Meta Connect 2024: Key takeaways

Meta held its annual Meta Connect conference yesterday, exclusively broadcast on Facebook. This highly anticipated event from Mark Zuckerberg’s company lived up to expectations, unveiling several major innovations in the fields of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI). Here’s a look at the key announcements.

Meta introduces its new holographic glasses

One of the highlights of the conference: the Meta Orion. These are the company’s very first truly advanced augmented reality glasses. Weighing less than 100 grams, the glasses provide an immersive experience where virtual objects are overlaid onto the user’s real environment. Designed to be transparent and lightweight, they give users access to apps like WhatsApp and Messenger, enable video calls, and offer real-time information about visible objects. Powered by a custom chip, Meta is already working on a consumer version of these glasses.

A mixed reality headset at an affordable price

Meta continues to expand its mixed reality offerings with the Meta Quest 3S, a headset available at a competitive price. Two models will be released: a 128 GB version for $299.99 and a 512 GB version for $399.99. This headset, available starting October 15, aims to democratize access to mixed reality. While it makes a few compromises, its affordability is expected to set it apart from the competition.

Llama 3.2: Meta doubles down on artificial intelligence

Meta also took the opportunity to unveil Llama 3.2, its first open-source multimodal AI model. Capable of generating content from both images and text, Llama 3.2 opens up new possibilities for content creation and interaction. In addition, Meta has developed lightweight versions of Llama 3.2, optimized to run directly on mobile devices, making AI even more accessible.

New features for Meta AI

The Meta AI chatbot received notable updates. It can now understand and generate vocal content, with the option to select from various celebrity voices, including Judi Dench and John Cena. These options are available across several Meta platforms, including Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram.

Meta upgrades its connected Ray-Bans

Meta hasn’t forgotten its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which now come with a series of AI-based improvements. These include reminder tools, QR code and phone number scanning via voice commands, as well as AI video features and real-time language translation, expected by the end of the year.

Meta Connect 2024 confirmed Meta’s ambition to establish itself as a leader in the fields of augmented and virtual reality while continuing to enhance its artificial intelligence offerings. With the arrival of Orion glasses, the Quest 3S headset, and the Llama 3.2 model, Meta is committed to democratizing access to these technologies while integrating increasingly innovative features into its platforms. These advances promise to transform the way we communicate, work, and entertain ourselves in the coming years.

Interested in these innovations? Let’s discuss how they could impact your business and help you fully harness the potential of mixed reality and AI in your sector.