The Facebook company Meta has the prototype of computer glasses presentedwhich can display digital content in transparent glasses. In many cases, such glasses could replace a smartphone – for example for route directions in the city or for short messages. However, the technology for this is not yet ready for the mass market. This also became clear with Meta. Company boss Mark Zuckerberg briefly put on the glasses with the project name “Orion” on stage at the Meta Connect developer conference – but refrained from giving a live demonstration. Instead, the functions were recorded in a video.
A dream of the tech industry for years
Such glasses for displaying so-called augmented reality (AR) have been considered a life-changing vision in the tech industry for years. But also one that is technically difficult to implement. According to media reports, Apple has also been working on computer glasses with transparent lenses for years. However, the iPhone company then decided on a compromise: With the Apple Vision Pro glasses, the environment is captured by cameras and transmitted to displays in front of the eyes. The disadvantage compared to slim AR glasses is the greater weight. The advantage is the better quality of the digital display with a wider field of view. Apple sells the Vision Pro in Europe for around 4,000 euros.
Competition from Snapchat makers
Meta competitor Snap presented the second generation of its AR glasses called “Spectacles” last week. However, it only has a relatively narrow field of view in the middle for displaying digital objects. The makers of the photo app Snapchat have so far only released their glasses to software developers. Meta isn’t ready yet and just wants to test and improve Orion internally for now.
Several technical bottlenecks
There are several technical bottlenecks for AR glasses that can be used in everyday life. The chips for this still require a lot of power – and there is little space for batteries in a glasses frame. In addition, it is complicated to display information on a larger surface in transparent glasses. Meta uses silicon carbide for the lenses instead of glass or plastic.
Meta is planning glasses for everyday life
Technology chief Andrew Bosworth told financial service Bloomberg that Meta wants to find a different material for it over time, which will reduce the cost of the device. At the same time, Bosworth said that there was a 90 percent probability that a product for consumers would be created based on the prototype. In keeping with this, Meta demonstrated a wristband for gesture control, which is intended to complement operation via voice or eye movement.
Cameras are supposed to make AI smarter
For the near future, Meta is relying on cameras in glasses so that its AI software can better assess what users want from it. The idea is that the Meta AI chatbot sees live via the devices what users are currently looking at – and hears what they hear. This could be useful when cooking, for example – or when exploring a new city. With the help of the camera, the AI could also remember the place in a large parking lot where you park your car.
Warning light when recording videos
Another new function for the glasses with cameras and small speakers is live translations. This should initially work for English, French, Italian and Spanish. Meta develops the devices sold under the Ray-Ban brand together with the world’s largest eyewear company Luxottica. The glasses can also take photos and videos. This can be seen by the light on the frame of the glasses. A sensor ensures that recording does not start if the light is obscured.
AR glasses: Google is considered a pioneer
More than a decade ago, Google was a pioneer in computer glasses. The device, called “Google Glass,” had a camera and a tiny display over the right eye. However, data protection fears caused the Internet company to discontinue the project.
AI functions not yet available in the EU
The Meta AI will now also be able to interact with users via voice. The group integrates the AI software into its apps with billions of users. However, Meta is not yet making its advanced AI functions available in the EU, citing legal uncertainties caused by the new digital law DMA (Digital Markets Act). But he is optimistic that a solution will be found in the end, said Zuckerberg. (With material from dpa.)
