Augmented reality (AR) has long promised to blend the digital and physical worlds seamlessly. From early experiments like Google Glass to the more recent push by tech giants, the journey of AR glasses has been filled with ambition, setbacks, and bursts of innovation. In a recent deep dive titled “I Tried Real Augmented Reality Glasses!”, popular tech reviewer Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) explores two highly advanced AR prototypes—the Meta Orion Smartglasses and Snap’s AR Spectacles—offering an intriguing glimpse at where the future of wearable tech is heading.
The Meta Orion Smartglasses: A Prototype Years in the Making
Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, has been investing heavily in the metaverse and immersive technologies. One of its most ambitious projects, the Orion Smartglasses, represents the culmination of years of research and development. Though still in the prototype stage and not yet available to the public, Orion already showcases remarkable features that position it as a potential game-changer in the AR space.
The standout feature of the Orion glasses is their expansive 70-degree field of view, which allows for immersive overlay of digital content onto the physical world. What truly sets Orion apart, however, is its innovative control system. Rather than relying on external controllers or even touchpads, Orion is operated through a neural interface wristband. This futuristic wristband detects electrical signals from the brain and translates them into commands—essentially enabling users to control digital elements with their thoughts.
Early demonstrations of Orion include support for common communication apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. Video calls can be conducted directly through the glasses, with digital windows appearing right in front of the user’s eyes. Hand and eye tracking further enhance the interactive experience, allowing users to navigate menus, select objects, and even “grab” virtual content floating in their environment.
Despite the impressive features, Orion is still a prototype and not without its limitations. Meta has not yet announced a public release date, and much of the development remains behind closed doors. However, insiders suggest that a consumer-ready version could appear in the near future, depending on how the technology matures and is received in broader testing.
Snap’s AR Spectacles: Creativity Meets Immersive Tech
While Meta’s approach is centered around infrastructure and productivity, Snap Inc.—the company behind Snapchat—has its own unique take on AR. The fifth generation of Snap’s Spectacles, shown off by CEO Evan Spiegel, represents a different but equally ambitious vision of augmented reality.
Unlike earlier versions of Spectacles, which were largely used for recording video content to be shared on Snapchat, the new iteration is a fully standalone AR device. That means it doesn’t need to be tethered to a smartphone, a major leap forward in terms of usability. The glasses utilize see-through waveguide displays, which project digital elements onto the lens while keeping the real world in full view.
Snap’s AR Spectacles also boast environmental tracking and sophisticated hand tracking, enabling a high level of interactivity. Users can manipulate objects, draw in space, or interact with animations that respond to real-world movements. This emphasis on creative expression aligns closely with Snap’s broader brand identity as a platform for fun, spontaneous communication.
However, like Orion, Snap’s Spectacles are not without their issues. Early testers have pointed out concerns around weight, comfort, and limited battery life. These are all hurdles that must be overcome before AR glasses can become part of our everyday lives.
The Broader Implications of AR Glasses
What makes these two devices so fascinating is how they illustrate different philosophies of AR. Meta sees the future through a productivity and communication lens—where glasses replace screens and keyboards, integrating us deeper into the digital world. Snap, on the other hand, is betting on creativity, social interaction, and a more playful augmentation of reality.
Yet both face a common set of challenges: battery life, miniaturization, processing power, and public acceptance. Unlike smartphones, which had a clear utility from day one, AR glasses are still searching for their “killer app”—that one feature or experience that will make them indispensable.
If companies like Meta and Snap can continue refining their products, we may soon live in a world where digital content lives right in our field of vision—no phones, no keyboards, just seamless access to information, entertainment, and communication.
Watching Marques Brownlee test these devices gives viewers a sense that we’re closer to science fiction than we might think. While we’re not quite at the stage where AR glasses are ready for mass-market adoption, what we’re seeing in these prototypes is nothing short of revolutionary.
For those interested in the cutting edge of technology, these AR glasses represent a thrilling glimpse of what’s to come. And as companies continue to invest and innovate, it’s only a matter of time before AR becomes as ubiquitous as the smartphones in our pockets.
Watch the full review by Marques Brownlee here:
I Tried Real Augmented Reality Glasses!
About The Author
