Meta introduced updates to its virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) product lines at Meta Connect, the company’s annual developer fete on Wednesday, including a more affordable VR headset and enhanced AI capabilities.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg also unveiled an advanced prototype of AR glasses, dubbed Orion, calling it “the most advanced glasses the world has ever seen”.
Orion remains in the prototype stage with no release date, but Zuckerberg described it as a "glimpse of the future".
Bringing AI to the Forefront
In addition to hardware, Meta showcased new AI developments, including updates to its Llama model, which allows users to interact with Meta AI using celebrity voices like John Cena and Judi Dench.
The company also introduced AI tools for influencers, enabling them to create digital versions of themselves to interact with fans.
During the keynote, Zuckerberg demonstrated real-time language translation through Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, underscoring the company’s efforts to integrate AI into everyday life.
Meta AI now boasts 500 million users, a figure described by Jeremy Goldman of Emarketer as “jaw-dropping”.
“Meta has transformed from just a social media company into an AI powerhouse,” said Goldman, highlighting the company's competitive position against OpenAI.
Quest 3S and AR Glasses Expansion
Meta revealed a cheaper version of its Quest 3 VR headset, the Quest 3S, priced at $299, significantly undercutting Apple's $3,500 Vision Pro. The new headset will be available starting October 15, signaling Meta's strategy to dominate the mid-range AR/VR market.
While VR has garnered significant attention, Meta's Ray-Ban AR glasses have quietly become a success. Although sales figures remain undisclosed, Zuckerberg noted during Meta’s July earnings call that demand has outpaced expectations.
The smart glasses, equipped with AI assistance, allow users to perform everyday tasks such as finding parked cars or creating recipes from a visual scan of ingredients.