Introduction to Augmented Reality Glasses

As with smartphones, it’ll probably take some time for developers to essentially work out what to do with this latest mode of computer interaction. But unlike bulky VR headsets or “passthrough” mixed-reality experiences, truly lightweight AR glasses like these appear to be they might be much easier to integrate into on a regular basis tasks without awkwardness or discomfort.

Still Years Away from Release

Meta’s interest in augmented reality isn’t exactly latest—the corporate announced plans for a tool like this publicly in 2019. Now that we’re at the general public prototype phase, though, the finish line of an actual consumer AR product seems more within reach for Meta.

In a blog post discussing Orion, Meta says it’s “one of the polished product prototypes we’ve ever developed, and is really representative of something that might ship to consumers.” But The Verge notes that constructing that prototype currently runs Meta a whopping $10,000 per unit, which is way from a consumer-friendly price point.

Challenges and Future Plans

At Connect, Zuckerberg said the team is working to scale things up on the manufacturing side to make things more cost-effective, in addition to aiming for a sharper display and sleeker, more fashionable design. That effort could culminate in products based on this prototype “in the subsequent few years,” in accordance with Meta’s blog post. That would align with a leaked 2023 Meta hardware roadmap that projected its first AR glasses to launch in 2027.

Current Use of the Prototype

In the meantime, Zuckerberg said Orion could be used as an internal prototype for Meta to construct its AR operating system and loaned to “a handful of external partners” to begin working on software. “This is where we’re going,” Zuckerberg said. “These glasses exist, they’re awesome, and so they are… a glimpse of a future that I believe goes to be pretty exciting.”

Conclusion

While we’re still years away from the discharge of Meta’s augmented reality glasses, the prototype shows promise for a future where AR technology is integrated into our every day lives. With its potential to make on a regular basis tasks easier and more convenient, it’s exciting to take into consideration what the longer term of AR might hold. As Meta continues to work on making the technology more cost-effective and user-friendly, we will expect to see significant advancements in the sphere of augmented reality.