In a surprising turn of events, Meta has inadvertently leaked details about its highly anticipated new smart glasses display just days before its flagship conference, Meta Connect, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday this week. This leak was a result of a video that was briefly posted on YouTube by Meta, showcasing its latest innovations in smart eyewear featuring Ray-Ban and Oakley designs.
The leak was first reported by UploadVR, which captured and shared clips of the now-removed video on X. A reliable source confirmed the authenticity of the leaked content to Business Insider. The video highlights two intriguing designs: the Meta Ray-Ban glasses and the wraparound Meta Oakley glasses, both of which are equipped with advanced features that include a heads-up display (HUD).
One of the standout features of the new Meta Ray-Ban glasses is the integrated HUD, allowing users to superimpose essential information such as maps and text onto their real-world surroundings. Additionally, these glasses come with a wristband designed to enhance interaction with the HUD, making it a significant leap forward in the realm of augmented reality.
Another exciting aspect revealed in the leaked footage is the Meta Oakley glasses, which feature a central camera for capturing images and video. This innovative design suggests that Meta is committed to pushing the boundaries of what smart glasses can offer.
The leaked video has potentially spoiled what could have been a major reveal at the upcoming Meta Connect event. Industry experts believe that the introduction of an integrated HUD brings Meta closer to launching commercially viable smart glasses, a goal they have been striving towards since the introduction of their Orion prototype.
Last year, Peter Kafka from Business Insider had the opportunity to test the Orion glasses, which also featured a HUD and a wristband that monitored muscle movements. However, Meta noted that the Orion glasses were too costly for mass production at that time.
Meta is not alone in its quest to capture the smart glasses market. In May, Google unveiled its version of smart glasses powered by Android XR, a new platform designed for augmented reality eyewear. Google is collaborating with popular eyewear brands like Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to create stylish frames that are expected to hit the market later this year.
As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on Meta Connect to see how the company plans to position its new smart glasses in this rapidly evolving landscape. With the leaked video generating buzz, Meta's unveiling promises to be a pivotal moment for the future of augmented reality.
