Meta Unveils AI-Powered Smart Glasses at Developers Conference
Menlo Park, CA - Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has unveiled a new range of smart glasses powered by its artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The announcement was made on Wednesday at the company's annual developers conference, "Meta Connect," where hundreds of attendees gathered to learn about the latest innovations.
The AI-powered smart glasses, developed in partnership with sunglasses brands Ray-Ban and Oakley, feature a full-color high-resolution screen in one lens, allowing users to conduct video calls, see messages, and access various apps. The device also includes a 12-megapixel camera and advanced augmented reality capabilities.
Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, described the technology as "a huge scientific breakthrough" during his keynote address at the conference. He emphasized that the smart glasses are designed to make users' lives easier and more convenient, while also providing new opportunities for developers to create innovative applications.
The neural wristband, a companion device to the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, allows users to perform tasks like sending messages with small hand gestures. This feature is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with their devices, making it possible to control their smart glasses with simple hand movements.
Meta's foray into AI-powered smart glasses comes as the company faces ongoing scrutiny over the impact of its products on children and society as a whole. Critics have raised concerns about the potential risks associated with the widespread use of such technology, including issues related to data privacy, addiction, and social isolation.
However, proponents of the technology argue that it has the potential to bring significant benefits, such as improved accessibility for people with disabilities and enhanced productivity for professionals. As one attendee at the conference noted, "The possibilities are endless, and I'm excited to see how developers will use this technology to create new experiences and applications."
Meta's move into AI-powered smart glasses is part of a broader trend in the tech industry towards developing more sophisticated wearable devices. Other companies, such as Apple and Google, have also been working on similar projects.
The Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses are expected to be available for purchase later this year, with prices starting at $299. The neural wristband will be sold separately, priced at $149. As the market for AI-powered smart glasses continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how consumers will respond to these new devices and what impact they will have on society.
Background:
Meta has been investing heavily in AI research and development in recent years, with a focus on creating more advanced and user-friendly technologies. The company's acquisition of several AI startups has also contributed to its growing expertise in the field.
Additional Perspectives:
Dr. Andrew Ng, co-founder of Google Brain and former head of AI at Baidu, noted that "Meta's foray into AI-powered smart glasses is an exciting development, but it also raises important questions about data privacy and security." He emphasized the need for companies to prioritize transparency and user control in their AI-powered devices.
Current Status:
The Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses are currently available for pre-order on the company's website. The neural wristband will be available for purchase separately later this year.
Next Developments:
Meta has announced plans to release a series of software updates and new features for its smart glasses in the coming months, including improved augmented reality capabilities and enhanced security measures. As the market for AI-powered smart glasses continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how consumers will respond to these new devices and what impact they will have on society.
*Reporting by Bbc.*