Image Credits - ept.ca
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Meta has taken a significant step toward the future with the unveiling of Orion, which it claims is “the most advanced pair of AR glasses ever made.” While the design is closer to resembling regular glasses than any previous AR device, there is still some distance to cover before this technology is indistinguishable from everyday eyewear. Meta’s achievement is remarkable, especially when compared to competitors like Xiaomi and Oppo, whose AR prototypes fall short in terms of both design and functionality. However, the road to fully consumer-ready AR glasses remains long, particularly when looking at the staggering $10,000 manufacturing cost for Meta Orion.
On the other hand, Apple Glasses, the highly anticipated AR product from the tech giant, are still years away from reaching consumers. Apple has remained quiet on when its version of AR glasses will hit the market, and insiders suggest that a consumer-friendly version is still in its developmental stages. The company is not expected to launch the product until it can create glasses that resemble regular eyewear, likely similar in look to Ray-Ban Meta sunglasses. For Apple, the form factor is key to a successful AR launch.
The Vision Pro, Apple’s current AR device, is expected to see a lower-cost version hit the market soon, but this device is not likely to be the sleek, everyday glasses that many are hoping for. Instead, it will serve as an intermediate step, as the company continues its journey toward perfecting Apple Glasses. Experts suggest that the eventual goal for Apple is to create AR glasses that could potentially replace the iPhone, although this vision is still far from becoming a reality. For now, the focus seems to be on creating a product that complements the iPhone, perhaps serving as a more advanced replacement for the Apple Watch.