Meta’s annual Connect developers conference, set for September 25-26, 2024, will showcase the company’s latest developments in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI). The event promises hardware announcements and updates on Meta’s AI capabilities as anticipation builds.
The Connect keynote, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, will be live-streamed on the Meta for Developers Facebook page at 11 PM Bangladesh time on September 25. A Developer Keynote will follow at midnight Bangladesh time on September 26. Additionally, Meta’s Quest headset users can experience the event in virtual reality via Horizon Worlds.
Key Expectations for Meta Connect 2024:
1. VR and AR Hardware
A major reveal anticipated at the event is a new, more affordable version of the Meta Quest 3. According to The Verge, this headset, rumored to be called the Quest 3S, could be priced as low as $299.99. It would follow in the footsteps of Meta’s Quest 3, offering a more accessible entry point to the company’s VR lineup.
Additionally, Meta may hint at future VR releases, including the Quest 4, which are expected to launch in 2026. Speculation also surrounds Meta’s high-end ‘La Jolla’ headset, although it could face delays due to market challenges experienced by competitors like Apple’s Vision Pro.
2. Ray-Ban Smart Glasses
An update to Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses is also on the horizon. While these glasses currently lack full AR capabilities, improvements in design and integration with Meta’s AI assistant are expected. Enhanced chatbot functions could make the smart glasses more useful in day-to-day activities, offering better connectivity and features.
3. AI and Developer Tools
Meta is set to spotlight its advancements in AI during the conference. This will likely include updates to its Llama large language model and new generative AI tools within apps like WhatsApp. Additionally, Meta could unveil resources to aid developers in creating AI-powered AR experiences, aligning with the company’s broader metaverse strategy.
The conference may also introduce AI-driven solutions for weather forecasting, disaster management, and sustainability, though these innovations remain speculative at this stage.
4. Mixed Reality Glasses
Another potential highlight is Meta’s mixed reality glasses, codenamed Orion. While details are limited, these AR glasses are expected to push the boundaries of AR technology, possibly offering a glimpse into Meta’s long-term vision for mixed reality.
