Meta Connect Preview: Navigating the Future of VR, AI, and Smart Glasses

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Meta Connect Begins Next Wednesday: Anticipated Highlights

The major developer conference and product exhibition hosted by Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is set to commence the following week. It's expected that Meta will unveil its latest virtual reality and mixed-reality innovations, provide updates on its evolving metaverse strategy, and explore the innovative methods it intends to integrate artificial intelligence across its range of devices and offerings.

The occasion is scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, kicking off at 10 am Pacific time. The main presentation, expected to unveil numerous new announcements, will be available for live streaming. Meta's CEO, who has recently gained popularity, Mark Zuckerberg, will be hosting the event. Following Zuckerberg's presentation, which will last for an hour, there will be a session aimed at developers at 11 am, presented by Meta's CTO and the head of Reality Labs, Andrew Bosworth. The proceedings can be viewed on the Meta Connect website or via Meta's YouTube channel. Additionally, the event can be experienced in virtual reality through Meta Horizon.

The event is expected to concentrate on blending Meta's initiatives in mixed reality with its aspirations in artificial intelligence throughout its products. As with most technology events, unexpected announcements are anticipated. Below are the major highlights to keep an eye on.

Unclear Future for Meta's High-End VR

Meta is unlikely to unveil a pricy virtual reality headset any time soon. This decision reflects the current state of the mixed-reality market and questions about consumer willingness to invest heavily in such technology. Speculation is rife about the potential release of the Meta Quest 3S, rumored to be a more affordable and less feature-rich variant of the Meta Quest 3.

A decade ago, Meta, formerly known as Facebook, dominated the augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) market after acquiring the VR firm Oculus. Following this acquisition, the company rebranded itself as Meta and invested a staggering $45 billion into creating a digital world that, unfortunately, hasn't captured the public's interest. Despite Meta's efforts to make its Horizon Workrooms a staple for virtual meetings, the majority continue to prefer platforms like Zoom. Moreover, even with early rushes to secure virtual property within this digital realm, enthusiasm from users to transition to the metaverse has been lukewarm at best.

Many firms have faced challenges establishing themselves in the digital realm. In February, Apple unveiled its initial foray into mixed reality with the launch of the Apple Vision Pro, priced at $3,500. However, this endeavor has been perceived as an unusual stumble for the tech giant, signaling a product that clearly appears to be an initial attempt not designed for widespread adoption. The gadget did not achieve impressive sales figures and received considerable criticism for its high cost, bulkiness, and for providing a rather solitary user experience. (During its buoyant iPhone reveal event on September 9, Apple only made a brief mention of the Vision Pro.)

If Meta's ambitions for the Vision Pro had come to fruition, the company might have been more eager to compete in the high-end virtual reality headset market. However, in August, The Information revealed that Meta appears to have either shelved or postponed its plans to unveil an upgraded version of its Oculus Quest Pro, which would have competed with Apple's Vision Pro. Meta's Chief Technology Officer, Bosworth, addressed this development on the Threads platform, downplaying its significance. He suggested it was simply a typical phase in the evolution of the company's products. Nevertheless, this decision seems logical, especially considering the lackluster performance of the Apple Vision Pro.

Immediately following Apple's launch of its new headset, Zuckerberg expressed his critique of the Vision Pro, comparing it unfavorably to Meta's Quest 3. He sought to highlight his company's product as a more affordable and accessible alternative. Meta appears to be shifting its focus away from the Pro model, aiming to broaden the appeal of its products and services to a wider audience.

Intelligent Eyewear

Even though virtual reality headsets haven't made the impact manufacturers hoped for, the burgeoning field of smart glasses is gaining traction. Snap recently introduced the latest version of its intelligent Spectacles, poised to include artificial intelligence capabilities.

Meta has hinted at the unveiling of its inaugural augmented reality eyewear, named Meta Orion, potentially to be introduced at its upcoming Connect event. Bosworth has modestly referred to this technology as “the most sophisticated creation humanity has ever developed.” Therefore, expect several more significant announcements in this area.

Meta is currently at the forefront of the smart glasses market. The second version of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, enhanced with Meta's artificial intelligence services, is making waves. These stylish glasses excel in several areas, offering easy-to-use voice commands and a design that truly stands out as fashionable compared to previous iterations of smart glasses. (The credit for their stylish appearance largely goes to Ray-Ban, rather than to the newfound enthusiast of chain necklaces.) While the Ray-Ban Meta glasses have their flaws, they have quickly become more favored and successful than any other smart facial wearable to date.

Anticipate an updated model of these fashionable spectacles, complemented by numerous fresh AI enhancements for the software that operates them. And while we're on the subject of that software…

AI Focus

Similar to its major technology counterparts, Meta has shifted its emphasis entirely towards generative AI and extensive language models to drive the upcoming stage of its expansion. Meta's AI capabilities are increasingly integrating into all of its applications and services, with expectations of further developments to be unveiled at Connect.

Chatbots continue to play a crucial role in Meta's strategy for artificial intelligence. The corporation has enabled users to interact with AI-generated figures resembling celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Paris Hilton. Additionally, in July, Instagram introduced the capability for users to create personalized chatbots, even allowing for an AI representation of themselves. Despite the potential dangers of spreading misinformation, it seems probable that Meta will persist with this direction of offering extensive personalization options.

Despite this, Meta remains committed to integrating its artificial intelligence across all its operations, encompassing future devices it plans to unveil.

Make sure to catch Zuckerberg's keynote speech on Wednesday, and keep following WIRED for the latest updates and in-depth analysis once Meta Connect begins.

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