Meta Unveils Quest 3S and Orion AR: Next-Gen VR, AI, and Celebrity Voices at Connect Event
Meta Unveils New Hardware and AI Advancements at Connect Event
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, showcased a range of new products and features at its annual Connect event. CEO Mark Zuckerberg took center stage to introduce the company’s latest innovations in virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence.
Among the key announcements were the Quest 3S VR headset, Orion AR glasses, Meta AI updates, a new Llama model, and celebrity AI voices. The event highlighted Meta’s continued focus on immersive technologies and artificial intelligence.
The Orion AR glasses, resembling trendy frames, utilize Micro LED projectors and waveguides in the lenses. These glasses incorporate generative AI capabilities and can add visual elements like labels on ingredients. They pair with a wireless compute puck and neural wristband but are not yet ready for sale.
Meta also introduced the Quest 3S VR headset, priced at $299.99. This new model shares features with the more expensive Quest 3 but comes at a lower price point due to the absence of a depth sensor, lower resolution screens, a narrower field of view, and a less compact design. The company announced it would discontinue the Quest 2 and Quest Pro models.
Updates to Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses include a new Reminders feature for daily tasks and improvements to Meta AI responsiveness. The company is also working on real-time speech translation and introducing new hardware styles, including transparent frames and transition lenses.
In a move to enhance user engagement, Meta plans to introduce AI-generated content in Facebook and Instagram feeds. This new section, called “Imagined for you,” will incorporate user faces into various scenarios, such as enchanted realms or video game characters. The feature is currently in the testing phase.
Meta AI is expanding its reach with the introduction of celebrity chatbots. Users in the US will be able to interact with AI versions of celebrities like Awkwafina, John Cena, Keegan-Michael Key, Kristen Bell, and Dame Judi Dench on Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook.
Lastly, Meta announced a new Llama model capable of processing visuals, marking an important update to compete with other AI models. The company is also developing smaller packages designed for mobile use.
These announcements underscore Meta’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and user experience across its platforms.
