Meta Unveils Latest Innovations in Wearable Technology and Virtual Reality
Meta has recently showcased its newest advancements in wearable technology, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) during its annual Connect keynote event. Among the highlights was the much-anticipated introduction of the updated Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, along with several exciting tech and software updates.
Launch of Meta Ray-Ban Display Smart Glasses
After months of speculation, Meta has officially released its latest pair of smart glasses, known as the Meta Ray-Ban Display. These innovative glasses feature a high-resolution, full-color screen integrated into the right lens. Users can access a range of functionalities, including viewing messages, participating in video calls, reading live captions, navigating with walking directions, and previewing images captured by the built-in 12-megapixel camera.
An accompanying wristband allows users to interact with the display, enabling navigation through scrolling, clicking, and forthcoming gesture-based message inputs. The glasses offer a battery life of up to six hours in mixed-use scenarios, and when paired with a collapsible charging case, this can extend to a remarkable 30 hours.
Starting at $799, the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses will be available for purchase in the United States from September 30th at retailers such as Best Buy, LensCrafters, and Ray-Ban outlets.
Enhanced Features in Second-Generation Ray-Ban Smart Glasses
Meta is also rolling out an upgraded version of its original Ray-Ban smart glasses. The second-generation model boasts an impressive eight-hour battery life, nearly double that of its predecessor. More features include a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera capable of capturing 3K video and recording at 60 frames per second.
The included charging case has been improved as well, now providing an additional 48 hours of charging time, up from 36. Additionally, a new “conversation focus” feature enhances audio clarity, allowing users to hear conversations better in noisy environments. These second-generation Ray-Ban glasses are priced starting from $379 and are available now in popular styles including Wayfarer, Skyler, and Headliner.
Oakley Meta Vanguard: Designed for High-Intensity Sports
In collaboration with Oakley, Meta introduced the Oakley Meta Vanguard, a new line of smart glasses tailored for high-energy sports enthusiasts. The Vanguard design incorporates a wraparound style with an IP67 rating, ensuring resistance to water and dust. It seamlessly integrates with fitness applications like Garmin and Strava, enabling users to inquire about their fitness statistics through Meta AI.
Featuring a 12-megapixel camera with a 122-degree field of view, the Vanguard can capture videos in 3K resolution and includes new shoot modes such as slow-motion, time-lapse, and hyperlapse. With upgraded speakers and a battery life of up to nine hours, the Oakley Meta Vanguard will retail for $499, available for pre-order, and launches on October 21st.
Innovations in Virtual Reality: Hyperscape Feature and Horizon TV Hub
Meta’s commitment to enhancing the VR experience includes the introduction of its new Hyperscape feature. Users equipped with the Quest 3 or Quest 3S headsets can utilize the Hyperscape Capture app to scan their physical environment and transform it into a digital space, now available for beta testing.
Additionally, Meta is launching the Horizon TV entertainment hub within Quest headsets. This centralized platform will aggregate all available streaming applications, including Prime Video, Peacock, Twitch, and YouTube, and will soon include Disney Plus, ESPN, and Hulu. The Horizon TV hub supports Dolby Atmos sound and promises to integrate Dolby Vision later this year, thereby enriching the entertainment experience within the headset.
Meta has also revealed enhancements to its Horizon Engine, which improves graphics rendering, performance, and the capacity of virtual environments. Furthermore, the company plans to upgrade Horizon Studio with an AI assistant designed to streamline the creation of virtual worlds.
Meta continues to push boundaries in the fields of wearable technology and immersive experiences, emphasizing its commitment to innovation. With a slew of new products and features, the company is poised to impact both fitness and entertainment sectors significantly.
