Facebook will release a pair of augmented reality glasses similar to the rumored Apple Glasses by 2023, according to new reports.
The company first announced its intentions to enter into the wearable AR market in 2016 at its annual developer conference, where Mark Zuckerberg shed some light on the idea.
Now, it appears as though the project has entered into further development and testing and has a clear time frame for release, with CNBC sharing new information this week.
Codenamed Orion, Facebook’s Reality Labs division is working on the project in Washington, and the device will reportedly replace the need for a smartphone with a small screen where users will be able to take calls, live stream, and more.
Rather than developing a user interface, Facebook will reportedly develop a voice assistant, but the company has reportedly struggled to “miniaturize” its proposed technology into a form factor that would be appealing.
The company has, however, formed a partnership with Luxottica, a firm which owns several luxury eyewear brands, which would help Facebook sell the product to image-conscious consumers.
A source from The Information added that Facebook was working on a partnership with Ray-Ban on a project called Stella, which would serve as an interim project and a direct competitor to Snapchat Spectacles.
The product, which will likely launch in 2020 ahead of its proper augmented reality product in 2023 to 2025, will be sold for less than $100 and integrate with Instagram.
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