The Meta Orion prototype offers a glimpse into our future in augmented reality.
If you feel excitement or even a bit of curiosity about the future of augmented reality, Meta's Orion prototype presents the most compelling argument on the subject so far.
The Orion prototype from Meta represents a significant advance in augmented reality (AR) technology, generating great interest in its future. For the company, Orion not only signifies the potential to manufacture AR glasses but also presents an opportunity to reduce reliance on the app stores of Apple and Google, as well as the regulations governing them. If Orion proves successful, it could change the way we interact with technology, potentially even replacing smartphones to a certain degree, according to Zuckerberg's speculations.
Currently, Orion remains a prototype, and it has not been defined when it will be commercially available or its price, which is currently estimated at around $10,000. Meta has invested billions in AR and VR research, and it must work to make Orion more affordable while improving its hardware and software. Convincing users of the advantages of AI-powered glasses with eye-tracking will also be a significant challenge.
Since its presentation at Connect, Meta has expressed enthusiasm for Orion. A user who had the opportunity to try them describes the glasses as the most impressive AR hardware seen so far. Meta's efforts to give their glasses a "normal" appearance contrast with the criticisms received by other products, such as Snap's Spectacles, which are much bulkier. Although the Orion glasses are easier to wear than other models, their design still feels slightly heavy, though never uncomfortable.
The Orion system includes the glasses, a wireless computing "puck" that needs to be kept nearby, and an electromyographic (EMG) wristband that allows users to control the augmented reality interface through gestures. Despite being a set of three components, testing it revealed that it was not burdensome but rather an effective integration that enhances the experience.
The Orion interface is controlled by combining eye-tracking with hand gestures. After a quick calibration, users can navigate AR applications by moving their gaze and tapping their fingers. The use of an EMG wristband, which detects electrical signals generated by small movements in the wrist and fingers, allows for smooth and precise interaction.
During demonstrations, users were able to interact with Meta AI to generate images or recipes from visible ingredients, and the information was projected into the environment. Additionally, the experience of making calls, watching YouTube videos, and browsing Instagram was quite similar to what is offered on virtual reality devices, although the innovation of AR allows the real environment to remain visible.
However, one disappointing aspect was the resolution of the generated images. With only 13 pixels per degree, the colors appeared muted and the projected text looked blurry compared to competitors. Nonetheless, Meta has indicated that improving the resolution and brightness of the screens is one of their priorities, aiming to make the technology affordable and comparable in price to a high-end smartphone.
In summary, although Orion is currently just a glimpse into the future, it represents an ambitious step by Meta towards a world of more natural and autonomous interaction without the need for mobile devices. There's still a long way to go before augmented reality becomes an integral part of users' daily lives, but the prototype suggests we are closer to that vision than one might think.
