Mark Zuckerberg is ‘almost ready’ to reveal a prototype that left early testers ‘giddy’

The company will likely demonstrate its first version of “true” AR glasses, a project internally referred to as Orion, in the fall during Meta’s annual Connect conference, Business Insider’s Kali Hays previously reported.

The glasses aren’t expected to be available to purchase for quite some time, but showing off the advanced technology could generate hype around Meta’s ongoing investment in the space.

“We’re focused on building the full consumer version of it rather than selling the prototype,” Zuckerberg said.

He revealed that the prototype is “not the most stylish,” with likely thicker frames to accommodate the AR technology. However, he assured consumers that it is “unmistakably glasses” and not a headset, like Meta’s Quest or Apple’s new Vision Pro.

Meta’s CTO Andrew Bosworth, and head of its Reality Labs division, said last year that the upcoming AR glasses might be “the most advanced piece of technology on the planet in its domain.”

Zuckerberg said that since the demand for the Meta Ray-Bans — which include cameras and integrated AI but no displays — exceeded expectations, the company has been focusing on integrating as much AR technology while maintaining the best form factor for modern glasses.

“I would have thought previously that we needed the full holograms for presence,” he said “But AI has made such big leaps that I think […] even something that’s a simpler product will have more appeal sooner.”

Meta has poured billions into its Reality Labs division over the years, which is responsible for its efforts in building advanced products, including its VR and AR wearables and the metaverse software underlying them.

However, Zuckerberg has cautioned that it will take years to start showing meaningful returns.