This year, the smart glasses segment will see new, advanced models from two of its biggest names. According to reports, Meta and Snap are expected to launch AR glasses as early as next month.
Snap and Meta will soon launch new AR glasses
Both Meta and Snap have extensive experience in this niche category after several product generations. Mark Zuckerberg’s company collaborated with Ray-Ban for its smart glasses, while Snapchat’s parent company is known for its Spectacles. The latter made a significant technological leap with its fourth-generation model by integrating displays for augmented reality (AR) features for the first time. However, more than three years have passed since its launch, so it’s high time for a refresh.
According to recent reports, the 5th generation Spectacles will launch on September 17. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel will unveil the new product during the annual Snap Partner Summit in Los Angeles. Meta, on the other hand, is said to have even more ambitious plans for its next release. The company will unveil its new wearable on September 25 at the Connect conference in Menlo Park.
Meta presents the most advanced AR smart glasses to date
So far, none of Ray-Ban’s smart glasses have featured a display. Meta’s glasses focus on improving content creation and uploading. They also allow you to interact with the Meta AI assistant via voice commands. However, the report claims that the company is working on the most advanced AR smart glasses yet, codenamed “Orion.” Of course, that would mean they would feature a screen for the first time, opening up a new world of possibilities.
Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth hinted at something similar earlier this year. Bosworth told The Verge that the product “could be the most advanced technology on the planet in its space. In the consumer electronics space, it could be the most advanced thing we’ve ever produced as a species.”
As for the 5th generation Spectacles, there are no details yet about its possible improvements. As one of its main new features, it will likely integrate Snapchat’s My AI assistant. The report adds that Snap could produce around 10,000 units of these glasses. Meta, on the other hand, would produce even fewer units of the AR Orion glasses.
