Tech enthusiasts around the globe have their eyes turned toward Meta Connect 2024, scheduled for September 25 and 26, where Meta is gearing up to showcase innovative advancements across virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI). The anticipation is palpable, fueled by recent leaks and hints dropped by the company itself. What will be revealed? Will there be new headsets? Updated AR glasses? The forthcoming event promises to redefine user experiences and spur fresh conversations about what these technologies can achieve.
Meta has branded this autumn event as Meta Connect, positioning it as a cornerstone for the company’s VR and AR innovations. Despite the rebranding efforts, the core focus remains steadfast—a platform where the latest technologies and developments are unveiled to eager audiences. This year, the spotlight is expected to shine brightly on two of the hottest trends dominating the tech scene: AI integrations and AR enhancements.
Many industry watchers believe the initial fascination with the metaverse has waned, but blending AI with AR technologies might be the recipe for rejuvenation. The introduction of affordable, upgraded VR headsets could also solidify Meta’s market standing and restore excitement among consumers. Recent articles suggest the introduction of the Quest 3S, Meta’s more budget-friendly option, alongside cutting-edge AR glasses named Orion.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the Quest 3S is anticipated to be significantly cheaper than its predecessor—the Quest 3—potentially retailing between $300 to $400 instead of the current $500 price tag. Meta has even confirmed the development of this entry-level headset, and with teaser images making their rounds on social media, excitement is mounting. Engadget’s Devindra Hardawar notes this more affordable headset could encourage developers to create games serving across the Quest platform spectrum, addressing both high-end and earlier-generation users.
The anticipation surrounding the Quest 3S is bolstered by hints shared by leaker Luna, who has been quite vocal about the device’s design and specifications. Early reports indicate the Quest 3S could launch during Meta Connect 2024, making it one of the main attractions of the event.
Similarly, Meta’s increasingly powerful push on the augmented reality front hints at significant advancements. Reports suggest gear dubbed Orion AR glasses have been under development, creating stirrings of excitement. Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, mentioned it is “probably our most exciting prototype to date,” during discussions last year. Although full-fledged AR glasses may not hit the market until 2027, it’s likely we’ll witness the next iteration of Meta’s already existing Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses at this year’s Connect event, paving the way for future developments.
Now, let’s shift our attention to AI. One of the most notable focal points of this year’s Meta Connect could revolve around Meta AI, which has made significant strides and is already integrated across platforms like Messenger, WhatsApp, and others. Rumors are swirling around the potential launch of advanced features, possibly mirroring the capabilities seen with competing assistants like ChatGPT. Laptop Mag speculates on the likelihood of new features introduced with Meta AI—such as advanced voice modes and celebrity voice integration—making functionalities more engaging for users.
Undeniably, Meta Connect 2024 is set to be tantalizing for tech aficionados, as the company’s innovative devices will likely explore and expand both user experiences and developer opportunities within VR and AR ecosystems. This year, Connect resembles significant technology conventions—think of Apple’s WWDC or Google I/O—with Meta likely to offer builder sessions aimed at educating developers about the tools and products unveiled.
Attendees can catch all the action online, with Meta confirming the event will be streamed live on several platforms, including its event page and YouTube channels. The participation can also extend to attendees wanting to immerse themselves via the Metaverse, as Connect 2024 promises exclusive challenges for avatars visiting the virtual keynote session, offering them unique rewards.
Bonding AI, AR, and VR is no small task. Many devices have emerged from other companies like Snap, which recently introduced AR Spectacles. These developer glasses sport features enabling mixed reality capabilities, allowing users to interact with their environments like never before. Notably, Snap is exploring partnerships to synergize their glasses with other tech ecosystems, hoping to pave the way for enhanced AR experiences.
Meanwhile, the market for AR and VR headsets is facing challenges, according to recent data from the International Data Corporation (IDC). During 2Q24, global shipments dropped by 28.1% year-over-year, with shipments expected to fall by 1.5% overall for the year. Meta’s leadership remains strong, commanding 60.5% market share, but the likes of Apple and Sony follow closely with innovative models of their own. These dips are expected to reverse with affordable options entering the marketplace, like the Quest 3S, predicted to revive interest and consumer engagement.
With the convergence of AI with AR and VR, initiatives are already changing how users engage with digital with features such as hand tracking, enhancing user interaction. Although the Spectacles’ current form is more experimental aimed at developers, Snap’s strategies indicate these AR glasses represent just the beginning of what’s feasible when combining wearables with AI.
Numerous voices from across the industry indicate excitement about the prospects of these technologies intersecting—bringing forth novel solutions and enhancing existing interactions with digital environments. Snap’s CTO Bobby Murphy echoed this sentiment: "We definitely think there's a lot of open space to continue to explore" the connection between phones and Spectacles, illustrating the inherent potential to transcend what we know as immersive experiences.
The innovations expected at Meta Connect 2024 signal radical enhancements on the horizon for AR and VR technologies, coupled with improving user interfaces driven by AI. The world is poised on the brink of exciting developments, and the event promises to be illuminating for consumers and developers alike. It seems as if we're heading toward more streamlined, user-friendly technologies taking shape at the event — all aimed to redefine how we see and engage with the digital universe.
Regarded as the top event for showcasing new technologies, Meta Connect embodies the potential for widespread shift and acceptance of immersive experiences powered by AI, which seems to be the way forward. So, let the countdown to Meta Connect 2024 begin—it’s shaping up to be one for the history books.
