Inside Meta’s ‘Aria’ Research Glasses: Future Tech for AR Glasses

Earlier this year, Meta kinda dropped the Aria Gen 2 on us—some new research glasses. At first, they didn’t say too much, which is typical, but now they’re starting to spill the beans a bit as they prep to hand these over to researchers. Who knows what this could mean for future AR glasses?

So, they’ve been blogging about what’s inside these things. Cameras, sensors, and some super smart computer stuff going on there. Aria Gen 2 can’t do full-on AR since, you know, no display, but it’s setting the stage for what’s next, right?

## Better Computer Vision, They Say

Okay, strap in—future AR glasses gotta have mega computer vision. Imagine mapping your living room or pointing out that random chair you always stub your toe on. Meta says Aria Gen 2 has four CV cameras now, up from two. Fancy terms like 120 dB HDR global shutter and an 80° stereo overlap? Yeah, apparently that means better depth perception. I feel smarter already.

They even did a demo thing inside a room—some SLAM magic happening there. (Simultaneous localization and mapping, if you’re wondering. Not that I knew what that was.)

## Sensors and Smarts—Oh My!

They’ve upgraded sensors too. There’s a nosepad mic for when your AirPods aren’t cutting it, and apparently, it even tracks your heart rate. Maybe it’ll tell you when you’re too caffeinated? Oh, and it’s got some compute boost, with real-time perception stuff. We’re talking serious sci-fi vibes here.

And this new SubGHz radio tech for syncing devices. I guess that’s a big deal? I’m imagining gadgets chatting with each other in secret code.

## But Hey, It’s Light

Despite these techy bits, Aria Gen 2 keeps it light. Weighs around 74-76g. By comparison, some eyeglasses can be like 20-50g. Why the weight diff? Eight size variants. Because, you know, one size does not fit all—certainly not my head.

Oh yeah, there’s a USB-C port too, probably for charging, but who’s counting?

## Human Meets Machine Vision

Aria Gen 2 peeks not just at the world, but also at how you vibe with it. Tracks stuff like where you’re gazing or your heart skips when you glimpse that cute doggo. It syncs it all up with cameras, sensors, and other techy stuff to see how you move around.

Imagine it knowing you need a coffee before you even do. Creepy or cool? Toss up.

## The Future of AR Glasses

Meta’s pushing this idea that Aria Gen 2 is paving the way for the future. Gotta admit, though, no way are we ditching smartphones any time soon. Maybe someday, when I’m old, we’ll have all-day glasses. But now? Not so much.

They’ve got a prototype, the Orion, that hooks up wirelessly. Meta’s Andrew Bosworth says something AR-ish from Orion will drop this decade, but it’ll probably cost more than your phone, FYI.

Oh! They’re showing off Aria Gen 2 at CVPR 2025 in Nashville. I bet it’ll be a blast—or at least entertaining—for the tech crowd. June 11th-15th, 2025, if you’re planning a trip to Music City.

And that’s the scoop—take from it what you will. Aria Gen 2 has a lot of promise or hype, depending on who you ask.