Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg delivers a speech at the Meta Connect event at the company’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California, U.S., September 27, 2023. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
During Meta’s Connect developers conference, Mark Zuckerberg announced the company’s plans to integrate AI technology and smart glasses. The event took place at Meta’s headquarters in Silicon Valley, serving as the company’s main annual product event.
Zuckerberg stated, “Advances in AI allow us to create different applications and personas that help us accomplish different things. Smart glasses are going to eventually allow us to bring all of this together into a stylish form factor that we can wear.”
Tech companies have been exploring various alternatives to smartphones for user-friendly experiences, and smart glasses have been one of the options. However, they have seen limited success thus far.
Meta revealed its second-generation Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, developed in partnership with EssilorLuxottica. These glasses will be available in the market starting October 17, with a starting price of $299. The new smart glasses also come equipped with the capability to stream real-time footage.
Zuckerberg emphasized the potential of smart glasses, stating, “Smart glasses are the ideal form factor for you to let AI assistants see what you’re seeing and hear what you’re hearing.”
In addition to the smart glasses, Meta introduced 28 AI personalities based on celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Paris Hilton, and MrBeast. Users can now message these “AIs” on WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram.
Zuckerberg showcased an interaction with one of the AI personalities during the event, highlighting that the bots would soon have voice capabilities. He acknowledged the limitations of these early AI developments, adding that users will encounter these limitations when using them.
This in-person edition of the Connect conference was the first since 2019, prior to the pandemic. The event was highly anticipated for announcements regarding generative AI.
Meta has taken a cautious approach compared to its competitors, such as Microsoft, OpenAI, and Google, in releasing AI products. The company prioritizes small steps and provides its in-house models to developers and researchers.
‘Best value’
Meta also unveiled the latest version of its Quest virtual reality headset at the conference. The new Quest headset offers improved graphics, audio, and the ability for wearers to see their surroundings without removing the gear.
According to Meta, the Quest 3 headsets will be available for purchase starting October 10, with prices starting at $499. This price is significantly lower compared to Apple’s Vision Pro, which will cost $3,499 and will only be available in the United States early next year.
Meta’s Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth described the Quest 3 as the best value on the market.
The Quest 3 will also feature new game titles, including “Assassin’s Creed Nexus” from Ubisoft and a game from Roblox.
Meta aims to bring an upgraded version of mixed-reality to the masses, as stated by Insider Intelligence principal analyst Yory Wurmser.
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Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
