Meta's annual Connect developers conference is set to unveil groundbreaking VR and AR hardware, alongside significant AI software updates.
Here's everything you need to know about the event:
Event Overview
Key Dates and Schedule
Meta Connect 2024 will take place from Wednesday, September 25th to Thursday, September 26th.
The conference kicks off with a keynote by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg at 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT, followed by a Developer keynote at 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT.
(Credit: Meta)
How to Watch
You can catch the Meta Connect keynote live on the official Meta Connect website.
Quest headset users can also watch the event in Horizon Worlds.
Post-keynote, live developer sessions will delve into AI and mixed reality on Facebook.
What to Expect
New VR Hardware
Meta is expected to introduce a more affordable Quest VR headset, possibly named Quest "3S," rumored to retail at around $299.99.
This follows the high price point of the Quest 3, which initially launched at $500.
Additionally, Meta has plans for future VR headsets, including the Quest 4 in 2026 and a high-end model for spatial computing, codenamed "La Jolla," expected in 2027.
AR and Smart Glasses
Anticipate updates to the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which are likely to see iterative improvements.
These glasses already feature Meta AI integration, and new chatbot assistant experiences are expected.
Moreover, there may be a sneak peek at Meta's "Orion" mixed reality glasses, which aim to offer a more compelling AR experience compared to competitors like Snap's AR Spectacles.
AI and Software Innovations
Meta will likely showcase its newest AI technologies, including the Llama large language model and an image generator for apps like WhatsApp.
As Meta phases out custom tools for AR filters, new developer tools designed to leverage generative AI experiences are expected. Significant updates to Horizon Worlds, Meta's metaverse platform, are also anticipated.
>>> A New Reality Unveiled: VR and AR Transforming Mobile Marketing
Future of Gaming on Quest
Meta's gaming strategy is evolving, with the company recently shutting down the Ready at Dawn game studio but introducing casual games like Wordle.
Meta also launched an app that allows console gaming on the Quest headset via HDMI.
Expect further announcements on the future of gaming experiences on Quest.
Editor's Comments
From the Programming agenda, it's clear that the main topics of Meta Connect 2024 will be "mixed reality" and Meta's latest Llama model.
The event will also officially announce the company's newest products and technologies: more affordable virtual reality headsets, enhanced AR glasses, and cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies, generating much anticipation.
Even though tech giants like Apple and Meta have launched related products, such as the Apple Vision Pro and the Meta Quest series, it's evident that these products are still in the early stages of market introduction.
Can Meta popularize VR and AR devices with these new offerings?
If VR and AR devices can become as widespread as smartphones did twenty years ago, the market potential would be immense.
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