Meta connect 2024 to showcase Quest 3S, AI innovations, and new AR glasses

Meta is gearing up for its highly anticipated fall event, Meta Connect 2024, where the tech giant aims to unveil its latest advancements in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). As the competition heats up in the tech space, particularly following the release of Apple’s Vision Pro, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is keen to highlight the company’s innovative direction, with a strong focus on AI and AR technologies.

A significant highlight of the event is expected to be the introduction of the Orion AR glasses, a sleek and more accessible alternative to traditional mixed reality headsets. Unlike Meta’s previous Quest 3, which offers an immersive VR experience by blocking the real world, the Orion glasses will allow users to interact with their environment while overlaying digital information. Zuckerberg has hinted at a prototype of these glasses, which resemble modern eyewear rather than clunky devices like Magic Leap or HoloLens.

At last year’s Meta Connect, Zuckerberg introduced concepts for AR glasses paired with an innovative wrist-based controller, building anticipation for this year’s offerings. The company also plans to release an upgraded version of its Ray-Ban smart glasses next year, featuring a small built-in screen alongside existing camera and audio capabilities. This aligns with Meta’s timeline to release consumer AR glasses by 2027.

In addition to the AR glasses, Meta is expected to unveil a more budget-friendly variant of its Quest 3 headset, tentatively named Quest 3S. Recent leaks suggest that this model could retail for approximately $299, offering an affordable entry point into Meta’s VR ecosystem while maintaining a quality experience similar to the Quest 3.

Moreover, AI capabilities will be a focal point at the event. Meta aims to enhance its existing AI features on its devices, including the Ray-Ban smart glasses, leveraging the new Llama 3.1 large language model. This update is expected to improve translation, math, and general knowledge functions, which have been criticized for being underwhelming in their current iteration.

As Meta Connect 2024 approaches, the excitement surrounding the launch of the Quest 3S, Orion AR glasses, and advancements in AI demonstrates Meta’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of technological innovation in the rapidly evolving landscape of VR and AR.