Smart Glasses Poised to Redefine Computing with AI Advancements
The future of computing is expected to centre around smart glasses and headsets equipped with artificial intelligence, enhancing user experiences throughout the day. According to Meta executives, this technological shift could revolutionise personal and professional tasks.
In 2023, Meta revealed its ongoing development of augmented reality smart glasses called Orion, a project reportedly in progress for a decade. These glasses are designed to overlay digital icons and content directly onto the user’s field of vision—a feature commonly seen in larger mixed-reality headsets.
Currently, Meta offers various virtual and mixed reality devices within its Quest range. Additionally, the company’s Meta Ray-Ban glasses combine a camera, microphones, and speakers to facilitate content capture, audio playback, and some voice control features.
Company executives, including Mark Rabkin and Alex Himel, have suggested that merging Meta’s wearable and immersive technology divisions could represent the future of computing. Rabkin, who is set to leave the company this month, emphasised that Meta is actively pursuing advancements from multiple angles.
He suggested that the Quest headset series and the Meta glasses, which are currently marketed as fashion accessories, are expected to progress towards a more intermediate level of functionality. Rabkin expressed that the ultimate goal is to develop a spectrum of devices that enhance users’ lives through tailored technology.
Orion’s introduction demonstrated Meta’s ability to integrate comprehensive augmented reality capabilities into a compact glasses format for the first time. Himel further highlighted artificial intelligence as a significant factor in enhancing Orion’s future capabilities. He suggested that AI may eventually allow users to initiate actions simply by directing their gaze at an object.
Himel observed that although AI is widely considered a powerful tool, users may encounter challenges in effectively utilising it. He explained that Meta’s latest announcements are designed to simplify AI’s practical applications, enabling users to perform tasks like initiating phone calls by simply looking at a number.
Emphasising the potential of AI, Himel expressed excitement about its ability to create an ongoing interactive session that intuitively responds to what the user is observing. He predicted that as AI continues to evolve, relying on virtual alternatives for physical items such as televisions or picture frames may become standard.
With Orion, Meta has showcased the ability to deliver augmented reality glasses featuring a wide 70-degree-plus field of view within a standard glasses design. This achievement demonstrates how virtual content can seamlessly blend with the real world—a key milestone in AR development.
Himel underscored that Meta’s primary goal remains connecting people. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that these devices are accessible and meet user preferences for style and comfort. According to Himel, achieving this balance is essential for ensuring widespread adoption.
The past year has seen intensified competition among tech giants in the augmented and mixed reality market. Google confirmed its collaboration with Samsung on a new headset, while Apple introduced its Vision Pro “spatial computing” headset in the UK for the first time.
Addressing this rising competition, Himel expressed optimism, suggesting that more industry participants would increase consumer choice, reduce costs, and simplify the manufacturing process—ultimately benefiting both developers and consumers.
