Snap & Meta present new VR glasses

In a nutshell: Meta seems to have a stable prototype. Snap, on the other hand, has a more global design, immature demos and mixed reactions.

We compare and test the two models and answer the question: Why is Zuckerberg investing billions in VR & AR?

Let’s start with the presentation of Snap’s “Spectacles”.

Snap “Spectacles” Presentation – Video

Snap is launching an updated version of its AR glasses on the market with the new Spectacles. Although they are chunkier than their predecessors, they offer exciting approaches for integrating augmented reality into everyday life. The new features, including gesture control and AR effects, are currently only aimed at developers – a step towards further exploring the potential of this technology.

Mark Zuckerberg presents “Orion” prototype – Video

Mark Zuckerberg eagerly presents the Orion prototype from Meta, which is considered a revolutionary AR headset. With holographic representations in the real world and a new type of gesture control that works via a neural interface, Meta is focusing on a high-tech experience. Although the Orion glasses are currently only a prototype, they offer an impressive glimpse into the future of augmented reality.

Snap & Meta glasses in the test

One of my favorite podcasts, Hard Fork, sums it up like this:

• Snap: Very very simple model
• Meta: Significantly more advanced than Snap

Great episode, part 1 right at the beginning.

But long story short, if you want a detailed review of the two models, take a look at these two videos.

Snap’s Spectacles glasses in the test

What can Spectacles do?

In contrast to Meta’s “Orion”, feelings are not only mixed in the podcast, this review also shows that the idea is good, but the implementation is not. Here are the most important findings about Spectacles:

The new Snap Spectacles receive mixed reviews in the video. The original Spectacles were praised for their simple and fun functionality, especially for recording short videos for Snapchat. The new AR glasses, on the other hand, seem clunkier and less suitable for everyday use. The further development towards augmented reality (AR) is highlighted as a positive aspect, as Snap has successfuly popularized AR filters in the past. However, the new glasses are currently only available as a developer kit and the demos were still immature. The high fee of $99 per month for developers is also viewed critically.

“The new AR glasses, on the other hand, are clunkier and less suitable for everyday use.”

5 facts about the “Spectacles” glasses

• Chunkier design
• Developer kit only, $99/month
• Immature demos
• Positive: Snap’s AR expertise
• Mixed reactions

Meta’s “Orion” glasses for (still) only $10,000

What can Orion do?

Here is the whole video ultra briefly summarized for you:

It displays holograms in the real world and enables gesture control thanks to a neural interface. The glasses offer a large field of vision and virtually artifact-free displays. Particularly impressive is the integration of AI, which makes the experience even more realistic. Despite some weaknesses, such as the clunky design and short battery life, the tester emphasizes that the glasses are a glimpse into the future of augmented reality. However, they are currently only an expensive prototype.

“Overall praise for meta – though always bear in mind, from a nerd, whether the concept catches on, we’ll see.”

5 facts about the “Orion” glasses

The most important thing from the video for you:

1. Innovative AR headset
2. Holograms in the real world
3. Control through gestures (neural)
4. Very good field of view, few artifacts
5. High price ($10,000), prototype

Why is Meta investing so much in VR & AR?

Facebook once started out as a simple social network. It runs on devices from Apple, Samsung and others. However, this dependence on the hardware giants, especially Apple, bothers Meta. Marc Zuckerberg wants to get his own devices into the hands of users. This is why Meta is focusing on the development of VR and AR technologies.

What’s the next big thing after the smartphone?

Goal: What is the metaverse?

The Metaverse is a virtual, digital world that extends the internet into an interactive 3D environment. Users can interact, work, play and share social experiences in real time while using virtual avatars and digital goods. It combines virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and social networks to create an immersive experience. The aim is to create a fully connected, digital parallel world that goes beyond traditional screens.

Zuckerberg sees the future primarily in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). But what exactly do these technologies mean?

Metaverse = VR environment of Meta

A video says more than a thousand words!

VR = Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that enables users to immerse themselves in a completely digital, computer-generated world. With the help of VR headsets and controllers, users can enter this artificial environment, interact and enjoy an immersive experience. In the VR world, you can walk through digital rooms, play games or even work. Although the technology is impressive, current VR devices are still often bulky and heavy, which has so far limited their distribution in the mass market. However, the potential applications are diverse – from gaming and education to medical research.

AR = Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR), on the other hand, adds digital elements to the real world. AR superimposes visual information, such as images or holograms, over what the user sees in their actual environment. This can be done using special AR glasses or simply using a smartphone. Well-known applications of AR are Snapchat filters or navigation with Google Maps, where information is projected directly over the real environment. While VR immerses the user in a completely digital world, with AR you remain firmly anchored in the real world, enriched with digital information.

Meta share remains stable

As of 09/24, the price is almost $250 and a look at the 3-year chart also shows that Zuckerberg’s ideas are finding favor somewhere.

Share price: 36 months review

“Quest”: The 2kg VR monster

Zuckerberg has already taken a few steps towards the metaverse with the “Quest” VR glasses. But to be honest, who wants to put a two-kilogram device on their head permanently? Although the Quest technology offers impressive VR experiences, the clunky design remains an obstacle for the wider market. VR goggles have been around for more than 20 years, but apart from gamers and technology enthusiasts, acceptance is still low. For many users, the experience is simply not comfortable enough. Nevertheless, the Quest marks an important milestone in the development of virtual reality, even if the breakthrough is still a long way off.

Current model version 3

“Orion” VR & AR glasses, even better

With the “Orion” prototype, Meta shows that they want to take their VR and AR technology to the next level. The first prototype costs a hefty 10,000 dollars, but as with any technology, the price will fall over time. “Orion” is a lightweight and smart pair of glasses that combines both VR and AR functions. These glasses make it possible to project holograms into the real world and interact via neurally controlled interfaces. Even though they are still in the development phase, they offer a fascinating glimpse of what could be possible in the coming years.

• Read more about Meta “Orion” here

Meta is not alone: Snap’s “Spectacles”

While Meta has its eye on the future with “Orion”, Snap is not sitting idle either. With the new “Spectacles”, Snapchat shows that it is continuing to focus firmly on AR experiences. Although the new version of the Spectacles is chunkier than previous models, it offers exciting approaches to integrating augmented reality even more into everyday life. The glasses are initially aimed at developers and should enable new applications for AR filters and digital experiences in the future. Snap has already shown in the past that they can successfuly establish AR in social media, which gives them a clear advantage in this emerging technology.

• Read more about Meta “Orion” here

Brands in the metaverse

Here you will find a number of brands that have already worked in/with the metaverse:

Gucci

Gucci already developed an interactive virtual exhibition inspired by the Gucci Garden Archetypes.

But that was not all! The luxury fashion brand and VIP and NFT collectible producer Superplastic have teamed up to present SUPERGUCCI. It is a limited edition NFT ceramic sculptures.

Tommy Hilfiger

In addition to New York Fashion Week, there was also a virtual fashion event on the video game platform “Roblox” with a digital catwalk and a live broadcast of Fashion Week in New York by Tommy Hilfiger.

Balenciaga

Balenciaga, one of the most famous French fashion houses, has cooperated with the gaming giant “Fortnite”. This collaboration was about decorating characters with Balenciaga clothes. In Fortnite, there is also a virtual Balenciaga store for this purpose, where users can also buy pieces.

BMW

Among other things, BMW, the automaker, has created its own metaverse with the Joytopia streaming platform. On Joytopia, users can discover the virtual world of the automaker. The new BMW iXi is currently being presented on the platform.

Travis Scott

The playing field of “Fortnite” turned into a huge virtual concert stage in April when American rapper Travis Scott gave a virtual concert. Around 12.3 million people experienced this event live.

Ariana Grande

Like Travis Scott, singer Ariana Grande also cooperated with “Fortnite” and gave a live concert in the Fortnite world.

More on the subject of metaverse

Are you interested in the metaverse? Then you will find here further articles suitable for the topic.

Metaversum for Dummies: 2nd Reality with Infinite Possibilities

The metaverse, also called metaverse, defines a new internet revolution and is a digital (artificial) world where we have no limits. From workouts to meeting friends, working and vacationing. It gives us the ability to meet and interact with new people. With all these features and many more, the metaverse replaces our reality and opens up possibilities and opportunities in unimaginable ways. Here you can learn what the metaverse actually is and what we can expect from it!

• Metaverse for Dummies

Metaverse: The Metaverse Login

The metaverse is huge. But how do you enter it? First and foremost, there is no such thing as “one” metaverse. After all, it is a virtual world that is to be created from a combination of different providers, programs, services and the real world. You can find more information about the login here!

• The Metaverse Login

Facebook goes “meta”: path to the Metaverse, Oculus Rift and “Horizion” (digital world 1.0)

Facebook becomes “Meta” – Facebook announced today that the new name of the company, from now on will be “Meta”. This is not only about Facebook, but in particular about the “Metaverse”, more about that in a moment. The branding is no longer to be “only” focused on Facebook. After all, so much more belongs to the group, for example Oculus Rift, Whatsapp Messenger, but also Instagram. We also report on Horizon: The Digital World 1.0 and the first competition from Unity and Nvidia.

• Facebook goes “meta

Meta what? – Definition

Definition – There is not one metaverse, but there are different apps with which we can enter the virtual world. In the process, everyone creates their own avatar with which they move in the metaverse. Although it is considered a new Internet revolution, the term was first used already 30 years ago, in 1992, in the science fiction novel “Snow Crash” by the American author Neal Stephenson. The Internet revolutions VR/AR, Web 3.0 and Blockchain support and help the metaverse to make it seem as “real” as possible.

Mark Zuckerberg about the metaverse

In this video, Mark Zuckerberg talks about the Metaverse and what we can expect from it:

The Metaverse Login & Best Practice

Login

Now you know what the metaverse is, but how do you enter it? First of all, the main thing is that there is no “one” metaverse. Because it is a virtual world, which is to be created from combination of different providers, programs, services and the real world. You can find more information about the login here!

• The Metaverse Login

Best Practice

And what’s already in the metaverse? Ever since CEO Mark Zuckerberg renamed Facebook “Meta,” interest in the new virtual world has soared. What’s more, NFTs are no longer just the domain of geeks, IT geniuses and gamers. For even luxury fashion brands, for example, are collaborating with NFT developers or launching their own NFT collections in various metaverses. Jackets, hats, bags, limited edition jewelry, many of these assets have already been digitized by well-known companies. Events, such as fashion shows or concerts, also already take place in the metaverse. Here you will find a number of brands that have already worked in/with the Metaversum.

• Best Practice

Hearing Day 1: Throwback

Why is the data scandal so big?

Until now, it was always possible to retrieve information from friends of friends. So if resourceful developers create a tool that is used by people, they sign up for it and thus also give authorization for their personal data to be forwarded, you get large data packets (of many people) – from just one person. If a Facebook user has 500 friends on average, you can already cover 50,000 people (50,000 data packets) with just 100 people participating. We’ve all seen posts on our timelines titled “This is what you’d look like if you were an actor” or “What’s your zodiac sign?” These applications are … read more: Facebook data scandal.

Facebook goes “meta” – News

Facebook becomes “Meta” – Facebook announced today that the new name of the company, from now on will be “Meta”. This is not only about Facebook, but especially about the “Metaverse”, more about that in a moment.

Path to the Metaverse, Oculus Rift, and “Horizion”

Digital world – The branding should no longer be “only” focused on Facebook. After all, so much more belongs to the group, for example Oculus Rift, Whatsapp Messenger, but also Instagram. We also report on Horizon: The Digital World 1.0 and the first competition from Unity and Nvidia.

• Facebook goes “meta”