Fri Sep 20 14:15:08 UTC 2024: ## Meta’s Connect 2024: Quest 3S, AR Glasses, and a Dive into AI
Meta is gearing up for its big Connect event on September 25th and 26th, where it’s expected to unveil new AR/VR headsets and glasses, potentially offering a more affordable entry point to “spatial computing” than Apple’s Vision Pro.
Rumors suggest the company will unveil a “lite” version of its Quest 3 headset, dubbed the Quest 3S, priced at a potentially budget-friendly $300. This cheaper alternative to the Quest 3, which costs $500, may come with limited passthrough capabilities.
The event could also mark the debut of Meta’s long-awaited AR glasses, codenamed “Orion,” featuring a projector on the right lens. These glasses, potentially heavier than the current Meta Ray-Bans, might further integrate AI chatbots, similar to the upcoming update for the Ray-Ban smart glasses.
Meta’s focus on AI will be a key theme at Connect, with updates expected on its Llama language model and AI image generator, alongside the AI Studio platform for creating personalized chatbots.
The company is also focusing on building a more open ecosystem for VR, allowing third-party headset manufacturers to utilize its Android-based Horizon OS. This strategy aims to attract more users to its VR platform, unlike Apple’s walled garden approach with the Vision Pro.
Meta Connect will be streamed on Facebook and through the Horizon Worlds app on Meta Quest headsets. It will likely be a pivotal event for Meta as it positions itself in the evolving AR/VR landscape and showcases its commitment to AI technology.
First Piper 