The FUTURE of computing is here! #shorts
337By 2030, Meta believes it can revolutionize computing with augmented reality glasses. The social media giant, which presented its Orion prototype in 2024, is convinced that we will soon be able to add virtual elements to our vision. Its prototype incorporates two transparent screens, eye-tracking capabilities, and uses an external housing to delocalize its power, allowing it to emulate a sort of Apple Vision Pro in prescription glasses. The problem is that it's not ready yet, which doesn't suit Meta.
On September 30, Meta will market a sort of precursor to the Orion. The Meta Ray-Ban Display, which takes the form of slightly thicker Ray-Ban Metas, incorporates a small screen in the right eye and is controlled using a neural bracelet (and with voice, to communicate with the Meta AI assistant). Numerama previewed the Ray-Ban Meta Display: here's our opinion on the glasses, which offer a taste of a future we didn't think was so imminent.
The Ray-Ban Meta Display looks very similar to the Ray-Ban Meta. The main aesthetic difference between the two glasses is the presence of thicker bezels, which are necessary to accommodate additional technological components and a larger battery. Meta, which rumors suspected of wanting to launch its own glasses without a design partnership, is betting on staying with Ray-Ban. This strategy aims to improve the acceptability of the computer glasses, which the first buyers will be able to wear incognito.
In the right lens of the Ray-Ban Meta Display, the most observant will notice the presence of strange lines. This piece of silicone is actually a screen with a resolution of 42 pixels per degree, connected to a mini-projector in the temple, which seemed extremely good to us during our first test. When active, the screen displays an image about the same size as a smartwatch, except that the latter floats in front of the eye. In practice, the experience is quite impressive: simply tap twice with your thumb and middle finger to wake up the screen and see notifications, directions, or the camera view.
The downside is that the screen of the Meta Ray-Ban Display, which is only projected in front of one eye, isn't very well managed by the brain. When both eyes are open, we perceive a strange transparency, which sometimes hinders reading. Closing the left eye significantly improves readability, but also makes us look much dumber. Another consequence of this choice: when we talk to someone while looking at the screen, our gaze deviates to the right, which gives the impression of having our head in the clouds. It's still a technological feat, especially for a 69-gram product, but it's clear that this first generation will suffer from inevitable flaws.
What's the purpose of the Meta Ray-Ban Display screen? While Meta's offering is still far from being able to replace a smartphone, it certainly poses a threat to smartwatches.
By default, the screen is off. But when you turn it on by tapping your fingers, notifications appear. You can then access the app view, launching several programs specially adapted for the glasses:
Notifications, with the ability to respond by dictating text or drawing it on your leg.
Access to messages with support for SMS, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram.
A Maps app, with a GPS that rotates based on where the user is looking.
The camera, to see what the sensor sees in real time. You can zoom in by rotating your hand. The photo gallery allows you to access all the photos you've taken with the glasses without having to use your smartphone. You can send them directly via message.
The Instagram app allows you to watch Reels videos.
Image-based interactions with the Meta AI assistant allow you to see responses or generate content.
Video games specifically adapted for the glasses.
Meta advertises 6 hours of battery life for its glasses, but this is actually a "mixed use" option, combining use with the screen off and on. When the screen is emitting light, it can stay on for 1 hour. Don't expect to use the glasses' GPS for hours; the technology isn't mature enough yet. Meta has at least had the foresight to improve the design of its charging case, which can now fold to fit in your pocket. It allows you to recharge the glasses five times, for 30 hours of mixed use.