Meta, just months after showcasing the holographic Orion smart glasses, has revealed the next-generation Aria Gen 2 research platform. These new smart glasses, bearing a resemblance to the Ray-Ban Meta Stories but with a more substantial frame, boast a host of significant advancements.
Close-up view of the new Meta Aria Gen 2 smart glasses, showcasing the sleek design.
One of the most notable upgrades is the integration of a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor within the nose pad for heart rate monitoring. This makes the Aria Gen 2 among the first smart glasses to offer this biosensing capability, putting them in a league with other wearables like Apple’s Beats PowerBeats Pro 2 earbuds, which also include heart rate sensors. Think of them as Ray-Ban Stories packed with sophisticated sensor technology.
Enhanced Sensor Suite for Advanced Data Capture
Meta has significantly enhanced the sensor array in the Aria Gen 2. In addition to a standard RGB camera and eye-tracking cameras, they feature Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) cameras supporting 6 degrees of freedom (DoF) movement. This expanded sensor suite enables a richer understanding of the user’s environment and interactions.
Exploded view of the Meta Gen 2 Aria smart glasses, highlighting the integrated sensor technology.
Comprehensive Tracking and Audio Capabilities
Beyond visual data capture, the Aria Gen 2 integrates GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) for precise location tracking, a barometer for pressure sensing, and a magnetometer for orientation. Furthermore, a contact-based microphone array isolates the wearer’s voice from background noise, enhancing audio clarity.
Optimized Power Management for Extended Use
To power this sophisticated sensor suite efficiently, Meta developed a custom processing unit, allowing for an impressive battery life of “six to eight hours of continuous use”—a remarkable feat for such feature-rich smart glasses.
Front view of the Meta Aria Gen 2 smart glasses, emphasizing the modern and functional design.
Advancing Research and Development
While not commercially available, the Aria Gen 2 will be utilized by Meta researchers and employees within Reality Labs and FAIR AI divisions. The platform’s data will contribute to advancements across various fields, including robotics training, assistive technology for individuals with vision impairments, and navigation solutions.
Paving the Way for Future Innovations
The Aria platform’s capabilities have already proven valuable in diverse areas such as automotive technology and medical tools. By equipping researchers with this powerful data collection tool, Meta continues to drive innovation and shape the future of human-computer interaction. The insights gained from Aria Gen 2 will undoubtedly contribute to Meta’s long-term vision of building the metaverse.
