Key Announcements and Expectations

Meta typically reveals its speaker schedule closer to the event, which will give us a better idea of what to expect come September. There’s also the long trail of leaks that inevitably crop up ahead of the event. So far, the company hasn’t provided any clues beyond the usual boilerplate:

“As in years past, we’ll share the latest and greatest in Meta Horizon updates, peel back the curtain on tomorrow’s tech, and give XR devs the tools they need to help build for the next computing platform today,” Meta says in the blogpost announce.

Connect is typically the company’s premier event for its biggest announcements, and we’re already looking forward to a few.

Quest 3S and Third-Party Headsets

At last year’s Connect, Meta revealed the October launch date of Quest 3S, the company’s latest mixed reality headset starting at $300. While we’re not expecting another Quest headset to launch this year, one thing we didn’t hear about at Connect 2024 was just when the rash of third-party headsets running Horizon OS will release, slated to arrive from Asus and Lenovo, in addition to an Xbox-flavored version of Quest.

Granted, it’s a seven-month wait until Connect 2025 kicks off, so it’s possible we could hear about those headsets sooner rather than later. Still, it’s a good bet Meta will put Horizon OS in the spotlight as it seeks to compete with Google’s forthcoming Android XR.

In January, serial leaker ‘Luna’ reported Asus may be the first out of the gate with a Horizon OS headset which is reported to include eye-tracking, face-tracking, and displays which could either be quantum dot LCD with local dimming or micro-OLED, Luna reports.

Orion AR Glasses and Beyond

At Connect 2024, Meta also unveiled Orion, an internal AR glasses prototype that packs a laundry list of features which notably may not make their way to a consumer pair of Meta AR glasses for some time—coming at least before 2030, Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth says. As the race to release an all-day pair of AR glasses heats up, we’re of course hoping to hear more at Connect 2025.

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are also another area of growing interest. Last year the company brought AI tools for reminders and the ability to scan QR codes and phone numbers using voice commands. The gen 2 version of Ray-Ban Meta released in October 2023, so it stands to reason the companies are looking to launch a new generation to capitalize on the thus far successful segment.

Notably, a recent Bloomberg report maintained we may see an expansion this year. Essilor Luxottica is reportedly working with Meta to create a sportier model in addition to a high-end model with a built-in display.

AI and Llamacon

Although you might expect Connect to be all about AI this year, the company seems to be offloading this to a separate developer conference, called Llamacon kicking off on April 29th, which will be dedicated to its family of generative AI models.

That said, it’s a long leadup to Connect 2025. Meta typically confirms the actual dates in the summer, making this the earliest the company has ever announced the dev conference. Maybe there’s something bigger on the horizon? Whatever the case, we’ll be keeping our eyes on the Meta developer blog and the Meta Connect website to glean what’s next.

Potential Counterarguments and Future Implications

While the anticipation for Meta’s Connect 2025 is high, some critics argue that the company’s focus on AR and VR technology may be premature. With the recent advancements in AI, there is a growing concern that Meta might be spreading itself too thin by concentrating on multiple cutting-edge technologies simultaneously.

However, Meta’s strategy of leveraging its expertise in multiple areas could pay off in the long run. By integrating AI, AR, and VR, Meta aims to create a seamless and immersive user experience that could revolutionize how we interact with technology. The upcoming Connect 2025 event will likely provide more clarity on how these technologies will converge and what new innovations we can expect.

1. When and Where Will Meta Connect 2025 Take Place?

Meta’s Connect Developer Conference 2025 is scheduled for September 17th and 18th. Meta typically confirms the full details, such as the speaker lineup, closer to the event.

2. What Key Announcements Should We Anticipate?

meta’s Connect events traditionally focus on unveiling the latest in AR and VR technologies. Expect announcements related to Meta Horizon updates, new tools for XR developers, and possibly some insights into upcoming tech. Based on past patterns and leaks, potential spotlight areas include the Horizon OS ecosystem and new XR hardware.

3. Will There Be Any Announcements Regarding Meta’s AR and VR headsets?

While the launch of a new Quest headset is not anticipated for 2025, there might potentially be updates on third-party headsets running Horizon OS from partners like Asus and lenovo. according to leaks, Asus might release a Horizon OS headset with advanced features like eye-tracking and face-tracking.

4. What Advancements in AR Glasses Can We Expect?

Meta’s orion AR glasses prototype has already been unveiled, featuring impressive technology that may not make it to consumer models until at least 2030. However, Meta might share more developments related to their AR strategy, including potential updates or new versions of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which have already seen success.

5. How Will Meta’s Focus on AI Influence Connect 2025?

Although AI advancements will be a part of Meta’s overall strategy,Llamacon,a separate conference held on April 29,will primarily focus on Meta’s generative AI models. This separation allows Meta to address AI specifically without overshadowing the AR and VR focus at Connect 2025.

6. What Potential Challenges Coudl Meta Face?

• There are critiques about Meta spreading itself too thin by concentrating on AR, VR, and AI simultaneously. However, Meta’s approach to integrating these technologies could offer a more seamless user experience.
• The strategic implementation of AI, AR, and VR could revolutionize user interaction, though practical challenges remain in coordination and innovation.

7. Where Can We Stay Updated on Connect 2025?

For the latest updates and insights about Meta’s Connect 2025,follow the Meta developer blog and keep an eye on the Meta Connect website.