Meta Connect 2024: Affordable VR, AR Glasses, and AI Innovations on the Horizon
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What to expect from Meta Connect 2024: A more affordable Quest, AR glasses, and more
Meta is expected to undercut the Vision Pro's price even more with its new VR headset and to show off a new wearable. Meta's annual Connect conference is almost here, and if you're interested in new hardware, you're in luck. While a large portion of the conference will likely focus on the company's AI efforts, at least two devices should debut: a new Quest headset and new smart glasses. Also: Why Meta's Ray-Ban Smart Glasses are my favorite tech purchase this year First up, if you've been on the fence about trying out the Meta Quest 3 and the recent $25-a-month deal wasn't enough, good news is coming: a more affordable, slimmed-down version of the Quest 3 is apparently on the way. We don't know precisely what the difference between the Quest 3 and the new headset will be (its rumored name is the 3S), as Meta has been tight-lipped, and there haven't been any leaks either, but we can take some guesses at what it won't be. Given that full color passthrough is one of the Quest 3's biggest leaps from the Quest 2, it would be strange to see Meta take a step back from that, and it's also probably not a smaller storage version, as the 128GB size already isn't enough for some people. Mark Gurman says the 3S will likely cost between $300 and $400, which is at least $100 off the $500 price point of the Quest 3. Meta's biggest advantage over Apple's Vision Pro up to this point is the price difference, and this new device only widens that gap. Meta's other big hardware announcement, Gurman says, will be a preview of its in-development augmented reality (AR) smart glasses. Glasses aren't new territory for Meta, as it has partnered with Ray-Ban to produce smart glasses, but those aren't AR. Also: Meta Quest 3 review: The VR headset most people should buy in 2024 Given that introducing AR involves adding a camera, more computing power, and perhaps a display of some sort, creating lightweight AR glasses that can be worn all day isn't an easy task, Gurman points out. He adds that since Apple has struggled with doing that, Meta seems to be ahead. The plan for this year's Connect conference seems to be for Meta to show off new AI software that will power the current Ray-Bans, introduce a few new color options and styles for the Ray-Bans, and show off a prototype of its eventual AR glasses.
[2]
What to expect from Meta Connect 2024: Affordable Quest 3, AR glasses, and more
Meta is expected to undercut the Vision Pro's price even more with its new VR headset and to show off a new wearable. Meta's annual Connect conference is almost here, and if you're interested in new hardware, you're in luck. While a large portion of the conference will likely focus on the company's AI efforts, at least two devices should debut: a new Quest headset and new smart glasses. Also: Why Meta's Ray-Ban Smart Glasses are my favorite tech purchase this year First up, if you've been on the fence about trying out the Meta Quest 3 and the recent $25-a-month deal wasn't enough, good news is coming: a more affordable, slimmed-down version of the Quest 3 is apparently on the way. We don't know precisely what the difference between the Quest 3 and the new headset will be (its rumored name is the 3S), as Meta has been tight-lipped, and there haven't been any leaks either, but we can take some guesses at what it won't be. Given that full color passthrough is one of the Quest 3's biggest leaps from the Quest 2, it would be strange to see Meta take a step back from that, and it's also probably not a smaller storage version, as the 128GB size already isn't enough for some people. Mark Gurman says the 3S will likely cost between $300 and $400, which is at least $100 off the $500 price point of the Quest 3. Meta's biggest advantage over Apple's Vision Pro up to this point is the price difference, and this new device only widens that gap. Meta's other big hardware announcement, Gurman says, will be a preview of its in-development augmented reality (AR) smart glasses. Glasses aren't new territory for Meta, as it has partnered with Ray-Ban to produce smart glasses, but those aren't AR. Also: Meta Quest 3 review: The VR headset most people should buy in 2024 Given that introducing AR involves adding a camera, more computing power, and perhaps a display of some sort, creating lightweight AR glasses that can be worn all day isn't an easy task, Gurman points out. He adds that since Apple has struggled with doing that, Meta seems to be ahead. The plan for this year's Connect conference seems to be for Meta to show off new AI software that will power the current Ray-Bans, introduce a few new color options and styles for the Ray-Bans, and show off a prototype of its eventual AR glasses.
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Meta's upcoming Connect event is set to unveil new hardware and AI advancements. Expectations include a more affordable Quest headset, AR glasses, and AI-powered innovations.
Meta's Vision for the Future of VR and AR
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is gearing up for its annual Connect event, scheduled for September 27-28. This year's conference is expected to showcase significant advancements in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Industry experts and enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the announcements that could shape the future of immersive experiences
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.Affordable VR: Quest 3 Lite on the Horizon
One of the most anticipated revelations is the potential launch of a more budget-friendly VR headset. Rumors suggest that Meta might introduce a "Quest 3 Lite" or a similar device aimed at making VR technology more accessible to a broader audience. This move could be crucial in expanding the VR market and competing with other players in the industry
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.AR Glasses: A Glimpse into the Future
Meta is also expected to showcase its progress in AR technology. While full-fledged AR glasses might not be ready for consumer release, the company is likely to present prototypes or developer versions of its AR glasses. This presentation would offer insights into Meta's vision for the future of augmented reality and how it plans to integrate this technology into everyday life
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.AI Innovations: Enhancing User Experiences
Artificial intelligence is set to play a significant role in Meta's future products. The company is expected to unveil AI-powered features and applications designed to enhance user experiences across its platforms. These innovations could range from improved natural language processing for virtual assistants to advanced content creation tools for the metaverse
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.Related Stories
Meta's Metaverse: Progress and Challenges
The Connect event will likely provide updates on Meta's ambitious metaverse project. Attendees can expect demonstrations of new features, improved graphics, and enhanced social interactions within virtual environments. However, the company may also address challenges and criticisms faced by the metaverse concept, outlining strategies to overcome these hurdles
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.Hardware Ecosystem Expansion
Beyond VR headsets and AR glasses, Meta might introduce additional hardware products to complement its existing ecosystem. This could include haptic devices, improved controllers, or other peripherals designed to enhance immersion in virtual and augmented realities
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.As the tech world turns its attention to Meta Connect 2024, the event promises to showcase the company's latest innovations and its vision for the future of immersive technologies. With potential announcements spanning affordable VR, AR glasses, AI advancements, and metaverse developments, Meta aims to solidify its position as a leader in the evolving landscape of virtual and augmented realities.
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