Augmented reality (AR) could be brought to computer screens, headsets, goggles and helmets. There are attempts to bring it to glasses. Facebook has introduced Orion AR glasses prototypes at its annual Connect conference in Menlo Park, California. They would continue to improve on these glasses to make them small enough and stylish enough. At present, being prototypes, they are not for sale and are used internally at Facebook for testing and improving.

These AR glasses show a combined view of the digital and physical worlds. In future, they may become a substitute for a smart phone, keeping the users hands-free.

The new glasses introduced September 25, 2024, are named Orion. They look like thick, black reading glasses. Their lenses display text messages, video calls and even YouTube videos. There is a wristband that detects nerve stimulation. Cameras built into the frames track eye movement. The wearers thus are able to ‘click’ or ‘scroll’ on the display using just their hands.

In the next decade, the glasses could be commercialized. They are working on next two models. The pricing would be affordable for the consumers and would attract developers too for the glasses.

Facebook has made a significant investment in this technology. It already sells Ray Ban branded smart glasses with cameras and speakers. Facebook wants AR glasses to be mobile, hands-free computer. In future, it could rival smartphones. It will become a new way to communicate and interact online.

Initially these things move slowly, but then there could be a sudden surge later.