Meta’s prototype of ‘full holographic’ glasses has the potential to revolutionize Web3
The new holographic display could provide NFTs with a Pokemon Go-like experience.
Mark Zuckerberg of Meta envisions a future where smart glasses equipped with holographic displays will gradually replace smartphones as the primary tool for communication and computing. In a recent interview with YouTuber Kane “Kalloway” Sutter, the billionaire tech mogul elaborated on various subjects including artificial intelligence and open-source initiatives.
When asked about Meta’s most anticipated upcoming product, Zuckerberg enthusiastically endorsed a concept involving glasses—designed to be worn—that integrate cameras, microphones, speakers, and a full field-of-view (FOV) holographic display. This innovation is poised to go beyond Meta’s current Ray-Ban smart glasses.
Critics in both advertising and technology spheres have had a field day poking fun at Meta and Zuckerberg for their shift from “Facebook,” the company synonymous with the eponymous social media platform, to “Meta,” focusing on developing the metaverse.
Nevertheless, Zuckerberg firmly believes that smartphones are at the onset of their decline, with smart glasses positioned to become the next major technological advancement. He explained to Kalloway that while wearable holographic displays won’t entirely supplant smartphones, similar to how smartphones didn’t fully replace desktop or laptop computers, they will likely become sufficiently useful for most individuals to keep their phones stowed away most of the time. However, achieving this hinges on advancing both hardware and software capabilities.
According to Zuckerberg, Meta has outlined three distinct product phases: starting with “displayless” glasses featuring voice AI (akin to the current Ray-Ban Meta), followed by a “heads-up display” with partial holography, and culminating in a “premium version” boasting a full FOV holographic display.
Meta’s goal is to bridge the gap between the inconspicuous Ray-Ban Meta and bulkier headsets more suited for virtual reality (VR) than augmented/mixed reality (A/MR). A full FOV holographic display, Zuckerberg contends, would enable seamless real-time communications, informational overlays, and a heads-up display akin to video game interfaces or military operator equipment, all while maintaining a form factor akin to regular eyeglasses—distinctly not a headset, he emphasizes.
Zuckerberg and Kalloway discussed the drawbacks of constantly checking smartphones for information, which they argue disrupts presence and engagement. They envision smart glasses as offering a more integrated and less intrusive way to access information.
Beyond conventional communication and computing, another compelling application for smart glasses lies in their potential as the primary interface for neural interactions. While Elon Musk’s Neuralink represents a leading example of neural interfaces, Zuckerberg posited that most people would be averse to invasive brain implants. Instead, Meta is exploring a neural wristband—a non-invasive wearable device capable of measuring and interpreting nerve signals. Coupled with Meta’s prototype full FOV holographic displays, this technology could transform physical gestures into digital interactions, expanding the real-world into an expansive Web3 environment.
Regarding the timeline for these innovations, Zuckerberg indicated that Meta is proceeding cautiously to ensure they get it right. Early feedback on the prototype full holographic glasses has been overwhelmingly positive, with individuals expressing excitement and fascination upon experiencing the technology firsthand.
In summary, Zuckerberg’s vision for Meta’s future revolves around smart glasses equipped with holographic displays, poised to redefine how we communicate, compute, and interact with digital environments. As these technologies advance, they hold the potential to significantly shape the evolution of personal technology and human-computer interaction in the coming years.
