Meta Opens Smart Glasses to Outside Developers, Unlocking AI-Powered Possibilities

Meta Opens Smart Glasses to Outside Developers, Enabling AI-Powered Apps Meta announced on Wednesday that it will allow outside developers to create apps for its smart glasses, a move that could significantly expand the capabilities of the device. The company's decision marks a shift towards greater openness and collaboration in the development of its augmented reality (AR) platform. According to Meta, the company is opening up its application programming interface (API) to enable developers to build custom experiences that utilize the built-in sensors and audio capabilities of its RayBan and Oakley smart glasses. This move follows the release of a limited number of third-party integrations for the device, including apps like Spotify and Audible. "We're excited to give developers more tools to create innovative experiences on our platform," said Meta's vice president of AR, Andrew Bosworth. "By opening up our API, we're enabling a new wave of creativity and innovation that will take our smart glasses to the next level." The company is already working with several early partners, including Twitch, which is developing livestreaming capabilities for the glasses, and Disney, which is experimenting with an app for its theme parks. A demo video showcased at Meta's Connect event demonstrated a visitor walking around Disneyland and asking the AI assistant about the rides they were seeing and other park information. Other developers, such as 18Birdies, are working on integrating their golf apps to provide players with club recommendations and yardage stats. These partnerships demonstrate the potential for third-party developers to create custom experiences that leverage Meta's multimodal AI features. The move towards greater openness in smart glasses development has significant implications for society. As more developers gain access to Meta's API, we can expect to see a proliferation of innovative apps that enhance our daily lives. For instance, AR-powered shopping assistants could revolutionize the retail experience, while AR-based educational tools could transform the way we learn. However, some experts have raised concerns about the potential for data collection and surveillance through these new apps. "As more devices become connected to the internet, there's a growing concern about the amount of personal data being collected," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a leading expert on AI ethics. "We need to ensure that developers are prioritizing user privacy and security as they build these new experiences." Meta has stated that it will be working closely with its developer partners to ensure that their apps meet strict guidelines for data collection and usage. The current status of the API release is that Meta has begun accepting applications from outside developers, who can now start experimenting with building custom experiences on the platform. As more developers join the fray, we can expect to see a rapid expansion of innovative apps that take advantage of Meta's AI-powered smart glasses. In conclusion, Meta's decision to open up its API for smart glasses development marks an exciting new chapter in the evolution of AR technology. With greater collaboration and innovation on the horizon, we can expect to see significant advancements in the field and transformative experiences that change the way we live, work, and interact with one another. *Reporting by Engadget.*