Meta’s theoretical game-changing AR glasses remain a theory, but things could change next year. Word on the street is that the company plans to ship only a thousand pairs of its AR glasses. There are only a handful of select early testers that will receive these prototype Meta AR glasses.
As per a new report from The Information, Meta is taking a similar approach to Snap Inc. It makes more sense to build a smaller initial test batch for easier variable control and quality assessment. Early testers are a combination of select Meta partners and creators who will receive a pair for experiments.
The Spectacle of Specs
Given how Snapchat lost millions during the production of its first-edition Spectacles AR glasses, a smaller test pool is safer. At the same time, that also gives Meta some early samples of the user experience to showcase to potential buyers. Meta AR glasses are set for a full commercial release in 2027.
Meta’s AR glasses have already suffered different delays due to broader cost-cutting and hardware complications. Meta was hoping that acquiring microLED maker Plessey would give it a leg up in the competition. Unfortunately, that acquisition failed to deliver as expected due to hardware complications regarding Plessey’s hardware. On top of that, Meta’s initial wade into wearables, with Ray-Ban Stories, also did not catch on with consumers.
Meta has been known to drop projects for a lot less, so seeing it push forward with AR despite less-than-lukewarm responses is uplifting. Either way, Meta needs AR for its larger Metaverse vision. Meta has tried incorporating various tech advances under a single banner, with AR glasses thrown into the mix. Meta sees AR glasses as a means to better integrate users into its unique digital realm.
AR proves to be increasingly complex, with Meta also facing manufacturing challenges. Some of Meta’s chosen materials for its AR glasses violate export regulations, while it’s simultaneously establishing a full production process. These all seem part of Meta’s early test run, seeing some Meta AR glasses appearing next year. Meta hopes to use the push as a driver for the next stage of development.
Simply put, if you meant to get yourself some Meta AR glasses, do not get too excited just yet. Meta still has to cross hills and valleys to establish the project’s viability, and how it will market to consumers.
The Wrap
To be fair, Meta already has an early model for internal testing. Meta will likely soon be able to produce a working consumer model, albeit in a slightly different form. Meta AR glasses might not look as nice as Ray-Ban Stories, but they could potentially spark more product interest.
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