After debuting the new Aria Gen 2 smart glasses a few months ago, Meta has now unveiled more information about these new smart glasses. These are designed as a test platform for research about augmented reality, AI, and robotics.
Meta says that these have packed several improvements into their lightweight frame, which could translate into a consumer product in the future. But for now, it’s simply a test platform. It includes an improved eye-tracking system that can track gaze per eye, detect blinks, and estimate the center of pupils.
Aria Gen 2 also comes with four computer vision cameras that Meta says can enable 3D hand and object tracking. Researchers use this information to enable highly precise tasks like “dexterous robot hand manipulation.”
Meta has also included a photoplethysmography sensor that is built into the nosepad. This allows the device to estimate a wearer’s heart rate, along with a contact microphone that Meta says will provide better audio in loud environments.
Aria Gen 2 also includes folding arms and weighs 75 grams
For the first time, the Aria Gen 2 includes folding arms, like the regular Meta Ray Bans that many of us have. The reason for this being such a big deal is that glasses like this often have components in the arm to sort of offset the weight. Meaning that they couldn’t be folded, but now they can. These also weigh in at 75g and are available in eight different sizes.
Meta says that it plans on opening applications for researchers to work with Aria Gen 2 later this year. It will be the next step for Meta Ray Ban and Meta’s push into XR. Meta has also already shown off its Orion augmented-reality glasses. Which is a partnership with Oakley.
