Meta Connect 2024: The Metaverse’s Next Chapter – What’s in Store?

Meta Connect 2024: What to Expect from the Metaverse Giant

Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, is gearing up for its annual Connect developers conference, a pivotal event where the tech giant reveals its latest innovations in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). This year’s Connect, taking place on Wednesday, September 25th and Thursday, September 26th, promises a slate of new hardware, software, and ambitious plans for the metaverse. Here’s what we can expect from Meta’s big reveal.

The Quest for Affordability: A Look at Meta’s VR Hardware

The most talked-about hardware expected at Connect is the successor to the Meta Quest 3, and perhaps updates to the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. The Meta Quest 3, while praised for its advancements in mixed reality features, was criticized for its relatively high price point. Leaks suggest that Meta will introduce a cheaper version, the Quest “3S,” potentially priced as low as $299.99, aiming to make VR accessible to a broader audience.

Meta has a long-term vision for VR, with reports indicating plans for a more powerful Quest 4 in 2026, and a pro-level headset for spatial computing dubbed “La Jolla” in 2027. However, recent rumors suggest that the development of La Jolla might be on hold, possibly impacted by the slow adoption of Apple’s high-priced Vision Pro.

More Than Just Glasses: The Next Generation of AR

While the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are considered stylish and user-friendly, their limitations in AR functionality have left users wanting more. Connect 2024 could be the platform for announcing an iterative update that builds on the existing design, possibly incorporating new features powered by Meta AI.

But the real buzz centers around “Orion,” Meta’s rumored next-generation AR glasses. While full details are scarce, early glimpses suggest that Orion could represent a significant leap forward in AR technology. It remains to be seen whether Meta will unveil Orion at Connect, but a sneak peek seems likely.

AI Takes the Spotlight: Meta’s Software Push

Beyond hardware innovations, Meta is expected to showcase its progress in generative AI at Connect. The company’s recent advancements in large language models (LLMs), particularly the Llama family of models, are expected to be integrated into its applications.

This integration promises to revolutionize user experiences, potentially bringing conversational chatbots and AI-powered image generation to platforms like WhatsApp. Furthermore, Meta is likely to unveil new developer tools designed to leverage generative AI for creating immersive AR experiences.

Reimagining the Metaverse: Horizon Worlds and Beyond

Meta is expected to outline its vision for the metaverse, focusing on significant updates for Horizon Worlds, its virtual reality social platform. The company’s focus on social interaction and community within virtual worlds could see a new level of interactivity and engagement.

While Meta’s metaverse aspirations have faced challenges, the company’s continued investment in this technology suggests that Connect will be a platform to highlight its progress and vision for the future.

Meta Connect 2024: A Chance to Shape the Future

The Meta Connect conference is more than just a technology showcase; it’s a platform to glimpse the future direction of VR, AR, and the metaverse. With the growing influence of AI and the increasing demand for immersive experiences, Meta Connect 2024 has the potential to shape the future of technology and how we interact with the digital world.

To keep up with the latest news from Meta Connect 2024, follow the official Meta Connect website or tune in to the live stream starting at 1PM ET / 10AM PT on September 25th. The coming days will reveal what Meta has in store and how it plans to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of immersive technology.

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