Meta is emerging as a major player in the field of augmented reality. Forbes reports that the company’s new AR prototype, the Meta 2 Development Kit, was featured at the TED Conference in Vancouver this week. Meta Founder and CEO Meron Gribetz demonstrated the see-through headset, which projects holographic images with which users can interact.
The company has been secretive with Meta 2, but it is expected to be released later this year. A countdown clock on Meta's website indicates a "revolution" will begin on March 2.
Meta, a startup that was launched in 2012, previously released a AR HMD developer kit named Meta One. UploadVR reports that the clunky first version does not match up at all with what the Meta 2 can do.
Unlike Magic Leap, an AR competitor that has raised $827 million, Meta has been funded through Kickstarter and has raised $23 million in Series A funding.
Meta’s backers include Reddit Co-founder Alexis Ohanian and the Black Eyed Peas’ Will.I.Am.
Related Stories
Virtual Reality | Jun 28, 2017
Virtually real design
Viewing a building design in virtual reality (VR) allows contributors to better relate to the experience of viewing a detailed physical model, rather than two-dimensional renderings or animations.
Designers | Jan 13, 2017
The mind’s eye: Five thoughts on cognitive neuroscience and designing spaces
Measuring how the human mind responds to buildings could improve design.
Augmented Reality | Dec 12, 2016
Gensler & Trimble: Augmented reality enters the design process
With the Trimble Software for Microsoft’s HoloLens device we’re able to bring into the physical world what exists only digitally.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jul 20, 2016
San Diego’s waterfront redevelopment would go beyond a mere ‘project’
Its developers envision a thriving business, education, and entertainment district, highlighted by a huge observation tower and aquarium.
Augmented Reality | Jul 15, 2016
Pokémon Go is helping people discover their cities
While catching them all may be the main goal, the wildly popular mobile game is also leading people to trek to unexplored corners of their cities
AEC Tech | May 9, 2016
Is the nation’s grand tech boom really an innovation funk?
Despite popular belief, the country is not in a great age of technological and digital innovation, at least when compared to the last great innovation era (1870-1970).
Virtual Reality | Apr 29, 2016
NBBJ to develop virtual reality productivity platform
The Seattle design firm has partnered with Visual Vocal, a startup VR company.
Augmented Reality | Apr 21, 2016
Is mixed reality a more exciting prospect than virtual reality? Movie director Peter Jackson thinks so
Magic Leap and Microsoft’s HoloLens are just two examples of mixed reality technology on the horizon that are determined to blend the real world with the stuff of dreams.
Building Tech | Apr 12, 2016
Should we be worried about a tech slowdown?
Is the U.S. in an innovative funk, or is this just the calm before the storm?
Virtual Reality | Apr 8, 2016
Skanska will use Microsoft HoloLens to lease planned Seattle high rise
The mixed reality headset will allow people to take a holographic tour of the building while keeping visual contact with the leasing representative.