In a much-anticipated and revelatory Connect keynote for 2023, Meta, the tech behemoth, unveiled an array of groundbreaking innovations spanning hardware and artificial intelligence (AI). The event delivered on promises made earlier this year, introducing the Meta Quest 3 headset, the latest Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, and captivating AI developments.
Meta initially provided a sneak peek of the Quest 3 in June, strategically preempting Apple’s Vision Pro announcement. Now, the veil has been lifted, unveiling a mixed reality headset that can seamlessly blend augmented reality elements with the physical world. A notable feature is the deployment of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, marking the Quest 3 as the first consumer device to harness its power. Meta touts double the performance of its predecessor, the Quest 2, with enhancements in resolution and depth of field. Although the refresh rate remains at 90Hz, comfort has been prioritized, particularly for glasses wearers, with adjustable inter-pupillary distance. The Quest controllers have undergone an overhaul, incorporating haptic feedback and shedding the tracking rings, as advanced sensors now manage tracking.
Beyond gaming, the Quest 3 will gain support for Xbox Cloud Gaming in December, expanding its utility. Microsoft 365 apps are slated to arrive on the Quest by year-end, while access to Windows on these headsets is on the horizon. Pre-orders for the Meta Quest 3 are presently open, with a starting price of $500 for the 128GB version, and $650 for double the storage at 256GB. The 512GB model includes a six-month Meta Quest+ trial and a limited-time bundle with Asgard’s Wrath 2. The Quest 3 is set to become available on October 10.
Meta also unveiled a new collaboration with Ray-Ban, resulting in the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. These spectacles present an impressive upgrade over the previous Ray-Ban Stories model. Featuring a 12MP wide-angle camera capable of recording 1080p video at 60fps (with a 60-second limit per capture), 32GB of storage, and an array of five microphones for spatial audio, these smart glasses offer enhanced capabilities. The speakers are louder while minimizing noise leakage, and a second frame design option has been introduced. The charging case resembles a standard Ray-Ban protective pouch. Pre-orders for the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are open, starting at $299, and they will begin shipping on October 17.
In a world where AI increasingly takes center stage, Meta had its own updates to contribute. It introduced several AI chatbot personalities, voiced by a cast of celebrities, to enrich user interactions. Meta AI, a generative AI assistant, will be integrated into platforms such as WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, and new hardware, offering a personalized and engaging experience.
AI-powered image editing will soon grace Instagram, allowing users to transform images with artistic effects, such as emulating a watercolor painting. Additionally, a green screen feature akin to YouTube’s recent announcement is on the horizon, powered by generative AI. AI-generated stickers are slated to arrive on Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Facebook Stories, further enhancing the creative possibilities within these platforms. These AI initiatives underscore Meta’s commitment to advancing the AI landscape and elevating user experiences across its diverse range of services and products.
