Facebook Inc. (NASDAQ:FB) will debut is first smart glasses next year which the company is developing through a partnership with Ray-Ban maker, Luxottica. The social media giant is planning to release Project Aria which is a research device it will use in learning the development of true AR glasses.
Facebook to make smart AR glasses
Mark Zuckerberg the CEO of Facebook announced in a virtual conference the development but it is not clear what the exact features of the glasses will be. However, the company confirmed that the device will not have an integrated display and it is not an AR device. This means that it will be more like the Snap Spectacles.
Zuckerberg stated that after spending time with the Luxottica team and touring their factory they were certain that this was the right partner to help Facebook bring the best tech together with smart glasses. The companies will collaborate to produce the glasses as part of their multiyear partnership. He explained that full details are not available yet but this was a big step in the process of having smart augmented reality glasses. The glasses are part of the company’s work in AR that includes Project Aria which is a research device that will be used in learning in the process of developing the glasses.
Facebook testing Project Aria glasses to learn on AR glasses
The company has indicated that it will start testing Aria this month with Facebook contractors and employees wearing the glasses at the company’s Campus. Facebook’s head of hardware Andrew “Boz” Bosworth said that the gasses which can help in hammering tough issues on video recording, design, and privacy are not for sale and do not have AR features.
For now, Project Aria glasses will record audio, capture video, location, and eye-tracking data that will help in developing AR glasses. Boz added that Aria is a device that will help in understanding the hardware and software for building working smart AR glasses. Those who will wear the Project Aria glasses will undergo training on the places and time to wear the devices.