Meta Previews Next-Gen AR Glasses

Meta’s taking the next steps in its AR glasses research, with the launch of its second generation Aria AR glasses to researchers.

Meta showcased the first version of its Aria AR glasses back in 2021, and launched them to researchers last year, and it’s now rolling out some new functional improvements, based on advancing development processes (particularly in AI) and initial product feedback.

As per Meta:

“For researchers looking to explore how AI systems can better understand the world from a human perspective, Aria Gen 2 glasses add a new set of capabilities to the Aria platform. They include a number of advances not found on any other device available today, and access to these breakthrough technologies will enable researchers to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”

Meta says that the Aria 2 model includes upgraded sensors, RGB camera, 6DOF SLAM cameras, eye tracking cameras, spatial microphones, and more. The next gen version also now includes heart rate monitors and a contact microphone “to distinguish the wearer’s voice from that of bystanders.”

The new glasses also have improved battery life, and can operate for up to eight hours without recharge, while the device also has improved open-ear, force-canceling speakers.

Yeah, Meta’s packing a heap of tech into the device, which is also a key challenge, in creating AR glasses that incorporate all of these tech elements, while also remaining affordable for the regular person.

Meta has criticized Apple’s approach on this front, with its $3,500 VisionPro device out of the price range for most regular people.  

Meta’s working to fit all of these element into a tiny space, while also keeping things cost effective, which is part of the reason why Meta’s not looking to launch these glasses as a consumer product as yet. But eventually, these will be Meta’s AR glasses, and sometime soon, in the next few years, you’ll see people wearing these in real life.

Which could spark a massive leap in connectivity.

But right now, Meta’s only working with researchers, as it continues to both refine the glasses and seek more use cases.

“Over the coming months, we’ll share more details about the timing of device availability to partners. We’re excited to see how researchers will leverage Aria Gen 2 to pave the way for future innovations that will shape the next computing platform.”

Make no mistake, AR glasses are going to be a transformative shift, and the incorporation of AI will make them even more powerful, and practical, in many applications.