Meta's new smart glasses look like the future
1Digest
This podcast delves into the world of augmented reality (AR) with a focus on Meta's ambitious plans. The episode begins by introducing Meta's Orion AR glasses, a $10,000 prototype showcasing impressive technology but not yet a consumer product. The discussion then shifts to Meta's neural wristband, a device using EMG to interpret neural signals and control AR devices. This technology is considered more polished than the Orion glasses and is expected to be released soon. The podcast explores Zuckerberg's vision for AR as the next computing platform, highlighting his desire to avoid the limitations imposed by Apple and Google. The episode discusses Meta's partnership with Luxotica and the potential for AR glasses to become mainstream. The conversation then examines the promise of ambient computing, where AR glasses seamlessly integrate with AI to provide real-time information and assistance. The episode discusses the challenges and opportunities of this technology, including privacy concerns and the need for a more natural user experience. The podcast also explores Meta's open-source AI strategy, comparing it to Google's closed model. The speakers discuss Zuckerberg's comments about data usage and the potential for user opt-out, highlighting the tension between data privacy and AI development. The episode concludes with a lightning round, where the speakers share their thoughts on recent tech news and reviews, including Johnny Ive's new AI device, Google's hardware advancements, and the Rabbit R1.
Outlines
Meta's Ambitions in Augmented Reality
This podcast explores Meta's ambitions in augmented reality (AR), discussing their AR glasses prototype, neural wristband, and open-source AI strategy, while also examining the broader implications of ambient computing and the ethical challenges of AI development.
Meta's Orion AR Glasses: A $10,000 Prototype
The podcast introduces Meta's Orion AR glasses, a $10,000 prototype showcasing impressive technology but not yet a consumer product. The discussion highlights the glasses' lightweight design, silicon carbide lenses, and reliance on a compute puck.
Meta's Neural Wristband: A More Polished Product
The podcast delves into Meta's neural wristband, a device using EMG to interpret neural signals and control AR devices. This technology is considered more polished than the Orion glasses and is expected to be released soon.
Zuckerberg's Vision for AR: The Next Computing Platform
The podcast explores Zuckerberg's vision for AR as the next computing platform, highlighting his desire to avoid the limitations imposed by Apple and Google. The episode discusses Meta's partnership with Luxotica and the potential for AR glasses to become mainstream.
The Promise and Challenges of Ambient Computing
The podcast examines the potential of ambient computing, where AR glasses seamlessly integrate with AI to provide real-time information and assistance. The episode discusses the challenges and opportunities of this technology, including privacy concerns and the need for a more natural user experience.
The Importance of Cameras in AR/VR Devices
The discussion begins with the importance of cameras in AR/VR devices, particularly for capturing and referencing visual information. The speakers highlight the limitations of current earbuds and the potential of camera-equipped devices for visual intelligence.
Meta's Open Source AI Strategy and Data Concerns
The conversation shifts to Meta's open source AI strategy, comparing it to Google's closed model. The speakers discuss Zuckerberg's comments about data usage and the potential for user opt-out, highlighting the tension between data privacy and AI development.
The Difficulty of Negotiating with Tech Platforms
The discussion explores the challenges of negotiating with tech platforms regarding data usage. The speakers argue that users lack leverage due to terms of service agreements and the power imbalance between individuals and large companies.
The Need for Regulation in AI and Data Usage
The conversation emphasizes the need for government regulation to address the ethical and legal concerns surrounding AI training data and user privacy. The speakers discuss potential solutions, including privacy laws and AI training laws.
OpenAI's Transition to a Commercial Company
The discussion focuses on OpenAI's recent transition from a research lab to a commercial company. The speakers discuss the implications of this shift, including the potential for conflicts of interest and the impact on research culture.
Lightning Round: Tech News and Reviews
The podcast concludes with a lightning round, where the speakers share their thoughts on recent tech news and reviews, including Johnny Ive's new AI device, Google's hardware advancements, and the Rabbit R1.
Keywords
Augmented Reality (AR)
Technology that overlays digital information onto the real world, enhancing user perception and interaction. AR glasses, like Meta's Orion, aim to provide immersive experiences by blending virtual and physical environments.
Electro-Myography (EMG)
A technique that measures electrical activity in muscles. Meta's neural wristband utilizes EMG to interpret neural signals from wrist movements, enabling precise control of AR devices.
Ambient Computing
A concept where computing seamlessly integrates into the environment, providing information and services without requiring explicit user interaction. AR glasses, with their ability to perceive and interact with the real world, are seen as a potential platform for ambient computing.
Silicon Carbide
A hard, durable material used in various applications, including space exploration, electric vehicles, and cutting tools. Meta's Orion AR glasses utilize silicon carbide lenses for their exceptional light refraction properties.
Vaporware
A product or technology that is announced or hyped but never actually released or becomes commercially available. Meta's Orion AR glasses, while impressive, are considered vaporware due to their high cost and lack of immediate availability.
Form Factor
The physical size, shape, and design of a device. The form factor of AR glasses is crucial for user comfort and acceptance. Meta's Orion glasses prioritize a lightweight and unobtrusive design, aiming to resemble regular glasses.
Compute Puck
A small, portable device that provides processing power for AR glasses. Meta's Orion glasses rely on a compute puck, which can be placed in a pocket or backpack, to handle the demanding computational tasks required for AR experiences.
Neural Wristband
A wearable device that uses EMG to interpret neural signals from wrist movements. Meta's neural wristband is designed to provide a more natural and intuitive way to control AR devices, eliminating the need for hand gestures or voice commands.
Q&A
What are Meta's Orion AR glasses, and why are they significant?
Meta's Orion AR glasses are a $10,000 prototype that showcases impressive technology, but isn't yet a consumer product. They are significant because they demonstrate Meta's progress in developing a lightweight and comfortable AR device that can convincingly augment reality.
How does Meta's neural wristband work, and what are its potential applications?
The neural wristband uses EMG to interpret neural signals from wrist movements, enabling precise control of AR devices. It has potential applications beyond AR, including prosthetics and other assistive technologies.
What are the challenges and opportunities of ambient computing?
Ambient computing promises a seamless and intuitive user experience, but it raises privacy concerns and requires significant technological advancements. AR glasses, with their ability to perceive and interact with the real world, are seen as a potential platform for ambient computing.
Why is Zuckerberg so determined to win the AR race against Apple and Google?
Zuckerberg believes AR glasses will be the next great computing platform, and he wants to avoid the limitations imposed by Apple and Google on Meta's apps and services. He sees AR as a way to regain control over a platform and avoid the pitfalls of the mobile era.
What is Meta's strategy for overcoming the challenges of AR glasses?
Meta is focusing on a lightweight and comfortable form factor, prioritizing utility over pure technology. They are also investing heavily in AI and software development to create a compelling user experience.
What are the implications of Meta's partnership with Luxotica for the future of smart glasses?
Meta's partnership with Luxotica, a leading eyewear manufacturer, gives them access to design expertise, retail distribution, and a vast portfolio of brands. This could potentially accelerate the adoption of smart glasses and make them more accessible to a wider audience.
What are the potential benefits of cameras in AR/VR devices?
Cameras can enable visual intelligence, allowing devices to understand and interpret the real world, leading to more immersive and interactive experiences.
How does Meta's open source AI strategy differ from Google's approach?
Meta aims for wider distribution and development by embracing open source, while Google prioritizes a closed model with more control over data and technology.
What are the ethical concerns surrounding the use of user data for AI training?
Users are concerned about their data being used without their consent and the potential for misuse, raising questions about privacy and control over personal information.
What are some potential solutions to address the power imbalance between users and tech platforms?
Government regulation, including privacy laws and AI training laws, could help to establish fairer terms of service and protect user rights.
Show Notes
The Verge's Alex Heath joins Nilay, Alex, and David to talk about all the announcements coming out of Meta Connect: the impressive (and expensive) Orion glasses, the new features for the Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, and lots and lots of new AI. Then they discuss the latest executive departures at OpenAI, as the industry's foremost AI company undergoes a huge shift. In the lightning round, it's time for more AI gadgets, the PS5 Pro... and then some more AI gadgets.
Further reading:
- Meta Connect 2024: biggest news and announcements
- Hands-on with Orion, Meta’s first pair of AR glasses
- Meta’s Ray-Bans will now ‘remember’ things for you
- Why Mark Zuckerberg thinks AR glasses will replace your phone
- Meta’s VR app store is about to fill up with phone-style 2D apps
- Mark Zuckerberg: creators and publishers ‘overestimate the value’ of their work for training AI
- Meta’s AI can now talk to you in the voices of Awkwafina, John Cena, and Judi Dench
- Kristen Bell told Instagram to ‘get rid of AI’ before she became its official voice
- OpenAI CTO Mira Murati is leaving
- Just 5,000 people use the Rabbit R1 every day
- Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review: big upgrade, much smaller earbuds
- I played the PS5 Pro, and it’s clearly better
- Inside Jony Ive’s Life After Apple and His LoveFrom Design Business
Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you.
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