Meta reveals an array of AI integrations across its platforms, including the Generative Emu model and advanced smart glasses.
The annual Meta Connect conference Previously called Oculus Connect, this year's Meta Connect expanded its focus to include a variety of technological fields. While the earlier event was mainly about virtual reality, Meta Connect now covers a broader landscape of innovations. Let’s take a look at some standout moments from the initial presentations at this tech-oriented event.
Meta Connect Unveils Quest 3 Headset
Among the highly awaited highlights was the introduction of the Quest 3 headset, launching on October 10th. With a retail price of $500 for the 128GB version and $650 for 256GB, purchasers will enjoy a complimentary six-month subscription to an extensive library of immersive gaming experiences.
The Quest 3 pushes the boundaries of mixed reality, effectively merging our physical and digital environments. It's similar to the recent showcases from Apple, but with a couple of key advantages. Firstly, there's no cumbersome battery cable connecting you to your surroundings. Secondly, and perhaps more thrilling, is the ability for users to integrate virtual objects seamlessly into their real-world environments, allowing these digital entities to remain in place indefinitely. Excitingly, some virtual creations serve as interactive shortcuts, activating relevant applications when touched.
The Quest 3 is gearing up to be a game-changer in the VR landscape – a genuine successor to the previous Quest 2. It signifies a notable progress in the journey of virtual and augmented reality. In recent years, the industry has seen a remarkable surge in innovation, thanks to the rise of collaborative platforms that make VR and AR development faster, more affordable, and more accessible. With next-gen devices like the Quest 3 hitting the stores, we're on the brink of wider adoption of VR tech. In a few years, the Quest 3’s debut might be regarded as a pivotal milestone that reshapes how we engage with virtual reality.
Inga Petryaevskaya, CEO and Founder of ShapesXR.
Meta has significantly enhanced the performance capabilities of the Quest 3. Equipped with a processor that is twice as powerful, it significantly elevates graphics and tracking excellence. Every single part has been precisely optimized to offer users an utterly immersive experience.
At a price of $499, the Quest 3 offers an extraordinary amount of value. The headset is sleeker and more comfortable than its predecessor, the Quest 2, and boasts a super realistic passthrough feature, making it perfect for extended use. Compared to the Quest 2, this passthrough experience is next-level—it’s in color and incredibly lifelike. Those upgrading from the Quest 2 will be truly astonished by this leap in technology. Meanwhile, existing Quest Pro users may not experience as dramatic a shift but will still appreciate the excellent price-to-performance ratio.
Inga Petryaevskaya, CEO and Founder of ShapesXR.
However, one significant feature is missing: eye-tracking capabilities. Without this technology, some rendering enhancements may not be fully realized. Still, this setback doesn't diminish the substantial progress achieved with the Quest 3.
In an effort to enhance user-friendliness, Meta’s engineers have worked diligently to reduce the overall size of the Quest 3. The headset is now roughly 40% slimmer, making it a more comfortable fit for anyone, whether they're experienced VR users or just starting out.
Meta is rolling out new AI-powered services including the cutting-edge Ray-Ban smart glasses.
During a recent presentation, Mark Zuckerberg shared insights into Meta’s latest ventures in AI, encompassing everything from generative models to innovative smart eyewear. Let’s take a closer look at these groundbreaking advancements.
1. The Generative Emu Model
The spotlight shines on Meta’s Generative Emu model, which showcases its ability to create high-resolution imagery. This remarkable model has been smoothly integrated into several Meta services to elevate user engagement.
WhatsApp users can utilize the Emu model to create their own stickers, able to request up to four in a single go. The process to generate these images takes only five seconds, highlighting both speed and efficiency.
What capabilities does Meta AI offer? If you’re familiar with other chatbots powered by neural networks, you can envision what Meta AI can achieve. Moreover, teaming up with Microsoft’s Bing, Meta AI can answer questions that typical chatbots may struggle with due to lack of internet access. Meta AI can also produce images using industrial datasets, similar to what others do. Best of all, this will be offered at no cost. Additionally, Meta is launching AI Studio, empowering companies to develop their own chatbots, like those for tech support or e-commerce. Midjourney or DALL-E Instagram users can soon employ filters generated from text prompts. Picture this: requesting a filter that transforms your hair into spaghetti – that’s made possible through the Emu model. An accompanying gif vividly illustrates this capability.
Instead of searching for the perfect sticker or emoji, users can now simply describe what they want and effortlessly generate multiple tailored options! This feature will be available on Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp.
2. Meta AI for Engaging Conversations
Meta AI introduces a versatile WhatsApp bot that elevates chat interactions to unprecedented levels. This multi-functional bot can hold conversations across a wide array of topics and incorporates Bing search features to provide users with reliable information.
One particularly intriguing aspect is the bot’s integration with the Emu generative model, allowing users to add a creative flair to their dialogues. Whether resolving disputes or adding a whimsical touch to chats, this Meta AI bot excels.
Meta aims to roll out personalized AI systems tailored for various functions and characters. One AI can assist with cooking tasks, essentially acting as a virtual chef, while another focuses on fitness advice among other utilities.
3. Personalized Meta AIs
What's truly revolutionary is that developers will have the chance to craft their own AIs. This prospect opens up possibilities for unique AI ventures, especially within business accounts. Such AIs can manage orders and engage with customer feedback, significantly enhancing service and support.
Meta’s avatars are undergoing transformation and will soon gain vocal capabilities. Within months, these avatars will be able to communicate audibly and can seamlessly integrate into the metaverse, thus transforming digital environments by mimicking real individuals. The potential this holds is extensive, marking an exciting fusion of the real and virtual realms.
4. Avatars and Voice Integration
Meta’s next-generation Ray-Ban glasses feature integrated cameras, reminiscent of the earlier Google Glass project. However, Meta has advanced this idea by incorporating an AI assistant within the eyewear. Users can communicate with the AI via voice commands, fostering a truly hands-free experience.
5. Next-Generation RayBan Glasses
The AI assistant in these glasses will soon be able to share the user's audio perspective and interpret video feeds from the device's cameras. This innovative development brings us closer to capabilities seen in the latest ChatGPT update, greatly expanding the functionality of smart glasses across various applications.
Meta's Horizon Worlds platform in the Metaverse now introduces 'Quests' to boost user engagement.
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In line with the Trust Project guidelines Damir is the lead of the team, acting as product manager and editor at Metaverse Post, covering areas such as AI/ML, AGI, LLMs, and Web3 topics. His writings attract a massive readership of over a million users monthly. Damir is recognized as an authority with a decade of experience in SEO and digital marketing, and his works have been featured in prominent platforms like Mashable, Wired, Cointelegraph, The New Yorker, Inside.com, Entrepreneur, BeInCrypto, and more. As a digital nomad, he travels among the UAE, Turkey, Russia, and CIS countries. With a bachelor’s degree in physics, he attributes his critical thinking skills to his success in navigating the continuously evolving digital landscape.
