges, from overcoming technical hurdles to recalibrating expectations about product viability. Last year, the head of Meta’s Reality Labs openly admitted that bringing a market-ready AR product was still “a few years away.” Despite these challenges, Meta has been investing heavily in its vision, with projected capital expenditures for 2024 hitting a record high of between $37 billion and $40 billion. The first iteration of the AR glasses is currently set for internal distribution and select developers, reflecting the high production costs involved—tens of thousands of dollars per unit. However, Meta is optimistic about making these glasses commercially available to consumers by 2027, anticipating significant technical advancements that would reduce production costs by then.
The Unexpected Hit: Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
While AR glasses are still on the horizon, Meta has already tasted success in the AI wearable market with its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. These camera-equipped glasses have been revamped with an AI-powered digital assistant, propelling them to become the market’s top AI wearable. According to market research firm IDC, over 700,000 pairs have been shipped since their last update. The partnership with Ray-Ban’s parent company, EssilorLuxottica, has been extended, fueling speculation that the upcoming AR glasses might also feature the iconic Ray-Ban branding. Meanwhile, Meta continues to innovate on its current products, with recent software updates enhancing the AI assistant’s capabilities, such as recognizing and discussing objects seen through the glasses.
As we approach the Connect conference, all eyes are on Meta to deliver a game-changing experience. The potential reveal of the AR glasses is not just about a new product but a bold step towards a future where digital and physical realities intertwine seamlessly. With Meta at the helm, the journey towards this future is as exciting as the destination itself.
