Next Pit reported in April that Meta claimed to be working on two pairs of augmented reality (AR) smart glasses that will be released in 2024. These glasses are codenamed Nazare and Orion.
Changes in Meta's Initial Plans
Citing a person close to the matter, The Verge reported that the first version of Meta's full-fledged augmented reality (AR) glasses will not be sold. Instead, it will be distributed to developers so that they can create software experiences for the device and subsequent generations. Separately, the tech giant is scrapping plans for a smartwatch with a detachable display and two cameras in favor of a design that is more suited to controlling a later version of the glasses.
The source claimed that the first version of the AR glasses was always intended for developers and early adopters, but higher ups hadn't decided whether or not to sell them to the general public until now. The said AR glasses have been in development for three years now.
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TechCrunch, via The Information, said that Meta is dropping its plans for its AR glasses and shifting its Portal smart display device away from the consumer market.
According to the report, the tech behemoth had planned to release the first iteration of its AR glasses in 2024. However, Meta has informed staff that the AR glasses will no longer be commercially released due to efforts to reduce substantial investments in its Reality Labs and AR/VR division.
TechCrunch also reported that Meta has decided to make the release of the second generation of the AR glasses, codenamed Artemis, a top priority. On the other hand, The Verge noted that Meta also wants to introduce an entry-level, less expensive version of AR glasses, dubbed Hypernova, that will pair with a nearby phone to display incoming texts and other notifications on a smaller heads-up display as soon as next year.
Why Did Meta Decided To Scale Back First Version of Full-Fledged AR Glasses
Meta is developing three different versions of standalone AR glasses that will be released over the next few years. The decision to not sell version one was taken due to the device's high cost of manufacture and executives' belief that some specifications, such as display brightness, "are not consumer-ready," according to the report by The Verge.
Meanwhile, these moves, as per TechCrunch, come as Meta deals with slower revenue growth, which has caused several divisions to halt recruitment.
In the case of the Portal, Meta is apparently working to reposition the device as a company's tool rather than a consumer one. The Facebook-parent will no longer release "consumer-oriented" Portal devices, according to the report. Because the two newest Portal devices are compatible with Zoom and Microsoft teams, Meta's decision to sell the Portal as a business product matches with its recent efforts to "promote the device as a tool for hybrid work," as per TechCrunch.
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