Meta AI released the Orion AR glasses, a potential augmented reality device designed to replace smartphones. Meta said the Orion augmented reality (AR) glasses took five years to develop and are very lightweight, making them ideal for indoor and outdoor use.
The glasses use customized Micro LED display technology to overlay digital information onto the real world. They are equipped with seven cameras for gesture recognition and virtual object anchoring, and are precisely controlled via a "neural wristband."
Main Features of Orion
Orion, a large-scale holographic display, can place 2D and 3D content in the physical world, beyond the limitations of smartphone screens, providing a richer digital experience.
Context-aware AI glasses integrate AI that can perceive the surrounding environment and meet users' needs in advance. For example, users can get recipes based on the contents of the refrigerator through the glasses.
Lightweight Design
Orion has a large field of view, is lightweight and suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and allows users to see each other's facial expressions, enhancing social interaction.
Meta AI said that the current manufacturing cost of Orion glasses is as high as about $10,000 per unit, mainly due to the difficulty and cost of producing silicon carbide lenses. Meta has not yet determined when it will bring it to market.
Key Features of Orion AI Glasses
Seamless connectivity
Video Calling: Orion allows users to make video calls with friends and family, with life-size avatars appearing next to the user, making social interactions more immersive.
Message Receiving: Quickly check and reply to messages without using your hands, keeping your activity flowing.
Personalized AI Assistant
Intelligent recommendations: Based on the user's ingredients, the AI assistant can recommend dinner recipes and provide guidance on the best way to use the ingredients and steps.
Voice control: Users can interact with AI assistants through voice commands to get real-time suggestions and information, improving the convenience of life.
Enhanced multitasking
Wide Field of View Design: Orion’s wide field of view (approximately 70 degrees) allows users to view multiple information panels simultaneously, making it ideal for multitasking in work and daily life.
Flexible layout: The information panel can dynamically adjust its position according to the user's line of sight, making information acquisition more intuitive.
Advanced Input Methods
Multiple input methods: Combining voice, eye tracking, and hand tracking, users can interact with the device in the most natural way.
Electromyography (EMG) technology: By wearing an EMG wristband on the wrist, users can perform covert input in low-light environments, suitable for use in public places.
The EMG wristband interprets electrical signals from the user's wrist muscles, allowing the user to operate through tiny muscle contractions, providing a seamless interactive experience. It can quickly identify and respond to the user's intentions, provide real-time tactile feedback, and enhance the user experience.
Portable computing
Wireless design: Orion has low-latency computing capabilities and supports wireless connection, allowing users to access Meta functions anytime, anywhere and experience seamless augmented reality.
Portability: The lightweight design allows users to wear it for a long time without feeling burdened.
Optimized visual performance
High-quality optical materials: Optical-grade siliconized carbon materials are used to achieve clarity and color reproduction, and minimize halo and glare.
Advanced display technology: Micro LED projector provides bright display effects, enhancing the user's visual experience in various environments.
Social interaction and collaboration features
3D virtual object manipulation: Users can place and interact with virtual content in real environments, sharing the same digital experience with friends no matter where they are.
Augmented reality experience: Through AR technology, users can create and manipulate digital elements in their own environment, enhancing interactivity and fun.
Technical Specifications of Orion
Camera Configuration
The Orion glasses are equipped with seven cameras to track the user's hand movements, eye movements, and anchor the location of virtual objects in the real world.
Field of view
Orion has the largest field of view of any AR glasses available today at 70 degrees. This field of view unlocks truly immersive use cases for Orion, from multitasking windows to large-screen entertainment to life-size holograms - all digital content can be seamlessly integrated with your view of the physical world.
Weight and Materials
The glasses weigh 98 grams and the frame is made of magnesium alloy, which is lighter than aluminum alloy, making it easier to wear for a long time without discomfort.
