First Version of Meta’s AR glasses will be exclusively available for developers only

Meta Platforms first AR glasses will not be sold broadly but given to software developers for better experiences

Meta Platforms has decided not to sell its first AR glasses, Orion, but will instead distribute them to developers. Meta hopes developers will be able to work and build software experiences for the device.

The AR glasses were being developed over three years, aiming to be for developers and early adopters. The executives weren’t sure if they should sell broadly, until recently. 

The Meta glasses are not only expensive to build but also have certain specs that aren’t ready for consumers. The decision to not sell broadly is similar to that of Snapchat which is also giving its AR glasses to software developers. 

The company is planning to release a cheaper version of the AR glasses next year, codenamed Hypernova, The Verge reported. The upcoming device would be able to be paired with a phone and display messages and notifications with a smaller heads-up display. 

This week Meta has also decided to cancel its smartwatch with two cameras due to difficulty in implementing EMG technology to control the AR glasses with brain signals.