Meta Unveils Next-Gen Aria Gen 2 Smart Glasses
Meta has officially launched its Aria Gen 2 smart glasses, a research-focused wearable that builds on the foundation of Project Aria introduced in 2020. This new generation features enhanced sensors and improved battery life, catering specifically to researchers and partners rather than retail consumers. The glasses aim to advance research in machine perception, AI, and robotics, with availability set for select partners in the coming months.
Enhanced Features and Upgrades
The Aria Gen 2 smart glasses come equipped with a suite of upgraded sensors designed to enhance their functionality. Key features include an RGB camera, Six Degrees of Freedom Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (6DOF SLAM) cameras, eye tracking cameras, spatial microphones, Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), a barometer, a magnetometer, and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capabilities. Notably, the new model introduces two additional sensors located in the nosepad: a Photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor for heart rate monitoring and a contact microphone that can differentiate the wearer’s voice from background noise.
One significant change from the previous version is the removal of the display, making the Aria Gen 2 lighter at just 75 grams and more portable with its foldable arms. This design shift reflects Meta’s focus on creating a device that prioritizes research applications over consumer use.
Targeting Research and Development
Meta’s Aria Gen 2 is not intended for the retail market like the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses. Instead, it is aimed at researchers and partners to foster the development of new technologies. The company has collaborated with notable partners, including BMW and prestigious universities such as Carnegie Mellon, IIIT Hyderabad, and the University of Bristol. Meta is also actively seeking to onboard additional research partners to expand the project’s reach and impact.
The primary goal of the Aria project is to address machine perception challenges that currently hinder the advancement of augmented reality (AR) glasses. By providing researchers with advanced tools, Meta hopes to accelerate innovation in this field and contribute to the future of AR technology.
On-Device Processing and Battery Life
Another noteworthy advancement in the Aria Gen 2 is its on-device processing capabilities. This feature supports various machine perception systems, including SLAM, eye tracking, hand tracking, and speech recognition, all powered by custom silicon developed by Meta. The company claims that users can expect a battery life of six to eight hours of continuous usage, making the device practical for extended research sessions.
As Meta continues to push the boundaries of wearable technology, the Aria Gen 2 smart glasses represent a significant step forward in the integration of AI and machine learning into everyday research tools. With its enhanced features and focus on collaboration, this device is poised to play a crucial role in the evolution of augmented reality and related technologies.
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