Meta announced a prototype version of Orion, its first-ever AR glasses. The company is also working on a "neural interface" to control the glasses.

Orion uses MicroLED projectors inside the frame to beam graphics onto silicon carbide lenses, creating a heads-up display. Key features include a 70-degree field of view (FOV), seven embedded cameras for various tracking functions, and the ability to interact with AI and holograms.

The glasses work with a wireless compute puck and a neural wristband that interprets hand gestures using electromyography. Meta’s 2019 acquisition of brain-computer interface (BCI) company CTRL-labs likely bolsters the "neural interface" capabilities. 

Meta claims Orion represents a significant step forward in AR technology, offering a larger FOV in a smaller form factor than competitors. The company sees potential applications in communication, AI interaction, and as a replacement for smartphones. However, due to high production costs and technical challenges, Meta has postponed Orion's consumer release, focusing instead on refining the technology for future iterations.

Analyst QuickTake: The prototype version of the Orion AR glasses is noticeably smaller than Snap’s recently announced Spectacles 5 and seeks to add BCI functionality for ease of use. However, the device is rumored to not be released until 2027 or later, with Meta abandoning custom chip development for the glasses in light of cost concerns.