Apple has a key advantage over Meta in augmented reality
As Apple prepares to release a mixed-reality device, Meta's lead in the virtual reality market will collapse quickly unless it can build an ecosystem.
Ray-Ban Stories from Meta
In 2021, Meta partnered with Ray-Ban to release a set of smart glasses called Ray-Ban Stories. They can capture photos, playback audio, take phone calls, and perform other basic tasks.
Meta ran into some problems when developing the glasses, according to a recent report from The Information. Before the product launched, the team had spent months trying to make them work better with the iPhone.
They wanted photos taken by the glasses to automatically download to a user's iPhone without needing them to open Meta's app. But the automatic download wouldn't work when the iPhone was inactive.
Unlike Google and Apple, which are rumored to launch AR products, Meta doesn't manufacture a smartphone. Initially, an AR headset may need to pair with a smartphone to perform complex computations.
Sources say Meta has been trying to build devices that could pair with AR glasses, such as a smartphone-shaped device that could control the glasses or give them computing power. But the downside is requiring people to carry an extra device in their pocket in addition to the smartphone that they likely already have.
Meta also tried -- unsuccessfully -- to create a smartwatch that could pair with its AR glasses. But the team has faced problems with design and power and has scrapped three unreleased smartwatches.
Apple produces iPhones and Apple Watches that could pair with its rumored AR glasses, giving the company a considerable advantage over Meta, at least until, or unless, Meta can create glasses that have enough computing power to work without a smartphone or smartwatch.
Apple also creates operating systems that work on its devices, and is building a new one for its AR headset. Meta is also lacking in this area, abandoning a project to create a custom operating system in 2021. It also has to rely on other companies for chips to power its headset.
As more companies enter the AR and VR spaces, Meta will need to solve these problems if it wants to stay in the lead and produce a headset that people can comfortably wear for hours at a time instead of a bulky product.
Read on AppleInsider
Ray-Ban Stories from Meta
In 2021, Meta partnered with Ray-Ban to release a set of smart glasses called Ray-Ban Stories. They can capture photos, playback audio, take phone calls, and perform other basic tasks.
Meta ran into some problems when developing the glasses, according to a recent report from The Information. Before the product launched, the team had spent months trying to make them work better with the iPhone.
They wanted photos taken by the glasses to automatically download to a user's iPhone without needing them to open Meta's app. But the automatic download wouldn't work when the iPhone was inactive.
Unlike Google and Apple, which are rumored to launch AR products, Meta doesn't manufacture a smartphone. Initially, an AR headset may need to pair with a smartphone to perform complex computations.
Sources say Meta has been trying to build devices that could pair with AR glasses, such as a smartphone-shaped device that could control the glasses or give them computing power. But the downside is requiring people to carry an extra device in their pocket in addition to the smartphone that they likely already have.
Meta also tried -- unsuccessfully -- to create a smartwatch that could pair with its AR glasses. But the team has faced problems with design and power and has scrapped three unreleased smartwatches.
Apple produces iPhones and Apple Watches that could pair with its rumored AR glasses, giving the company a considerable advantage over Meta, at least until, or unless, Meta can create glasses that have enough computing power to work without a smartphone or smartwatch.
Apple also creates operating systems that work on its devices, and is building a new one for its AR headset. Meta is also lacking in this area, abandoning a project to create a custom operating system in 2021. It also has to rely on other companies for chips to power its headset.
As more companies enter the AR and VR spaces, Meta will need to solve these problems if it wants to stay in the lead and produce a headset that people can comfortably wear for hours at a time instead of a bulky product.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
Meta would only need to use for example IoT/FTTR/5G to begin resolving the issues that hinder a good XR experience (size, weight, battery etc). I really like the idea of ceiling mounted, simultaneous laser charging for use in the home which is one particular wireless charging option that might not be too far off.
At some point, things should be able to converge back 'on-device' once technology makes it feasible.
Pricing is going to be the biggest hurdle for everyone, Apple included but content is also key and that requires partners. Not really a problem for anyone as long as open standards are used.
Rumours point to an expensive niche product from Apple, well away from where Meta is swimming right now.
I am cautiously optimistic that Apple will come up with something, but I feel like you would almost need an Apple watch or a similar device to interface with the UI, unless you want to be constantly reaching up to your temples or pulling out your iPhone.
If it is a virtual world like in Ready Player One, and VR scifi before it, where it is a realtime group activity, it is a fail imo. All this 3D goggle stuff requires work, and people to talk, and do physical stuff. And it seems to be the equivalent of a "group chat". A keyboard and display requires 100x less work, is more efficient for users (reading and typing are easier the hearing and speaking), you can go back and forth in your timeline etc.
I really did hope Apple's glasses would just be another display for an iPhone. AR, not VR. Just a status display for glancible information from your phone or other computer. UI interactions eventually comes when LiDAR gets cheap enough. Eventually a high-DPI quality virtual display that sits next to your computer display or phone display. It would just hang right next to the iPhone as if it was attached to it, or perhaps placed anywhere at will be the user. Still seems at least 5 years away.
The real question is what will AR do for humanity that breaks through our inherent physical or cognitive limitations? It’s totally okay if the first attempts at useful and productive AR are very small steps. We have to start somewhere. Well, somewhere other than layering on just another medium for advertising and social discord. If that’s what Meta is trying to sell us, it deserves to fail in most spectacular fashion.