Meta has officially unveiled its augmented reality (AR) glasses concept, known as the Orion. It features miniature projectors to display holograms in real-time on the included lenses, while maintaining a compact form factor. The company dubs its new AR glasses as the “most advanced pair of AR glasses ever made.”
Orion has a user friendly design that doesn’t isolate the wearer from their surroundings. The design allows users to maintain eye contact and social interactions, in contrast to other devices that can sometimes feel intrusive. It’s claimed to be lightweight and can function seamlessly in both indoor and outdoor environments, if merging digital elements with the real world is your interest.
The glasses are equipped with contextual AI, meaning users can identify certain things and receive ideal actions or suggestions based on the subject. Additionally, the glasses support video calls and messaging through platforms like Messenger and WhatsApp, alongside holographic interfaces for popular apps like Spotify and YouTube.
Transmission-wise, it relies on an external wireless processing unit that transmits applications and content to the wearable. Also part of the package is a bracelet accessory that allows for gesture-based controls when used together with the AR glasses.
The Orion is not yet available to the public, however. What’s shown is still a prototype that’s only available to Meta employees and select external testers for feedback and development purposes. Whether or not the company will develop a retail version remains to be seen.
