At the Connect developer conference of Meta, CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced several new AI products for consumers. These include smart glasses capable of answering questions and streaming content directly on Facebook, as well as bots that can generate photo-realistic images and an updated virtual-reality headset.
Zuckerberg emphasized Meta’s focus on building the future of human connection, envisioning a near future where people interact with holographic versions of friends or coworkers and AI bots designed to assist them. He highlighted the integration of virtual and real worlds, emphasizing the provision of low-cost or free AI that can become part of people’s daily routines.
Meta unveiled the next version of its virtual-reality headset, the Quest 3, priced at $499 and set to begin shipping on October 10. An AI personal assistant that interacts with users through Meta’s messaging apps was also introduced, along with various AI characters, such as “Max the sous chef” and “Lily, a personal editor and writing partner.”
Additionally, Meta introduced the next version of its Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses, capable of recording videos, taking photos, livestreaming, listening to music, and interacting with the Meta AI assistant. These smart glasses will be available starting October 17 at a price of $299.
Meta is undergoing a corporate transformation with the goal of becoming a dominant player in the emerging virtual-reality world known as the metaverse. However, this transformation has been slower than anticipated, and Meta’s primary business remains advertising on its social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram. Competition from platforms like TikTok remains a significant challenge.
AI is central to Meta’s vision
To support its long-term vision, Meta is focusing on technical hires, particularly experts in AI. Artificial intelligence plays a central role in Meta’s vision, with recent releases of AI language models and an AI image generator named Emu.
Overall, Meta’s goal is to create a seamless integration of virtual and real experiences, and AI technologies are at the forefront of achieving this vision.
