I Tested Meta’s Orion Glasses: I’d Buy Them Immediately If They Were Available

• Mark Zuckerberg introduced Orion, Meta’s latest augmented reality glasses.
• Many believe such technology could redefine computing—offering power similar to smartphones but in wearable form.
• However, Meta has indicated that these glasses are not yet affordable for the average consumer, and significant time is needed to reduce their size and cost.

Meta has launched Orion, its new augmented reality glasses, which are stirring excitement in the tech community. These glasses represent a potential shift in how we interact with technology.

The price point of these glasses is a significant hurdle. Meta reportedly incurs a production cost of $10,000 per unit. To make Orion accessible to consumers, the company aims to reduce that price to something closer to $1,000—similar to high-end laptops and smartphones. According to reports, this transition could take several years to realize.

Having tested Orion, I can say these glasses have remarkable features! While the design might not score high on the coolness scale, the technology and ideas embedded in them are genuinely intriguing. For those who lament the lack of innovation in Silicon Valley beyond social media, Orion presents a refreshing alternative.

Unlike previous attempts at face-computing technology, like Google Glass and Apple’s Vision Pro, Orion feels like a product that could genuinely integrate into daily life. However, it’s essential to note that these glasses are still not ready for mass production.

Imagine the possibilities a wearable computer could offer! Tasks we currently perform on our phones, like making calls, sending texts, capturing images, and streaming content, could all be done through Orion. Sitting comfortably on your face—despite their bulk—these glasses offer simultaneous interaction with your surroundings and the digital realm.

Orion harnesses the power of augmented reality, overlaying digital images onto the real world, in contrast to virtual reality, which completely immerses you in a digital environment.

This approach has its drawbacks. Consider the annoyance of conversing with someone who frequently checks their phone—all while they’re supposedly engaged in the conversation. Now imagine the same interaction with someone wearing augmented reality glasses that divert their attention.

However, there are clear advantages as well. Picture yourself completing a task like changing a tire or following a recipe—with digital instructions appearing right alongside the physical task at hand. Such interactive capabilities could revolutionize how we receive information and instructions.

Eye-tracking technology is integrated into Orion, allowing users to select items merely by looking at them. Actions such as opening apps or responding to messages can be achieved with subtle wrist movements detected through a specially designed wristband that senses muscle movements and communicates wirelessly with the glasses.

Another notable feature is Orion’s portability. Unlike many devices that require cumbersome power sources, Orion connects to a compact, remote-sized processor that fits easily into a pocket. This device provides the necessary link to the internet through Wi-Fi or cellular networks. With a battery life spanning two to three hours during continuous usage, Orion aims to enhance convenience in wearable technology.

Despite these features, it’s vital to remember that the technology is still under development. My firsthand experience occurred in a controlled environment, surrounded by Meta staff, leaving some uncertainty about the glasses’ performance in real-world scenarios.

Meta executives acknowledge that they are launching internal trials to better understand the device’s capabilities while working on making it more lightweight and affordable.

This raises questions regarding Meta’s strategy in revealing such an unmarketable product. Historically, tech companies would often showcase products long before their release, reminiscent of pre-iPhone reveals.

When approached with this question, Meta representatives cited the importance of boosting employee morale by showcasing ongoing innovations. However, many speculate that this also serves to reassure investors about the promising developments despite prior skepticism regarding significant investments in the metaverse.

The rationale for Meta venturing into hardware production ties back to its reliance on mobile platforms controlled by Apple and Google. By developing its own technologies, Meta aims for a level of independence in shaping how its business operates in the digital space.

Furthermore, this unveiling signifies a new chapter for Mark Zuckerberg. It appears he is keen on demonstrating tangible advancements instead of solely apologizing for past controversies—a notable shift in his public persona.

In conclusion, Orion stands as an ambitious project. While it may not be ready yet, its introduction hints at a future where augmented reality plays a significant role in personal computing.

Source: Business Insider