Meta Connect 2024, one of the tech industry's most anticipated annual events, has delivered a range of exciting updates. The event, held in Menlo Park, California, provided a glimpse into the future of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) under Meta’s leadership.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key updates and announcements from Meta Connect 2024.
1. Meta’s Orion AR Glasses
One of the most exciting announcements was Meta’s reveal of its Orion AR glasses. These stylish, cutting-edge glasses are designed to bring AR experiences to everyday life. The glasses feature Micro LED projectors that display digital content right in front of your eyes through waveguides embedded in the lenses.
Orion’s AR capabilities go beyond entertainment and gaming, adding value to everyday tasks. For example, when you're cooking, the glasses can label ingredients or guide you step by step through a recipe. The glasses work with a wireless compute puck and a neural wristband that allows users to control actions with simple gestures.
2. Meta Quest 3S
Meta also introduced the Quest 3S, an affordable yet powerful VR headset. It comes in at the original price point of the Quest 2, making it more accessible while still delivering key features from the higher-end Quest 3.
The Quest 3S uses the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, the same chip as its more expensive counterpart. However, it forgoes some premium features to maintain its low cost. For instance, it has lower resolution screens, no depth sensor, and a narrower field of view. Despite these differences, the Quest 3S offers a smooth and immersive experience for VR enthusiasts who want a budget-friendly option.
3. Meta’s Ray-Ban Smart Glasses
Meta’s collaboration with Ray-Ban continues to evolve. The new Ray-Ban smart glasses were showcased at Meta Connect, boasting advanced features such as real-time reminders and translation services.
One of the most intriguing new functions is the ability of the glasses to assist users by tracking their daily tasks, such as reminding them of a grocery list. The glasses also support AI-driven features, including real-time speech translation, which could prove useful in various situations, from travel to business meetings.
A limited edition of translucent Ray-Ban glasses was also introduced, priced at $429. This edition comes with transition lenses and an exclusive black case. Although priced higher than the standard models, these smart glasses provide users with enhanced functionality and stylish design.
4. New AI-Powered Avatars In The Metaverse
Meta continues to enhance its metaverse experience, with a focus on avatars. The company is rolling out a new set of highly customizable avatars, set to be available across its platforms, including Meta Horizon OS, Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, starting October 1st, 2024.
The new avatars will offer more detailed customization options, including adjustments to body shapes, eye size, and nose shapes, allowing users to create more personalized digital representations of themselves. This update is supported by an advanced tech stack that includes an improved avatar skeleton, making movements more fluid and realistic.
In 2025, Meta plans to introduce a generative AI tool that will allow users to create avatars simply by typing in descriptions. Additionally, new themed avatars based on popular characters, such as Captain America and animal avatars, will be available in Horizon Worlds, adding a fun element to the digital experience.
5. The Evolution of Horizon Worlds
Starting in 2025, developers will be able to integrate non-playable characters (NPCs) into their worlds. These NPCs, powered by AI, will enhance the immersive experience by interacting with users through voice conversations and other AI-driven features.
During the Connect conference, Meta demonstrated how an NPC could respond to questions and hold conversations in real-time. This feature is expected to bring new levels of interaction to Horizon Worlds, potentially helping it compete with other popular virtual worlds such as Roblox and Fortnite.
6. Meta’s AI Ambitions
AI continues to be a major focus for Meta, with new tools that aim to enhance content creation and accessibility. During the event, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg showcased an AI-powered influencer clone that replicates a creator’s voice, appearance, and even personality.
This technology has the potential to change how influencers interact with their audience, allowing them to be “present” in multiple places at once. Additionally, Meta is working on multilingual tools for its Reels platform. One such feature allows Reels to be dubbed into different languages, maintaining the original creator’s voice and synchronizing lip movements with the new audio.
7. Meta’s App Store Opens To 2D And Web Apps
One of the more surprising announcements from Meta Connect 2024 was the expansion of its app store to include 2D apps, in addition to the existing 3D and AR apps. This move brings Meta’s app store closer to more established marketplaces like Google Play and Apple’s App Store, opening the door for developers to create more phone-style apps for Quest headsets.
Meta also confirmed support for web apps, which can be run directly within VR, allowing users to access popular apps like The New York Times’ Wordle. These changes are expected to attract more developers to the platform and broaden the range of available content for Quest users.
Recommended Meta Quest 3/3s Accessories:
1. MaeckerVR Quest 3s Elite Strap
2. MaeckerVR Quest 3/3s Controller Grips
3. MaeckerVR Quest 3/3s Extended Handles
Conclusion
Meta Connect 2024 brought a wide array of updates that underline the company’s commitment to pushing forward in the fields of AR, VR, and AI. With new hardware like the Orion AR glasses and Quest 3S headset, and significant advancements in AI technologies, Meta is shaping the future of immersive technology.
