Meta's new Orion augmented reality (AR) glasses prototype has captured attention for its compact design and the potential it holds for the future of computing. CNBC's senior media and tech correspondent, Julia Boorstin, got the chance to try out the Orion glasses at Meta’s annual Connect conference and was particularly impressed with how lightweight they were compared to current virtual reality headsets.
Zuckerberg's Vision
Unveiled by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the Orion glasses offer "a glimpse of a future" that promises to be exciting, though they are not designed to transport users into fully virtual worlds. Instead, they overlay digital images onto the real world, blurring the lines between the physical and digital spaces.
Key Features of the Orion AR Glasses
The Orion glasses are sleek, black, and thick-framed, coming with a wireless "puck" that powers the device and runs apps. Users can play holographic games like digital chess or ping-pong, where the graphics appear seamlessly in the real world. According to Boorstin, what stands out most is not the visual effects but the comfort and size of the glasses. Unlike the bulky Meta Quest or Apple Vision Pro VR headsets, Orion feels more like a pair of heavy, yet ordinary, glasses—comfortable and easy to wear.
A Future of Compact AR
Boorstin predicts that the already slim design will continue to shrink over time, hinting that future versions could be even more compact as technology evolves.
Real-World Application
In her demo, Boorstin was able to interact with digital holograms displaying app icons like Instagram, Facebook, and other functions, mixed seamlessly with her real-world surroundings at Meta’s headquarters. This represents a step up from traditional VR "passthrough" techniques, which use external cameras to blend the real world with computer graphics. The Orion glasses use an advanced material, silicon-carbide, in their lenses. When light from built-in projectors hits these lenses, holograms appear in the user's field of view, an experience that Boorstin described as "natural" and non-distracting.
Hands-Free Interaction
Boorstin was able to control the digital icons using a wristband that tracked her finger movements. She was surprised by the accuracy of the gesture controls, likening the wristband to an old lightweight Fitbit.
Impressive Demos
In various demos, Boorstin saw how the glasses could recognize real-world objects, like chia seeds on a table, and project a suitable recipe as a hologram. She also played a game of pong with graphics projected onto a desk. In one particularly striking demo, Boorstin experienced a 3D video call, where her producer’s face appeared in front of her as if he were in the room. Although he couldn’t see her, the interaction felt lifelike.
Meta’s Broader Vision
Boorstin noted that experiencing Orion gave her a better understanding of how Meta’s advancements in AR are feeding into its other products, such as the Meta Quest headsets and Ray-Ban smart glasses. Meta is striving to make AR technology more efficient, lightweight, and user-friendly.
Conclusion
Meta’s Orion AR glasses represent a significant step forward in the development of augmented reality technology. While they may not be ready for full virtual immersion, the lightweight design, intuitive controls, and impressive digital overlays provide a clear glimpse into the potential future of computing.
Watch: Meta unveils the Orion AR glasses.
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