What to expect from Meta Connect 2024?

Meta announced to showcase its latest developments in artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual reality (VR) at the annual Meta Connect event which will take place on September 25 and 26 at Menlo Park, California.

Recently, the company has introduced the MetaAI chatbot, new versions of the Llama family of large language models and integration of various generative AI models into Instagram and WhatsApp.

As the event is approaching, the registrations are already open online, with options to attend both in public at Menlo Park and online via Facebook and Horizon Worlds. 

Read more: Meta shifts focus from celebrity AI chatbots to creator-driven AI Studio

However those who are wondering what to expect from Meta Connect 2024,  here is a list of potential developments that can be expected from the event based on various rumors, leaks, and press releases.

Here’s what to expect from Meta Connect 2024

Meta Connect 2024 comes at the right time as the company is facing competition in the XR space from rivals like Apple.

Meta Quest 3S

It is one of the most anticipated announcements at Meta Connect 2024. It is a more affordable version of the Quest 3 VR headset that was launched last year by the company. The model first appeared in a recent leak, however, Meta has not officially confirmed anything yet.

The Quest 3S might help boost the adoption of Meta's VR ecosystem by lowering the entry price point while still offering immersive VR experiences but at a low cost.

Orion AR glasses prototype

Meta Connect 2024 might also give the audience a glimpse at Meta's long-awaited augmented reality (AR) glasses. Orion AR glasses are likely to offer a true visual experience that is quite different from Ray-Ban Storie's smart glasses which mainly focus on audio and camera functionality.

AI chatbots and avatars

At the Meta Connect event, Meta might dive deeper into its conversational AI technology such as AI Studio, an AI assistant for WhatsApp, Instagram and Quest, as well as AI tools for image editing and avatar creation.

Meta horizon ecosystem

Lastly, Meta Connect would never end without Meta CEO Mark Zuckerburg giving updates on the company's progress in building the metaverse and its vision. Meta may also announce new tools to help developers create more advanced metaverse content.