Meet Meta’s first-ever AR glasses Orion

Remember Tony Stark’s face computer in Iron Man? Well, Meta’s Orion is like that—only it’s real. Meta’s first-ever AR glasses fuse display tech with the physical world, letting holograms of all shapes and sizes blend into your reality.

The glasses come with voice, eye, and hand tracking for an immersive experience. Plus, they include a wristband powered by electromyography (EMG) tech, allowing you to control it subtly—even in low light or public spaces—without needing your hands in view, as per Meta.

Orion is optimised for colour correction, power efficiency, and brightness. It uses micro LED projectors and optical-grade silicon carbide to offer a 70-degree field of view. So whether you’re juggling multiple tasks, watching a movie on a virtual screen, or interacting with life-size holograms of people, the digital content blends with your real-world surroundings.

Meta says what sets Orion apart is that these smart glasses look and feel just like regular eyewear. With fully transparent lenses, you can still see other people’s eyes and expressions naturally. Meta has crafted them using a lightweight magnesium frame, advanced thermal management, and miniaturised sensors and cameras. The result? A sleek, lightweight device that fits into everyday life. 

Orion’s standout feature is its deep integration with Meta AI. Meta says Orion recognises what you're seeing in the real world and provides helpful visual cues. Imagine opening your pantry and asking for recipe ideas based on what's inside, or video calling a friend while updating your family’s digital calendar—all while washing the dishes. 

Furthermore, it lets you take hands-free video calls, making it easy to catch up with friends and family in real-time. You can stay connected on WhatsApp and Messenger, viewing and sending messages straight from your glasses. No more pulling out your phone, unlocking it, and hunting for the app — just let your friend know you're running late for dinner with a quick command through Orion. 

While it all sounds groundbreaking, the real trick is making Orion a natural part of everyday life. As per Meta, it won’t be landing in your hands just yet, but also—this isn’t just some lab experiment. Meta claims Orion is one of the sleekest, most polished prototypes they’ve ever cooked up. It’s not just a tech demo—it’s something that’s almost ready to be shipped to consumers.