Meta Connect 2024, Meta’s annual developer conference, introduced several cutting-edge advancements in AI, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). Major announcements included the Meta Quest 3S VR headset, Orion AR glasses prototype, and updates to Meta’s AI capabilities, as reported by CNET and ZDNet.
Meta Quest 3S Launch
The Meta Quest 3S, a more affordable VR headset, was unveiled at the event. Starting at $299 for the base model and $399 for the 256GB version, the Quest 3S aims to bring VR technology to a wider audience. Replacing the discontinued Quest 2, it offers upgraded features and competitive pricing.
Key features of the Quest 3S:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip for enhanced processing power
- Improved display resolution and refresh rate
- Backward compatibility with the Quest content library
- Mixed reality support with color passthrough cameras
The launch of the Quest 3S underscores Meta’s goal of expanding its VR ecosystem while making the technology more mainstream and accessible.
Orion AR Glasses Prototype
Meta also revealed the latest prototype of its Orion AR glasses, which use holographic technology to project digital content directly into the user’s field of view. This cutting-edge AR device is designed to blend digital and physical realities more seamlessly.
Key features of the Orion prototype:
- Full-color, wide field-of-view holographic display
- Neural wrist-based interface for easy control
- Voice commands, eye tracking, and hand gesture recognition
- Ability to display holograms for messages, video calls, and more
Though still in development, Orion AR glasses reflect Meta’s long-term vision for AR and its potential to revolutionize digital interactions.
Meta AI Voice Interactions
Meta introduced significant updates to its AI assistant, expanding voice interaction capabilities across platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Messenger. With a focus on more natural and fluid conversations, voice is expected to become the primary method for AI interaction.
Key updates include:
- Natural language processing for seamless interactions without needing “Hey Meta”
- Celebrity voices like Kristen Bell, John Cena, and Awkwafina for more engaging experiences
- Integration across Meta’s major apps
- A dubbing tool for Facebook and Instagram Reels, translating content while maintaining voice and lip-syncing accuracy
These enhancements position Meta’s AI as a leading contender in the AI voice interaction space, improving user engagement across its platforms.
Mixed Reality Advancements
Meta Connect 2024 also showcased significant improvements in mixed reality (MR) technology, blending virtual and augmented experiences more seamlessly.
Key MR updates include:
- Expanded content for Quest devices, allowing users to run 2D mobile apps, remote desktops, and immersive VR experiences on one device
- Ability to create and position multiple virtual screens in a user’s environment
- Redesigned social apps, like Instagram and Facebook, optimized for mixed reality
- Photorealistic spaces, or “hyper scapes,” for scanning and recreating rooms or entering shared environments
- Improved hand and eye tracking for intuitive UI interactions
- AI-powered features, such as real-time language translation and multimodal interactions, integrated into MR experiences
These innovations highlight Meta’s dedication to creating an immersive, future-forward blend of the physical and digital worlds, solidifying its position at the forefront of mixed reality technology.
