A Progression Toward Future AR Eyewear
One of the most striking features of Meta’s Ray-Ban Display eyewear is that the display projected in the right lens is nearly imperceptible to others. The journalist’s colleagues observed Meta's head of wearables, Alex Himel, utilizing the glasses while engaged in conversation. The lenses appeared entirely transparent, devoid of the customary rainbow-smudge effect found on other AR eyewear. This smudge is typically produced by waveguides, which refract light from side-projected display systems. The Ray-Ban Displays employ LCOS, or liquid crystal on silicon, projection technology, and the waveguides are remarkably inconspicuous.
This enhances the appeal of using the glasses in real-world scenarios, allowing users to privately view projected information without raising suspicion. However, it remains uncertain how bystanders will respond if a user suddenly starts making unusual swiping gestures while gazing into the distance.
The solitary 600x600-pixel color display on the Ray-Ban Displays is not particularly large. The field of view is merely around 20 degrees, a small fraction compared to what is typically observed with AR eyewear. Nevertheless, Meta claims it possesses a density of 42 pixels per degree, which appears sufficiently sharp. The journalist found it easy to read small text on Spotify album cover art, for example.
The visibility in a single eye feels somewhat unusual. This "half-present" phenomenon occasionally complicates the ability to concentrate on the display, which seems to be projected a short distance in front of the user. To enhance visibility in outdoor environments, the eyewear is equipped with transition lenses as a standard feature. During the demonstration, the journalist stepped outdoors and noted the lenses darkening while still being able to clearly view the pop-up display, even when facing the sun.
Meta asserts that the Ray-Bans offer a battery longevity of six hours during mixed usage, exceeding the journalist's expectations. Nevertheless, it is presumed that extensive usage, particularly with the display activated, would significantly diminish that duration.
The journalist has previously employed hand gestures on various devices, from hand tracking on Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro to the increasing variety of gestures recognized by Apple Watches. However, Meta's neural band appears to offer far greater capabilities. This technology has been advancing over several years, with Mark Zuckerberg first demonstrating it to the journalist in 2022.
The snug fabric band fit in the same manner as it did a year prior. It is designed to rest slightly above the wrist bone, positioned higher than most timepieces. Electrodes embedded within the band gauge electrical signals emitted by motor neurons, even from very discreet hand movements. Meta has refined the band’s algorithms to recognize pinches using the forefinger and middle finger, wrist rotations, and thumb swipes, while a clenched fist can "scroll" back and forth or vertically.
The pinches, taps, and swipes functioned effectively, even when the journalist's hand was out of view. However, the specific gestures were occasionally challenging to recall. In contrast to Meta's Orion glasses, these Ray-Bans lack eye tracking. Consequently, swiping through various app icons or sections of the display requires more effort than simply glancing and tapping as one would with Orion or Apple Vision Pro.
The band also delivers subtle haptic feedback, just sufficient to indicate that an action has been executed, imparting a ghostly sensation.
Utilizing the device, the journalist was able to play music on Spotify, and by bringing their fingers together and twisting them like a dial, they could adjust the volume up or down. They digitally zoomed in to capture photos using the identical twist-pinch gesture. They tapped to accept a video call from a Meta representative while simultaneously sharing their point-of-view camera.
The Display Ray-Bans
The Display Ray-Bans also feature a touchpad on the side and capture buttons, operable via voice commands like other smart eyewear. However, the neural band serves as an essential tool for navigating menus and accessing applications within the operating system. The journalist practiced activating the display with middle-finger pinches.
The capacity to execute unplanned movements spontaneously evokes a sense of enchantment. Should the band collaborate with alternative devices, it could develop into a universal interface. Nevertheless, that remains a considerable "if." Meta's primary hardware offerings comprise VR headsets and eyewear, making it challenging to envision how this technology could connect with a smartphone operating system or a computer without a significant technological partnership, which is not presently a possibility.
Meta proposes that the neural wristband may evolve into additional applications. In an unexpected demonstration, another team member utilizing the band was able to inscribe messages using their finger on their pant leg, a feature anticipated for future development. The journalist recalls Michael Abrash, Meta's Chief Scientist of Reality Labs Research, exploring the potential of this technology years prior.
Neural Band Is Intended for Wrist Application
In the domain of accessibility, neural input technology could potentially aid individuals with minimal to no motor function or those who have experienced limb loss. However, currently, the neural band is intended for wrist application. The journalist conversed with Jon White, a Paralympic trainee and triple-amputee military veteran who has been evaluating Orion, along with Meta's new eyewear and neural band. He articulated the practicality of the glasses during kayaking and contemplated further expansions of the technology.
The journalist wonders if they would even remember to wear the neural band. Donning an additional device alongside smart glasses seems cumbersome. While Meta lacks its own smartwatch, a band of this nature would be logical as a component of a watch. The screenless neural band fits snugly, resembling a Whoop band.
Last Words
Meta asserts that the band’s battery endures for 18 hours on a single charge. It is also IPX7 water-resistant, meaning it can endure splashes or brief immersion. Nonetheless, the journalist envisions wearing a watch on one wrist and the neural band on the opposite, which appears to be quite a lot to manage.
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