At Meta Connect 2024, Meta presented Project Orion, the first holographic AR glasses based on artificial intelligence (AI) and neural control. With innovative technologies such as a holographic display and control via a neural wristband, Orion is at the forefront of AR development.
- Holographic display enables 70° field of view.
- Control via neural wristband through electromyography.
- Lightweight glasses (less than 100 grams) without fan.
- Release not planned for the time being.
Meta offers revolutionary holographic technology
With the popular VR glasses Meta Quest 3 (€549.00 on Amazon), the tech company headed by CEO Mark Zuckerberg is already proving that it knows all about immersing itself in virtual worlds. With their compact design, the new Project Orion AR glasses presented at Meta Connect 2024 take a completely different approach and, unlike the VR glasses, could also be used in everyday life.
They use a new type of holographic display that is made of lightweight silicon carbide rather than glass. With the help of so-called “uLEDs”, a clear and energy-efficient projection is made possible. This allows virtual content to be embedded in the real environment without obscuring it. In contrast to previous mixed reality glasses, the user can still see their surroundings while holographic information is superimposed. This enables a wide range of applications, from video chats and games to interactive AI functions.
Meta enables control via neural wristband
The neural control of Project Orion is particularly groundbreaking. Using a special wristband that records finger movements via electromyography, precise gestures can be executed in the user interface.
Functions such as scrolling, selecting and menu navigation are controlled intuitively using hand gestures. The wristband also offers haptic feedback to make the user experience even more immersive.
Technical sophistication and external graphics calculation
Meta has invested heavily in technical miniaturization. The AR glasses do not require a fan, as specially developed chips and cooling systems ensure optimum temperature regulation.
Part of the graphics calculation is outsourced to an external “compute puck”, which communicates wirelessly with the glasses to minimize computing effort and energy consumption.
Conclusion
Project Orion could set a milestone in the development of AR technology. Despite the impressive technical advances, the glasses are not yet ready for the market and will initially only be supplied to selected partners. However, Meta’s vision is clear: AR technologies will shape the future of digital interaction.
