Meta is making a big move to expand the capabilities of its display glasses by allowing third-party developers to create apps for them. Previously, only Meta-made apps were available, but now developers can experiment with display-powered apps that work with the device’s Neural Band controller. This opens up new possibilities for the glasses, which have a limited 20-degree field of view and are mainly suited for quick information overlays rather than immersive experiences.

New Opportunities for Developers and Users

With the new support, developers can build apps that work with both iOS and Android devices, as well as web apps. Meta suggests that these apps could display real-time data like scores or status updates, or serve as micro-apps for simple tasks. For example, one early app shown by Meta is called “Darkroom Buddy,” an interactive guide for developing film that acts as a glanceable reference. This makes the glasses more useful for quick checks or micro-interactions.

Meta also hints at potential for streaming media, mini-games like chess or snake, and other small experiences that could run on the glasses. A video shared by Meta featured a few examples, including a brick breaker game, suggesting that gaming could become part of the ecosystem. This could significantly boost the functionality of the $800 glasses launched last fall, which have so far been somewhat limited despite a few new features like a built-in teleprompter and handwriting capabilities.

Impact and Future Developments

The addition of third-party apps could finally unlock more practical uses for the glasses, such as viewing recipes while cooking or quick access to other useful information. However, it’s still unclear when these apps will be available to the public, as Meta announced support for third-party apps on its non-display smart glasses last year, but most are still in development or not yet released.

Meta’s timing is notable, as the company has scheduled its next Connect event, where more updates on its smart glasses plans are expected. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has also teased a new version of the glasses, possibly an upgrade to the current Meta Ray-Ban Display model. Meanwhile, existing users will get some new features, like a neural handwriting function that lets you respond to messages by tracing letters with your fingers, and the ability to record what’s happening on the display to share with others.

Additionally, Meta is rolling out live captioning for calls on Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram, making communication easier. Overall, these updates show Meta’s commitment to making its smart glasses more versatile and useful, with third-party support being a key step in that direction.

Inspired by

• https://www.engadget.com/2173297/meta-is-bringing-third-party-apps-and-games-to-its-display-glasses/

Sources

• meta.com
• meta.com