What to Expect at Meta Connect 2024: New Quest Hardware, AR Glasses, and AI Innovations

Meta's annual Connect developer conference is just around the corner, and tech enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating new hardware announcements, AR glasses reveals, and a substantial focus on AI advancements. As Meta continues to push the boundaries of VR, AR, and AI, this year’s Connect promises to offer a glimpse into the company's evolving vision for the metaverse and beyond.

Here’s a rundown of what we might see at Meta Connect 2024, including new devices, software innovations, and how to tune into the event.

When and How to Watch Meta Connect 2024

Meta’s Connect 2024 will take place over two days, starting on Wednesday, September 25th, and running through Thursday, September 26th. The event kicks off with the Connect keynote, headlined by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, at 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT, followed by a Developer keynote at 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT. If you're interested in tuning in, you can watch it live on the official Meta Connect website or, for those with Quest headsets, on Horizon Worlds.

In addition to the keynotes, Meta will host live developer sessions focusing on AI, mixed reality, and software development. These sessions will be streamed on Facebook and accessible to the broader developer community.

What to Expect: Key Highlights at Meta Connect 2024

1. New Quest Hardware

Meta’s Quest line of VR headsets has been the cornerstone of its VR strategy, and this year we expect to see the reveal of an exciting new addition—the Meta Quest 3S. Priced at $299.99 (approximately ₹24,999) according to leaks, the Quest 3S is set to offer a more affordable option than its predecessor, the Meta Quest 3, which was priced at $500 (₹41,999).

The Quest 3 has faced some criticism for its lackluster AR passthrough and high price, so a more budget-friendly version could expand accessibility for VR enthusiasts. While major updates like the Meta Quest 4 are not expected to debut this year, the 3S could deliver an improved experience at a fraction of the cost.

Moreover, Meta's long-term VR roadmap hints at premium models designed for advanced spatial computing, though we may need to wait until later years for models like the Quest 4 and La Jolla, a high-end VR headset targeted for 2027.

2. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses 2.0

Meta’s Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have impressed with their sleek design, but rumors suggest that an iterative update could be on the horizon. The current version doesn’t offer AR capabilities, but these smart glasses serve as a bridge between Meta’s wearables and AI assistants.

At Meta Connect, we might see these glasses gain more AI-powered features, potentially integrating Meta AI more deeply with the glasses to offer a new level of interaction. The design is expected to remain minimalistic, but with enhanced functionality, including better audio, improved battery life, and seamless integration with Meta’s AI ecosystem.

3. AR Glasses: Project “Orion”

While the Meta Quest series has primarily focused on VR, Meta’s Project Orion could be the company’s first true step into augmented reality (AR) glasses. Though details remain scarce, there’s growing anticipation that Meta could finally reveal its AR future at this year’s conference.

The rumored Orion AR glasses are expected to focus on mixed reality, combining real-world environments with digital overlays. Competing with Snap’s Spectacles, Meta’s Orion glasses might target developers initially but could quickly transition to consumer markets.

4. Big AI Announcements: LLaMA and More

Expect AI to take center stage at Meta Connect 2024. With AI integration becoming crucial across Meta’s platforms, the company is likely to showcase its latest advancements in AI technology, particularly around its LLaMA large language model and image generation tools.

Meta has been gradually incorporating AI into its WhatsApp platform, and Connect could reveal more ways AI will shape the future of Horizon Worlds and other immersive experiences. Expect new tools for developers to create generative AI experiences, potentially harnessing AI-driven avatars, enhanced virtual environments, and smarter interactions in the metaverse.

5. Updates to Horizon Worlds and the Metaverse

Meta’s long-term vision of the metaverse hinges on its VR and AR ecosystem. This year, we may witness major updates to Horizon Worlds, including new tools and features designed to encourage user-generated content, better AI-driven environments, and smoother integration with external apps.

Developers could gain access to new APIs that tap into Meta’s AI infrastructure, allowing for richer, more interactive experiences within virtual worlds. With the metaverse still in its early stages, these updates could be crucial for pushing Meta’s vision forward.

Closing Thoughts

Meta Connect 2024 is shaping up to be a significant event with big hardware reveals, new AI-powered experiences, and deeper integration across Meta’s platforms. From the next generation of Quest VR headsets to the highly anticipated Orion AR glasses, Meta is set to redefine how we interact with technology in both virtual and real-world environments.

Whether you’re a developer, gamer, or just a tech enthusiast, there’s something to look forward to at this year’s Meta Connect.

Be sure to tune in and keep an eye out for the full event coverage here at Kushal Bharat Tech News!