Meta’s New AR Glasses: A Glimpse into the Future

Meta’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Andrew Bosworth, recently shared exciting details about Meta’s new augmented reality (AR) glasses. Describing them as a “time machine,” Bosworth emphasized that these glasses offer a peek into the future rather than a ready-to-market product.

Mark Zuckerberg hinted that Meta might showcase these AR glasses at Meta Connect 2024 in September. Early testers were thrilled with the experience. 

Bosworth described the glasses as having great clarity and a wide field of view, but noted they are still prototypes and not yet available to the public. 

Meta has built a developer platform to create software and new experiences for these glasses, aiming to explore different ways users can interact with full augmented reality.

Meta uses the term “time machine” to describe prototypes that demonstrate future technology without immediate commercial plans. Past VR prototypes from Meta, featuring advanced technologies like varifocal lenses and HDR, have served a similar purpose. 

The AR glasses, codenamed Orion, are so advanced and expensive to produce that only about 1,000 units will be made for internal use and developers. 

These prototypes will help develop software for a more affordable version, codenamed Artemis, expected to launch in 2027.Meta aims to rekindle excitement around AR glasses with Orion and demonstrate the value of its investments in research and development. 

Both Bosworth and the Head of AR Glasses Hardware, Caitlin Kalinowski, believe these glasses represent a significant leap in consumer electronics. 

This way, Meta’s AR glasses are expected to make a significant impact, demonstrating the company’s commitment to advancing augmented reality technology.