Meta Connect Unveiled: Advances in New Hardware and AI Technology

At the Meta Connect event, Meta unveiled a series of new hardware and AI advancements spanning the VR, AR, and artificial intelligence sectors. Here are the key highlights from the conference:

Orion Augmented Reality Glasses Debut

Meta introduced its Orion augmented reality glasses for the first time. Featuring a sleek design reminiscent of traditional eyewear frames, the glasses are equipped with a Micro LED projector and waveguide lenses to project images directly in front of the user's eyes. Orion builds upon the generative AI capabilities of Ray-Ban smart glasses, adding visual elements such as labeling objects in the user's view. The glasses require a wireless computing module and a neural band for operation but remain in the development phase with no announced release date.

Quest 3S VR Headset Launched at an Affordable Price

Meta has released the Quest 3S VR headset, priced at $299.99, matching the original cost of Quest 2. In terms of specifications, Quest 3S is comparable to the higher-end Quest 3, utilizing the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip and Touch Plus controllers. However, it omits the depth sensor and has reduced screen resolution and field of view to lower costs. With the introduction of Quest 3S, Meta will discontinue sales of Quest 2 and Quest Pro, streamlining its VR product lineup.

Ray-Ban Smart Glasses Receive Feature Enhancements

Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses have received a software update, introducing new reminder functions to help users manage daily tasks such as shopping lists. Additionally, the update improves Meta AI's response speed and includes the development of real-time voice translation capabilities. On the hardware front, new styles include transparent frames and photochromic lenses.

AI-Generated Content to Appear on Social Media

Meta plans to introduce an AI-generated content section called "Imagined for you" on its Facebook and Instagram platforms, based on user interests and current trends. This feature will allow users to see their faces integrated into fictional scenes, such as magical worlds or as game characters, astronauts, and more. The feature is currently in the testing phase.

Expansion of Celebrity AI Voice Features

Meta is further advancing its celebrity AI voice project by adding AI voices of celebrities like Awkwafina, John Cena, Keegan-Michael Key, Kristen Bell, and Dame Judi Dench. Users in the US can utilize these AI voices on Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook.

Llama Model Upgrade with Image Processing Support

Meta has released an updated version of the Llama model, enhancing its capabilities with image processing features that competitors introduced a year ago. The new Llama version is also optimized for mobile devices, resulting in a smaller model size.

The Meta Connect conference showcased Meta's ongoing investment and innovation in the VR, AR, and AI sectors, offering users a range of new possibilities.