As the tech world buzzes with anticipation, Meta is gearing up for a grand reveal that promises to blur the lines between the digital and the physical like never before. The company’s first foray into true augmented reality (AR) glasses, codenamed “Orion,” is expected to take center stage at the Connect 2024 conference later this year. Despite eager internal ambitions to showcase Orion in the fall, it seems the general public might have to wait a bit longer for these futuristic specs to hit the shelves.
According to a report by Business Insider, which cites two insiders familiar with the project, Meta plans to unveil its AR glasses at Connect 2024. The report highlights an “internal pressure” to deliver an impressive debut performance for Orion.
Nine years in the making, the Orion glasses are a testament to Meta’s patience and technological advancement, yet their market launch is not anticipated until at least 2027. However, Meta has not been tight-lipped about its mixed-reality ambitions. Project Aria, an AR glasses prototype tested in real-world scenarios since 2020, is a prime example of the company’s transparent approach to developing its vision for the future of AR.
The Connect conference, typically held in October, seems to be the ideal platform for unveiling the Orion concept. As a developer’s haven, Meta has consistently used this event to showcase its latest technologies and products, including the announcement of its latest virtual reality headset—the Meta Quest 3—last year.
While the market has seen its fair share of virtual reality headsets and smart glasses, true AR offerings remain scarce. Meta, with the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses already in its wearable arsenal, envisions Project Orion as a hybrid of its existing products, boasting the computing power of a full-fledged computer in the sleek form of eyewear.
If these reports hold true, we’re set to learn more about Meta’s AR glasses plans at Connect 2024 later this year. In a world yearning for seamless integration of digital and physical experiences, “Orion” could represent not just a significant stride for Meta, but also for how we engage with and utilize technology in our everyday lives.
