Meta Yakin Orion AR Glasses Can Be The "AirPods" Of Augmented Reality

Meta made their newest augmented reality (AR) prototype, Orion (photo: x@ballmatthenw ·)

JAKARTA - Meta is again stealing attention with their latest augmented reality (AR) prototype, Orion, which was first introduced last September. While this device is still far from consumer products ready to be marketed, Meta is optimistic that Orion can become an iconic AR device, just like AirPods in the wireless audio world.

The Orion prototype is described by Meta as a device that has a view and feel like ordinary glasses. While this statement may be a bit exaggerated for the current stage of development, it is unquestionable that the technology they achieve is a big leap towards that vision.

Meta has successfully integrated advanced AR technology into a more eyeglass-like shape, although not perfect. In this case, Orion is closer to devices like the Apple Vision Pro than concepts from other companies such as Xiaomi or Oppo.

However, major challenges remain, including manufacturing costs estimated at $10.000 per unit, keeping these devices away from the mass market for a while.

Meta and Apple share a similar vision for AR devices creating technology that improves real-world experiences, not replacing them.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has long expressed greater interest in AR than VR because of AR's potential to enrich everyday life without creating new reality. Meta also adopts a similar approach to Orion, as a device that can be used when necessary and released easily, such as the philosophy of using AirPods.

Joshua To, one of the Orion project leaders on Meta, described this vision: "You use AirPods to listen to music, but let it go when you want to interact with people around you. Orion is designed to function similarly."

One of the interesting features of Orion is its ability to recognize the faces of people around you. Meta has even developed an internal prototype that allows these glasses to label people you see, such as at conference events.

However, this feature is designed with a strict privacy approach. Only people who give permission will be visible on your AR screen, while others remain anonymous. If we can do it in a privacy-respecting way, it's something very interesting to us, To said.

The Orion Meta shows a major step in the development of AR devices, approaching a truly practical vision of smart glasses. While still far from finished products, Meta is optimistic that Orion will become an integral part of future digital life with simple functions, respected privacy, and enriched technology, rather than replacing, the real world.

Will Orion be the next AirPods in AR world? Time will tell.