Meta’s new Orion AR makes Apple AR headset look like a bulky mess, but it won’t be a Vision Pro killer

Meta’s latest innovation, the Orion AR glasses, unveiled at Meta Connect 2024, has quickly drawn comparisons to Apple’s Vision Pro. Despite its sleek design and advanced features, industry experts suggest that the Orion isn’t ready to dethrone Apple’s AR headset just yet.

The Orion glasses, while impressive in many respects, are still a prototype, and there are significant hurdles that Meta will need to overcome before they can challenge the Vision Pro in the consumer market.

Aesthetics over specs
One of the most striking aspects of the Meta Orion AR glasses is their design. Unlike the bulkier Apple Vision Pro, which has been likened to a sci-fi heads-up display straight out of a Hollywood film, the Orion glasses offer a much more refined and fashionable appearance. For the average consumer, who may not be deeply interested in the intricate tech specs of AR devices, the Orion glasses present themselves as a practical and stylish option that could easily blend into everyday life.

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At Meta Connect 2024, the Orion prototype was showcased as a cutting-edge AR device with a host of impressive features. The glasses boast a large holographic display that offers an immersive visual experience within a compact, glasses-like form. With a field of view (FOV) larger than any other AR glasses on the market, the Orion allows for seamless multitasking and interaction with life-sized holograms. According to Meta, this makes it an ideal device for both indoor and outdoor use, designed to be lightweight and suitable for all-day wear.

The integration of Meta AI into the Orion glasses adds another layer of functionality, providing contextual assistance based on what the user is looking at. This includes making video calls, managing schedules, and other tasks that would typically require a smartphone. The glasses utilise silicon carbide lenses, a material known for its durability, lightness, and excellent refractive properties.

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These lenses work in conjunction with on-board projectors to create a seamless blend of digital and physical realities. The Orion glasses also support a respectable 70-degree FOV, which, while slightly darker than traditional lenses, still allows for natural eye contact and the perception of facial expressions—an important feature for social interactions.

Comparing it with the Apple Vision Pro
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the Orion AR glasses, some limitations remain when compared to Apple’s Vision Pro. The Orion’s resolution and refresh rate are reportedly lower than those of the Vision Pro, which could be a drawback for users who prioritise high-quality visual performance. Additionally, while the Orion’s design is undoubtedly more aesthetically pleasing, the frame is still bulkier than the sleeker Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, suggesting that Meta may need to refine the design further before the glasses are ready for the mass market.

Controlling the Orion glasses appears to be intuitive and user-friendly. The glasses support voice commands, as well as eye and hand tracking, making interactions feel natural and seamless. Moreover, Meta has introduced a “neural link” feature, activated through a wrist-based EMG wearable, allowing users to perform actions like swiping, clicking, and scrolling with a simple flick of the wrist. This level of control is designed to compete directly with the gesture-controlled capabilities of the Apple Vision Pro.

However, the Orion glasses are currently just a technology demonstration, with no immediate plans for a consumer release. Analysts have pointed out that the cost of producing the Orion glasses is a significant barrier to market entry. The bill of materials for the Orion reportedly exceeds $3,000, which is higher than the $2,000 production cost of the Vision Pro. With the Vision Pro already retailing at $3,499, the Orion’s potential price tag could be even steeper, making it less accessible to the average consumer.

Future prospects
While the Orion AR glasses may not be an immediate threat to Apple’s Vision Pro, they do represent a significant step forward in Meta’s AR ambitions. The glasses are lightweight, weighing in at around 100 grams, and offer a wide FOV, which are key selling points in the AR market.

However, the commercial version of the Orion headset is likely years away, and the cost of production remains a critical factor that could determine its success or failure in the marketplace.

As Meta continues to refine the technology behind the Orion glasses, they could eventually capture a broader market segment that values aesthetics and convenience. The Orion glasses have the potential to appeal to consumers who are looking for AR devices that seamlessly integrate into their daily lives, without the bulk and technical complexity that often comes with high-end AR headsets.

In the meantime, Meta has seen success with its Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, which, while lacking displays, offer voice-activated features such as making calls, playing music, and taking photos and videos. Priced at $299, these smart glasses are an example of how Meta is already making strides in the wearable tech market, even as it continues to develop more advanced devices like the Orion AR glasses.

While the Meta Orion AR glasses have made a strong impression with their stylish design and advanced features, they are not yet poised to dethrone the Apple Vision Pro. The Orion is still in the prototype stage, and there are significant challenges that Meta will need to address before the glasses are ready for widespread consumer adoption.

However, with continued innovation and refinement, the Orion AR glasses could one day become a major player in the rapidly evolving AR landscape, offering a sleek and functional alternative to the bulkier options currently available.