Meta has officially launched Orion, the company’s first true augmented reality (AR) glasses, previously known under the codename Project Nazare. Meta describes Orion as the most advanced AR glasses ever made, designed to seamlessly integrate the virtual and digital worlds. Glasses are the culmination of years of successful development in many areas of modern computing.
Starting today, Meta employees and a select external audience will have access to Orion to help refine the product. The move is part of Meta’s broader effort to further build out its consumer AR glasses product line.
Why Are Real Glasses Unattractive?
Meta sees AR glasses as an important step in human-oriented computing, offering several key benefits:
- Unrestricted Digital Experience: Orion features large holographic displays that allow users to interact with both 2D and 3D content, positioned anywhere in the virtual world.
- Contextual AI Integration: Orion incorporates AI capabilities that understand the environment, providing continuous assistance and visualization.
- Lightweight Design: The glasses are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, allowing users to stay connected while maintaining eye contact and facial expression.
Orion’s mission is to create a product that combines the comfort of wearables with the power of a large display, AI-driven assistance, and a comfortable, everyday form factor.
A New Era in Smart Glasses
Orion builds on the foundation created by Ray-Ban Meta sunglasses, offering hands-free access to digital life. While the Ray-Ban Meta demonstrated the power of AI-enhanced non-reflective glasses, Orion aims to bring the vision of real AR glasses to life, combining the benefits of holographic displays with personalized AI assistance.
A Groundbreaking AR Display in a Stylish Form
The Orion is a breakthrough in miniaturization, packing advanced components into a sleek, modern design. Meta focuses on creating the largest field of view available in AR glasses to date, allowing users to multitask, enjoy big-screen entertainment, and interact with life-sized holograms. Despite the advanced technology, Orion still looks and feels like a regular pair of glasses, with transparent lenses that allow users to stay in touch with those around them.
An Unexpected Reality Experience with Orion
Orion’s abilities are powered by Meta AI, which can understand and interact with the physical world. Users can perform tasks such as asking for recipe recommendations while looking at their refrigerator or adjusting a digital calendar during a video call. Hands-free access to messaging on WhatsApp and Messenger, eliminating the need to take out the phone.
The Meta teams are continuously working on expanding the depth of knowledge available through Orion, and the company is eager to see how the technology evolves.
Purposeful Product Prototype
While the Orion won’t be immediately available to consumers, it’s far from a research prototype. Meta describes it as one of the most sophisticated product examples the company has ever made, representing an almost consumer-friendly product. By focusing on internal development and feedback, Meta aims to further refine the product before bringing it to market.
Looking Forward
Meta is focused on refining Orion’s AR display, improving the form factor, and scaling the technology to make it more affordable. Over the next few years, Meta plans to release new devices that build on the Orion foundation, continuing to push the boundaries of AR technology.
