The two companies confirmed that future Specs devices will run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR platform, extending a partnership that already spans several generations of Snap’s earlier Spectacles hardware.

Those earlier devices mainly targeted developers and never reached wide consumer distribution in their AR form.

Snap has been building smart glasses for years. It first entered the category in 2016 with camera-equipped Spectacles.

Since then, it has moved towards more advanced augmented reality designs that place digital elements into the real world through see-through lenses. Those newer versions stayed within limited releases, largely focused on developers and testing.

Now the company is preparing a wider consumer rollout under its Specs unit, which it formally separated earlier this year to focus entirely on wearable computing.

The upcoming glasses will run standalone and are designed to overlay digital content onto physical surroundings, with built-in audio, visuals and interaction features.

The companies say the new hardware will rely on edge computing and on-device processing. This allows data to be handled directly on the device instead of relying heavily on cloud systems.

The approach is important to Snap’s vision for faster responses and more private interactions in everyday use.

Snap’s leadership sees the project as a step towards a more integrated form of computing.

“We believe the future of computing will be more human and grounded in the real world,” said Evan Spiegel, co-founder and chief executive of Snap Inc.

Qualcomm also described the partnership around more responsive and context-aware devices.

“The next era of computing will be defined by devices that understand what you see, hear and say,” said Cristiano Amon, president and chief executive of Qualcomm Incorporated.

The collaboration builds on more than five years of joint work between both firms. Qualcomm chips have powered earlier Snap Spectacles, particularly models aimed at developers experimenting with augmented reality tools.

This time, both companies say they want to scale that work for consumers. The agreement covers long-term roadmap planning, shared technical development, and support for developers building applications for the Specs platform.

Snap says this should help create a more stable environment for software creators working on AR experiences.

Competition in the smart glasses space is also intensifying. Meta Platforms has already gained early traction with its Ray-Ban smart glasses built with EssilorLuxottica.

Other major players, including Google, Samsung and Apple, are also developing their own versions of AR eyewear, with launches expected over the next few years.

This development comes at a sensitive time for Snap as it tries to expand beyond social media into hardware and immersive computing.

The Specs unit now sits at the centre of that strategy, with plans to attract external investment and build a long-term product line.

The agreement gives the unit a clearer technical base as it prepares for its first consumer product launch.

Making its AI tools smarter and introducing its first true augmented reality (AR) glasses, Meta AI now offers users more universal and interactive ways to engage with its features.

The AI assistant, now capable of responding to voice commands across Messenger, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, enhances communication by allowing users to ask questions and receive audible responses.

This update includes the ability to customise the assistant’s voice, with options like Awkwafina, Dame Judi Dench, and John Cena among others, making the experience more personal and entertaining.

In addition to voice interaction, Meta AI can now interpret and interact with photos, enabling users to upload images and ask the AI questions about them. Whether it’s identifying a flower from a hiking trip or providing a recipe based on a dish in a photo, the AI offers seamless visual assistance.

Again, users can edit their photos by asking the AI to make alterations, such as changing backgrounds or adjusting outfits—further integrating AI into everyday creative tasks.

Meta Connect 2024: $299 Quest 3S | Enhanced Ray-Ban Smart Glasses

Meta also revealed a new translation tool that is being tested on Instagram and Facebook. This tool automatically translates the audio in Reels, allowing content to reach wider audiences by breaking language barriers.

By dubbing audio and synchronising lip movements, Meta AI helps creators expand their reach, particularly in regions such as Latin America and the US, where the tool is currently being trialled in English and Spanish.

In the business aspect, Meta has enhanced its AI offerings to assist businesses in improving customer engagement. With the integration of AI into messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger, businesses can now use AI to respond to customer inquiries, provide support, and even facilitate transactions.

Early adopters have already seen great benefits, with campaigns utilising AI tools achieving higher engagement and conversion rates.

One of the most amazing announcements at the Meta Connect 2024 was the introduction of Orion, Meta’s first true AR glasses. These glasses, which have been in development for several years, combine advanced holographic displays with contextual AI, offering a beautiful experience that bridges the gap between the digital and physical worlds.

Orion is a huge progress in augmented reality, providing users with hands-free access to a wide range of digital tools while maintaining the familiar look and feel of everyday eyewear.

Designed to integrate seamlessly into daily life, Orion’s lightweight form factor is packed with miniaturised components, offering the largest field of view in any AR glasses to date.

Whether it’s multitasking with digital windows, viewing life-sized holograms, or making hands-free calls, Orion is set to impact the way people interact with both the digital and physical environments.

Meta’s focus on AR technology goes beyond Orion. The company has committed to refining its AR displays, making them sharper and more compact, with plans to scale production to make them more accessible.

While Orion is still in the prototype phase, its development is in line with Meta’s goal of merging wearable technology with everyday functionality.