The upcoming unveiling of Snap and Meta’s respective AR glasses is set to revolutionize the way we interact with digital overlays in the mainstream. Both companies are gearing up to showcase their latest AR technology, providing a sneak peek into the next stage of digital connection.
Snap CEO Evan Spiegel is slated to reveal the fifth generation of Spectacles at his annual Partner Summit in Los Angeles on September 17th. While Snap has been working on AR glasses prototypes with selected developers for some time, recent cost-cutting measures led to uncertainties about the company’s AR development. However, Evan Spiegel has reaffirmed that AR remains a core focus for Snap, despite increasing competition from tech giants like Meta and Apple in the AR space.
Meta (formerly Facebook) is also set to debut its first AR glasses, code-named Orion, at the upcoming Connect conference in Menlo Park on September 25th. Meta’s collaboration with EssilorLuxottica has enabled the company to produce more consumer-friendly digital glasses, such as the Ray Ban Meta Smart Glasses. These smart glasses have been in high demand, paving the way for Meta’s next-gen AR glasses, which will be showcased at the Connect conference.
Both Snap and Meta have been working on their AR projects for some time, with Snap launching its Spectacles back in 2016. While Snap’s current consumer version of Spectacles allows users to record videos, it lacks AR overlay capability. However, Snap has been making strides in AR development, particularly with the introduction of “World Lenses” in 2017. On the other hand, Meta’s partnership with EssilorLuxottica and the success of its Ray Ban Meta Smart Glasses hint at the company’s advantage in producing consumer-friendly AR devices.
With Apple entering the AR market with its VisionPro and Meta expanding its AR ambitions, Snap faces stiff competition. However, Snap’s advanced development of AR experiences and established distribution pathway could give it an edge in the market. Additionally, Snap’s potential collaboration with Apple on consumer AR products could boost its chances of success. Commercial AR has the potential to reshape how people interact with the world and provide new avenues for advertising and promotion for brands.
As the AR industry continues to evolve, the upcoming AR glasses from Snap and Meta could usher in a new era of digital connectivity. While the full impact of commercial AR is yet to be realized, the examples set by these two tech companies are a sign of the exciting changes to come. Watch this space for the latest developments in the world of augmented reality.