Meta Connect 2024 dates announced

Image: Meta

Mark Zuckerberg announced Meta Connect 2024—a two-day event on September 25-26—via Instagram story. The focus, according to Meta's social media channels, will be on "exploring the future of AI and mixed reality, and sharing progress on building the metaverse."

While details are scarce, Meta's emphasis on AI before mixed reality (XR) seems strategic. Following Google's two-hour AI showcase at I/O 2024, Meta might follow suit, highlighting advancements in its Meta AI and Llama 3 models. This might not excite those solely interested in XR hardware.

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Meta opens up Horizon OS, aims to be the Android of VR

Image: Mark Zuckerberg

Meta is making a big shift in virtual reality by licensing its operating system, Horizon OS, to other hardware makers. This follows the trend of Meta becoming a more open platform, unlike Apple's closed approach.

Previously exclusive to Meta's Quest headsets, Horizon OS will now power VR devices from companies like Lenovo, ASUS, and even a limited-edition Xbox Quest. This opens the door for more variety in VR hardware, catering to different needs and budgets. Imagine a work-focused headset that connects to your PC or a high-resolution entertainment headset—the possibilities become much broader.

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Meta Quest 3 lets you use the headset while lying down

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Exciting updates are rolling out for Meta Quest. Livestreamers can rejoice—broadcasts will now continue uninterrupted even when you take the headset off. This means smoother transitions and a more professional stream.

For Quest 3 owners, the update brings even more. You can now leverage the power of an external microphone via the USB-C port for crystal-clear voice chat and content creation. Additionally, the passthrough mixed reality feature receives a resolution and image quality boost, making the blend between the virtual and real worlds even more seamless.

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Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses get smarter with multimodal AI

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Get ready for a boost in brainpower for your shades! According to a recent New York Times report, Meta is bringing advanced AI features to its Ray-Ban Smart Glasses starting next month.

This multimodal AI can do some impressive tricks: translating languages on the fly and identifying objects, animals, and even famous landmarks. The feature has been in testing since last December through an early access program.

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