Latest news with #AriaGen2
Hindustan Times
14 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Meta AI's experimental smart glasses: Advanced sensors let them see, hear, and even sense how you feel
What if your next smart glasses could track your movement, gaze, and even health variables like your heart rate to assess what's happening in your surroundings and how you're reacting to it? Yeah, that sounds like a stretch right now, but if Meta's ambitions come to fruition, its Project Aria Gen 2 devices could take eyewear computing to a truly new dimension. We must note that the Aria Gen 2 glasses are currently reserved for select researchers, and the less advanced Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses came out only recently. Unlike them, the Aria Gen 2 would be loaded with an advanced suite of sensors and cameras to collect real-world data. At the heart of the Aria Gen 2 are multiple computer vision cameras capable of capturing an 80-degree view, measuring depth and distance with remarkable accuracy. They also feature sophisticated eye-tracking, hand movement detection, and even a pulse sensor in the nose pad, all working together to interpret users' actions, focus, and emotional responses. This sensory fusion allows researchers to teach machines to observe, understand, and interact with the world in ways that mimic human perception. But that's not all. Meta's vision extends far beyond today's wearable gadgets. The company sees these research tools as a foundation for future devices that could blur the line between human and machine interaction. While the Aria Gen 2 isn't available for purchase (well, because it's still not a fully finished product) and access is limited to approved applicants, the insights gained could soon shape the next generation of smart glasses for everyone. What's Meta's goal with Project Meta's Project Aria Gen 2? A future where AI and augmented reality work seamlessly together - not just to deliver notifications, but to help machines learn from our real-world experiences. Imagine your glasses recognising when you're searching for a misplaced wallet and alerting you - or even guiding a smart assistant to help you find it. Although we're not there yet, Meta's research suggests it's only a matter of time before these innovations reach the mainstream. It's unclear if the Aria Gen 2 will ever be available to the public, but it's possible that some iteration of it would see the light of day in the near-future. Such products are essentially laying the groundwork for innovations that have the potential to change how we live, work, and connect. Swapping out your smartphone for smart glasses is not a far-fetched idea, but for now, we've got to keep using these brick smartphones.
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Meta Aria Gen 2 glasses for research hint at what's next for its wearables
Meta has unveiled its second-generation prototype smart glasses for research, named 'Aria Gen 2.' The company said that the glasses are designed as a research platform for augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics. Meta has clarified that Aria Gen 2 is not intended for consumer release, but rather as a tool for researchers and developers. However, the new prototype offers a glimpse into the direction Meta might take with future consumer-facing smart glasses. Currently, Meta offers its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to consumers, featuring built-in cameras, microphones, and integration with the Meta AI assistant. Meta Aria Gen 2 glasses: Details Meta describes Aria Gen 2 as a wearable device that 'combines the latest advancements in computer vision, machine learning, and sensor technology.' The company said that its lightweight and compact design makes it suitable for researchers working across various environments to collect data or prototype new experiences. One of the key upgrades in Aria Gen 2 is its full eye-tracking system, capable of monitoring gaze per eye, vergence point, blink detection, pupil centre and diameter, corneal centre, and more. It also includes a hand-tracking system that captures hand motion in 3D space, producing articulated joint poses. Meta says this can be used in tasks such as training robotic hands. Another highlight is the system's ability to track movement in six degrees of freedom (6DOF) using Visual Inertial Odometry (VIO). This enables accurate spatial awareness and mapping of the surrounding environment. Additionally, Aria Gen 2 includes a PPG heart rate sensor and a contact microphone, both embedded in the nosepad. According to Meta, this placement improves their functionality—for instance, the contact microphone enhances voice reception in noisy environments. Key hardware features of Aria Gen 2 include: 12MP RGB camera 4x CV (Computer Vision) cameras Eye tracking cameras 7x spatial microphones Contact microphone Stereo speakers USB-C port Privacy switch Ambient light sensor PPG heart rate sensor Barometer Accelerometer and gyroscope Meta Aria Gen 2 glasses: Availability Meta will begin accepting applications to work with Aria Gen 2 later this year. Researchers can join the Aria Gen 2 interest list through Meta's website. Meanwhile, applications for the Aria Research Kit using Gen 1 glasses remain open on a rolling basis. The company will also showcase the Aria Gen 2 glasses at the upcoming Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition Conference (CVPR) 2025, through a series of interactive demos. Meta smart glasses: What is next While Aria Gen 2 is focused on AI and robotics research, it differs from Meta's previous prototype augmented reality glasses known as 'Orion,' which were geared toward holographic projection and immersive AR experiences. The next generation of Meta smart glasses may borrow elements from both Aria and Orion. In addition, Meta is reportedly collaborating with Oakley, a brand under EssilorLuxottica (also the parent of Ray-Ban), to develop smart glasses tailored for athletes. The company continues to offer Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses as its primary consumer product in the wearables category. Meta's head start in the smart glasses race is now facing new competition. At Google I/O last month, Google previewed its Android XR-powered smart glasses, showcasing features like messaging, navigation, and real-time translation using built-in lens displays. Apple is also believed to be working on its own pair of smart glasses to compete with Meta, with a launch expected by the end of next year.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Meta Provides More Insight into Latest Model AR Glasses
This story was originally published on Social Media Today. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Social Media Today newsletter. Meta has provided some more insight into its coming AR glasses, including detailed notes on its latest model, as it works towards the eventual retail launch of its AR device. Meta previewed its second-generation 'Aria' glasses earlier this year, with an overview of the advancing tech elements that'll be integrated into the device. And now, it's shared more insight into the specifics, and how it's looking to ensure its AR glasses are lightweight, fashionable and affordable when launched. As you can see in this overview, Meta's AR glasses continue to evolve, with more advanced elements being packed into the device, in order to facilitate practical, valuable AR experiences. Though practical utility remains the core focus. As explained by Meta: 'Aria Gen 2 boasts superior wearability, characterized by enhanced comfort and fit, while accommodating a wider range of face morphologies and a rich sensor suite for research. The glasses maintain a lightweight design (weighing in at 74 - 76g, depending on size) and now include folding arms for easier storage and transport for everyday use. To ensure each wearer has an optimal physical and functional fit, we've introduced eight size variations of the device, accounting for a number of human factors including head breadth and nose bridge variation.' Yes, folding arms is actually an advance at this stage, because of the complexity of the systems being built into the device. Meta says that Aria Version 2 has improved camera sensors, so that it can operate in variable light conditions, as well as an expanded field of view over the initial Aria model. Aria Gen 2 also includes a contact microphone embedded in the nosepad of the device, which enhances audio capture in noisy environments, while it also includes eye and hand tracking elements to enhance response. It's interesting to see how Meta's AR device is evolving, which it considers to be the future of digital interactions. Indeed, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said that functional connected glasses are a 'holy grail' device, which will one day replace smartphones as our key interactive system. So while it's become pretty normal to see people seemingly talking to themselves as they use their phones in hands-free mode in public, the next stage may see people randomly waving their hands around before their faces and poking at the air, as they interact with systems that only they can see. Which will be weird, but will normalize quickly, and given the capacity for these devices to provide all new, immersive experiences, I can see why Zuck sees this as the next logical evolution of connectivity. Meta says that it will open up applications from external developers who want to work with Aria Gen 2 later this year, which is the next step towards a planned consumer launch in 2027. You can read more about Meta's Aria Generation 2 device here. Sign in to access your portfolio
The Verge
2 days ago
- Business
- The Verge
Here's what's inside Meta's experimental new smart glasses
Meta has revealed more information about Aria Gen 2, its experimental smart glasses designed to serve as a test platform for research about augmented reality, AI, and robotics. The glasses pack several improvements into their lightweight frame that could one day translate into consumer products, including an improved eye-tracking system that can track gaze per eye, detect blinks, and estimate the center of pupils. 'These advanced signals enable a deeper understanding of the wearer's visual attention and intentions, unlocking new possibilities for human-computer interaction,' Meta writes. Meta initially announced Aria Gen 2 in February, saying they will 'pave the way for future innovations that will shape the next computing platform.' They build upon Meta's first iteration of the glasses in 2020, which were similarly available for researchers only. Along with an improved eye-tracking system, Aria Gen 2 comes with four computer vision cameras that Meta says enable 3D hand and object tracking. Meta says researchers can use this information to enable highly precise tasks like 'dexterous robot hand manipulation.' The glasses also have a photoplethysmography sensor built into the nosepad, which allows the device to estimate a wearer's heart rate, along with a contact microphone that Meta says provides better audio in loud environments. There's a new ambient light sensor as well, allowing the glasses to differentiate between indoor and outdoor lighting. The Aria Gen 2 glasses include folding arms for the first time, weigh around 75 grams, and come in eight different sizes. Meta plans on opening applications for researchers to work with Aria Gen 2 later this year. The initiative builds on the successful development of Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, a form factor it aims to expand with its Orion augmented-reality glasses, a rumored partnership with Oakley, and a high-end pair of 'Hypernova' glasses with a built-in screen.
The Verge
2 days ago
- Business
- The Verge
Here's what's inside Meta's experimental new AR glasses
Meta has revealed more information about Aria Gen 2, its experimental smart glasses designed to serve as a test platform for research about augmented reality, AI, and robotics. The glasses pack several improvements into their lightweight frame that could one day translate into consumer products, including an improved eye-tracking system that can track gaze per eye, detect blinks, and estimate the center of pupils. 'These advanced signals enable a deeper understanding of the wearer's visual attention and intentions, unlocking new possibilities for human-computer interaction,' Meta writes. Meta initially announced Aria Gen 2 in February, saying they will 'pave the way for future innovations that will shape the next computing platform.' They build upon Meta's first iteration of the glasses in 2020, which were similarly available for researchers only. Along with an improved eye-tracking system, Aria Gen 2 comes with four computer vision cameras that Meta says enable 3D hand and object tracking. Meta says researchers can use this information to enable highly precise tasks like 'dexterous robot hand manipulation.' The glasses also have a photoplethysmography sensor built into the nosepad, which allows the device to estimate a wearer's heart rate, along with a contact microphone that Meta says provides better audio in loud environments. There's a new ambient light sensor as well, allowing the glasses to differentiate between indoor and outdoor lighting. The Aria Gen 2 glasses include folding arms for the first time, weigh around 75 grams, and come in eight different sizes. Meta plans on opening applications for researchers to work with Aria Gen 2 later this year. The initiative builds on the successful development of Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, a form factor it aims to expand with its Orion augmented-reality glasses, a rumored partnership with Oakley, and a high-end pair of 'Hypernova' glasses with a built-in screen.
