Highlights

• Meta’s Project Nazare aims to launch revolutionary AR glasses.
• Caitlin Kalinowski teases an experience akin to the first Oculus Rift.
• Glasses to blend real-world view with digital overlays effectively.
• Meta updates Ray-Ban smart glasses with new AI features as a precursor.

In a new interview, Meta is hyping up its upcoming “full” AR glasses as something that’ll blow minds – evoking a reaction akin to the original game-changing Oculus Rift VR headset.

Meta’s been chasing the AR future dream for a while now. But for AR enthusiasts, headsets were never the endgame as the real vision is augmenting reality through a slick pair of specs.

Meta’s Project Nazare

For some time, Meta’s been quietly working on “Project Nazare” – a pair of proper AR glasses. They were originally targeting a 2023 launch, but got delayed due to weight and software hurdles.

In a chat with Android Central this week, Caitlin Kalinowski – Meta’s Head of AR Glasses Hardware – teased that her current project is “a full pair of AR glasses” set to trigger the same mind-blowing “oh my God, WOW!” reaction as the OG Oculus Rift did.

Kalinowski previously led VR hardware at Oculus, so she knows what she’s on about.

She explained that with these glasses, “customers will actually see the real world’s original photons, plus whatever overlay you want” – meaning proper AR, not just another recreated reality headset like the Quest 3 or Apple Vision Pro. These specs will genuinely augment your view of the world.

An Immersive AR Experience

Kalinowski reckons “nothing prepares you for the high field of view immersion” of Meta’s AR glasses, though she kept mum on specifics. Android Central reckons this epic immersion likely comes via micro-OLED projectors, as previously leaked. Kalinowski also mentioned AI will play a massive role, as their internal roadmap has shifted to “take advantage of this AI revolution.”

As good as it sounds, Meta’s AR spectacles are still apparently a few years away from an official debut though.

In the meantime, Meta has just updated its existing Ray-Ban smart glasses with new AI smarts that tap voice and camera input.

You can grab those starting at $299 if you want a taste of Meta’s AR vision.

FAQs

What is Meta’s Project Nazare?

Project Nazare is Meta’s initiative to develop full AR glasses that provide a seamless integration of digital overlays with the real world, enhancing users’ everyday visual experience with augmented reality.

When can we expect Meta’s AR glasses to launch?

While initially aimed for a 2023 release, the launch of Meta’s AR glasses has been delayed due to challenges with hardware weight and software development. A precise release date hasn’t been announced yet, as the project is still a few years away from debut.

How will Meta’s AR glasses differ from current VR headsets?

Unlike VR headsets that create a completely virtual environment, Meta’s AR glasses are designed to augment the real world by allowing users to see actual photons from their environment, enhanced by digital information and visual effects.

What role will AI play in Meta’s AR glasses?

AI is expected to be a cornerstone of the functionality in Meta’s AR glasses, enhancing the user experience by integrating advanced image recognition, spatial awareness, and perhaps personalized digital interactions.

Are there any current products available that showcase Meta’s AR capabilities?

Yes, Meta has recently updated its Ray-Ban smart glasses, incorporating AI to process voice and camera inputs. These glasses are available starting at $299 and offer a glimpse into Meta’s broader AR ambitions.

Also Read: Meta Teams Up With Ray-Ban to Unveil Cutting-Edge Smart Glasses: Features, Availability, and More

Also Read: Meta Collaborates with MediaTek to Elevate AR Smart Glasses Technology