This week and just a month before Meta Connect 2024, Mark Zuckerberg’s firm introduced new augmented reality features for its flagship messaging service, Whatsapp.
Reports suggest that an upcoming update to WhatsApp will introduce AR features that have increased the usability of immersive content in low-light conditions filters. Moreover, Whatsapp will add features to support AR skin touch-up features. The AR integration is currently under testing before debuting on Andrion and iOS devices.
Granted, the features are very much baseline at the moment. However, the timing comes just ahead of Meta Connect 2024, where the firm is expected to showcase new updates regarding its AR feature portfolio, which spans various end devices and applications.
Meta’s ambitions for smart glasses are of particular interest here. Auidences expects Meta to reveal more details regarding its Reality Labs-led research and development into next-generation AR smart glasses, meaning Meta may be updating AR integration into its wider services ready for an upcoming product.
More interestingly, however, is the recent success of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses lineup. Currently, Meta is experiencing moderate success in rolling out the device as a social media-based product that allows users to share their points of view via the device’s cameras, contact others through Meta applications, and leverage basic AR interactions.
Since debuting the device earlier this year, Meta has reported an increasing shipment rate, with the product beating sales expectations. This led to Meta eyeing up a five-percent stake purchase in Ray-Ban owner EssilorLuxottica, worth $4.73 billion based on an overall company valuation of over $94 billion.
At SIGGRRAPH this year, Zuckerberg expressed his optimism about the future of AR smart glasses. If Meta continues down this route, the firm will likely be sure its applications are ready. Notably, the low-light updates seen in the upcoming WhatsApp assist with smartphone camera detection and could contribute to a better understanding of smart glasses detection—mainly as Meta produces its smart glasses for outdoor use.
The Whatsapp update doesn’t directly relate to Meta’s ambitions for smart glasses. However, the AR integration may highlight how Meta is building an XR software ecosystem for its products outside headsets.
Meta Addresses Quest Pro 2 Cancellation Rumours
Over the weekend, reports surfaced that Meta is cancelling a prototype for an upcoming follow-up of the Meta Quest Pro. Speculation suggests that the forthcoming prototype model, called ‘La Jolla,’ was planned to be an alternative to Apple Vision Pro using similar display technology. However, Meta decided to cancel La Jolla due to the high cost of the competitive OLED display technology.
Despite these reports, Meta’s hope is not lost. Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, recently provided insight into the situation and the state of Meta’s XR device Research and Development.
In a social media post, Bosworth reassured fans of the Quest portfolio that they shouldn’t worry about the cancelled prototype. He mentioned:
Just your regularly scheduled public service announcement: we have many prototypes in development at all times. But we don’t bring all of them to production. We move forward with some, we pass on others. Decisions like this happen all the time, and stories based on chatter about one individual decision will never give the real picture.
Meta’s XR R&D teams are assessing new ways of developing AR/VR/MR hardware and software for various use cases through its Reality Labs division. However, the Reality Labs division has been operating at a loss year after year. In its Q2 report, Meta noted that it will continue to experience increasing operating losses due to XR product research and development cycles.
This shows that Zuckerberg is investing heavily in future technology development through Reality Labs, positioning Meta ahead of others in anticipation of Zuckerberg’s envisioned XR future.
It’s unlikely that the cancellation of the La Jolla event will significantly impact Meta’s upcoming Connect 2024 event and its XR updates. Meta is expected to unveil the Meta Quest 3s, a lower-priced MR headset, and a pair of AR smart glasses.
Meta Connect 2024: What to Expect
Meta Connect will take place on September 25-26, 2024. The event will showcase Meta’s latest digital solutions from its social media and XR portfolio. Historically, Connect has uncovered deep insights into the firm’s XR roadmap.
Meta has not yet revealed details about the event other than that it will feature several expected sessions, featured technology, and speakers such as Mark Zuckerberg. Despite the date coming up soon, Meta has not revealed any details regarding the event or its announcements.
In the months leading up to the event, news from Meta reveals what Zuckerberg may discuss during the event.
