Meta Unveils Orion, a True AR Glasses Prototype With Neural Control
Meta reveals Orion, a compact true augmented reality glasses prototype featuring a neural wristband interface and a wide field of view. The device remains in the fine-tuning phase and launches exclusively for developers.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduces Orion at the Meta Connect event, calling it the most advanced glasses ever made. Unlike the current Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, Orion features true augmented reality by using tiny projectors built into the temples to create a heads-up display. The prototype is remarkably compact compared to competitors like Snap's Spectacles 5, offering the largest field of view in the smallest AR form factor to date.
The device relies on a unique control method that goes beyond standard voice commands by incorporating a neural interface. This system uses a wristband, stemming from Meta's 2019 acquisition of CTRL-labs, to translate user intentions into digital actions. Meta positions Orion as the natural successor to its display-less Ray-Ban Meta lineup, aiming to combine large holographic displays with personalized AI assistance in an all-day wearable package.
Despite the impressive presentation, Orion remains firmly in the prototype stage and requires significant fine-tuning before a consumer release. For now, Meta follows standard industry practice by making the glasses available exclusively to developers to build out the software ecosystem. This early access strategy acts as a proof-of-concept to generate excitement and encourage app creation for the platform.