Mark Zuckerberg envisions a future where augmented reality (AR) glasses, specifically Meta's Orion, will replace smartphones as the primary computing device. During an interview at Meta Connect, he discussed the long development journey of Orion, which has been in the works for nearly a decade. Initially intended as a consumer product, the glasses have evolved into a sophisticated demo due to production costs and technical challenges. Zuckerberg expressed confidence that AR glasses represent the next major platform shift, akin to the transition from desktop to mobile. The partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the eyewear conglomerate behind Ray-Ban, is pivotal for Meta's strategy. Zuckerberg believes that this collaboration could replicate the success Samsung had in the smartphone market, positioning Meta to tap into a potentially massive market for smart glasses. The current iteration of Ray-Ban smart glasses has seen early success, indicating a consumer appetite for stylish, functional eyewear that integrates technology without overwhelming users. Zuckerberg's demeanor during the interview reflected a newfound confidence and a willingness to engage in self-reflection regarding Meta's past controversies, including its role in political discourse and social media's impact on mental health. He acknowledged the challenges of navigating public perception and emphasized a desire for Meta to adopt a nonpartisan stance moving forward. The conversation also touched on the integration of AI into the glasses, enhancing their functionality and user experience. Zuckerberg believes that as AI capabilities grow, users will increasingly rely on glasses for tasks traditionally performed on smartphones, leading to a gradual shift in how people interact with technology. Zuckerberg's insights suggest that while smartphones will not disappear immediately, AR glasses will become more integral to daily life, allowing users to engage with digital content in a more immersive and seamless manner. He anticipates that as technology advances, the glasses will evolve to meet consumer needs, ultimately reshaping the landscape of personal computing.

In a recent interview with Ben Thompson on Stratechery, Meta's Chief Technical Officer Andrew Bosworth discussed the company's advancements in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), particularly focusing on the Orion AR glasses and the broader implications for Meta Reality Labs. Bosworth, who has been with Meta since its early days, shared insights into his journey within the company, the development of key products, and the competitive landscape with companies like Apple. Bosworth praised the recent Meta Connect 2024 keynote, highlighting CEO Mark Zuckerberg's engaging presentation style and the impressive demonstrations of new technologies. He specifically noted the Orion AR glasses, which, despite not being a consumer product yet, showcased remarkable capabilities. The glasses, which reportedly cost around $10,000 each, were described as comfortable and transformative, offering a field of view that made the experience feel more immersive than other devices on the market, including Apple's Vision Pro. Bosworth emphasized that the Orion glasses could potentially replace smartphones, marking a significant shift in how users interact with technology. The interview delved into the technical aspects of Orion, explaining that it operates with a separate computing unit, referred to as a "puck," which connects wirelessly to the glasses. Bosworth acknowledged challenges in user input methods but expressed optimism about the device's potential. He also discussed the competitive dynamics between Meta and Apple, noting that while Meta has a larger developer ecosystem, Apple excels in manufacturing and could pose a significant challenge in scaling production. Reflecting on his career, Bosworth recounted his early experiences in technology, including his time at Harvard where he taught Zuckerberg. He shared anecdotes about the development of Facebook's News Feed and the controversies surrounding it, illustrating how user feedback shaped the platform's evolution. Bosworth also addressed the internal discussions at Meta regarding the direction of Reality Labs, emphasizing the importance of focusing on user experience and the need for a clear vision in product development. The conversation touched on the bifurcation between AR and VR, with Bosworth explaining how AI is becoming a crucial component in enhancing user experiences across both domains. He highlighted the potential for AI to revolutionize content creation and user interaction, particularly in Horizon Worlds, Meta's virtual environment. Bosworth also discussed the partnership with Ray-Ban, which has helped to create stylish and wearable AR glasses, emphasizing the importance of aesthetics in technology adoption. He expressed confidence in Meta's position in the market, viewing competition with Apple as a healthy dynamic that could drive innovation and investment in the AR/VR space. In conclusion, Bosworth conveyed a sense of pride in the advancements made at Meta, particularly with Orion, and expressed optimism about the future of AR and VR technologies. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained committed to delivering innovative products that could redefine user interaction with technology.