I tried Orion, Mark Zuckerberg's $10k face computer
Sep 25, 2024
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Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta and a titan in the tech world, discusses his innovative smart glasses, Orion—a game changer in augmented reality. He shares insights on the engineering hurdles in making the $10,000 device mainstream. The conversation dives into why Zuckerberg is reshaping his public persona and distancing himself from politics. Additionally, the challenges of media perceptions and the competitive dynamics of AR technology are explored, highlighting the future of wearable devices and the necessity for strong applications to attract consumers.
Meta's Orion represents a significant advancement in augmented reality with features like a heads-up display and gesture controls, despite its current high price and unavailability for purchase.
Mark Zuckerberg is rebranding Meta by distancing the company from past political controversies and focusing on technological innovation to reclaim its place in the competitive landscape of hardware development.
Deep dives
AI Pilots Need Strategic Integration
Deploying numerous AI pilots may not lead to successful business outcomes if they remain isolated within silos. Instead of spreading resources thin across countless projects, companies are encouraged to adopt a holistic strategy that focuses on scaling AI solutions effectively throughout their operations. A comprehensive approach ensures that AI technologies are not only implemented but also optimized for maximum impact and efficiency. By harnessing the expertise of a dedicated consulting firm, businesses can avoid the pitfalls of scattered implementations.
Orion: The Future of Computing in Glasses
Meta has introduced Orion, a pair of smart glasses designed to integrate digital interactions into the real world, though they are not currently available for purchase. These glasses boast capabilities like a heads-up display for notifications, video chats, and other interactive features that can be manipulated using eye movements and gestures. Despite their current hefty price tag of around $10,000, Meta believes that they represent a pivotal step towards merging augmented reality with everyday life. The glasses aim to provide a user-friendly, immersive experience, offering a glimpse of the future where technology feels less intrusive and more integrated.
The Competitive Landscape of AR Technology
Tech giants, including Meta, Apple, and Snap, are heavily investing in augmented reality (AR) with the belief that successful AR devices will revolutionize personal computing and replace traditional smartphones. While trying to establish a foothold in this market, companies find themselves in a race to innovate and not miss out on the transformative potential of AR. Zuckerberg sees this as an opportunity for Meta to reclaim control of its hardware destiny after years of dependence on Apple and Google’s ecosystems. The objective is not only to create a compelling product but to position Meta as a significant player in the next wave of computing technology.
Mark Zuckerberg's Shift in Corporate Strategy
Mark Zuckerberg has undergone a perceptible transformation in his approach to leadership and public perception, shedding past political engagement and focusing more on innovation. He aims to present a nonpartisan image, distancing Meta from political controversies that have dominated headlines in previous years. This change reflects a broader strategy to foster a responsible corporate environment while emphasizing Meta's role as a technology innovator. Zuckerberg's intent to move away from past mistakes signifies a desire for renewal and stability, allowing the company to pursue its vision without the shadows of past controversies.
Mark Zuckerberg, along with most of the men running big tech companies, has spent many years and tons of money trying to put a computer on your face. Now it looks like he’s getting very close to making it a reality: He’s just debuted Orion, a pair of bulky — but not too bulky — glasses that are also a computer. You can’t buy these things yet - they cost Meta a ton to make — but Meta thinks you’ll buy something like it in the not-too-distance future.
The crucial caveat here is that we don’t know if this actually true. And it’s possible we never find out - there could be engineering challenges that mean Meta can never get this thing into mass production. But Zuckerberg certainly seems confident.
I got to try Orion briefly, so I want to share some of my impressions at the top of this episde. Then I talk to the Verge’s Alex Heath, who is both a face computer expert and a Mark Zuckerberg expert, and got to use Orion and talk to Zuckerberg at the same time. We talk about why Zuckerberg is building these things, why he’s showing them off — and why Zuckerberg is spending a lot of time telling everyone that his is a new Zuckerberg, and that he’s done with politics and done apologizing.