Meta(Instagram, Facebook, Whatsapp, …) vs Snap(Snapchat), this time not because of apps, it’s about virtual and augmented reality glasses. You know, especially on Sundays I have a news source Hard Fork (podcast). The world of VR and AR glasses is developing rapidly – but they haven’t made the breakthrough yet. With the new models from Snap and Meta, innovations are on the horizon that promise smaller, smarter devices that are more suitable for everyday use than before. While Snap is focusing on entertaining AR experiences with its Spectacles, Meta is presenting a futuristic vision with the Orion prototype, which is particularly impressive in terms of technology.
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 successfully 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.”
https://socialmediaagency.one/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vr-ar-meta-snap-brille-orion-speculates-test-review-preis.jpg6191200S_kinski/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/social-media-one-logo-tiktok-instagram-youtube-facebook-marketing.svgS_kinski2024-09-29 09:57:592024-10-01 15:30:45VR & AR glasses from Snap & Meta: “Orion”, “Spectacles”, … – The next big thing?
4.9 / 5.0