Currently, I’m stranded at Atlanta Airport, waiting for Hurricane Helene to "chill" (I’m fully embracing my new Californian vocabulary). This unexpected downtime has given me a couple of hours, if we're being optimistic, to reflect on my Meta Connect 2024 experience.
By now, you've probably been bombarded with posts about the Orion Glasses. And yes, they're as sleek and futuristic as you'd hope. But while the crowd was going wild for Zuck’s grand finale—imagine fist-pumping, high-fiving euphoria—I found myself thinking about everything else he mentioned. You know, the updates that didn’t make the headlines but are arguably just as important.
These more understated developments may not have grabbed the spotlight, but they reflect Meta’s real commitment to listening—to learners, partners, and developers alike. By addressing the core needs and lowering the barriers to entry, Meta is paving the way for a more practical and accessible XR experience. And that’s where the real shift happens: from a "cool tech" fad to a stable, scalable ecosystem where XR can truly thrive and deliver lasting impact.
The new avatars, for instance, are a massive leap forward. They capture subtle expressions and body language, making interactions far more human. For Bodyswaps, where soft skills training hinges on realistic human connection, this adds an exciting layer of authenticity that could redefine virtual learning. It's not just about showing up in VR anymore—it’s about being fully present.
Then, there's the Meta Quest 3S. It’s powerful, sleek, and—most importantly—more affordable than previous Quests. This device isn't just for gamers or tech enthusiasts anymore; it’s an accessible tool that can scale across industries like education. Imagine students in classrooms around the world engaging with content in ways we could only dream of a few years ago, using hardware that delivers top-tier performance without breaking the bank. It opens up a whole new world of immersive learning.
We can’t overlook AI—it’s the secret sauce in this whole evolution. The new personalisation features go beyond simple adjustments; they allow content to adapt in real time based on user input, whether through language, gestures, or other multimodal interactions. AI now interprets text, voice, and movement simultaneously, making the learning experience not only more tailored but more intuitive. Whether it's adjusting difficulty on the fly or delivering instant feedback, these tools are reshaping education, creating more accessible and impactful learning environments.
From a developer’s perspective, Meta’s updates—like the Camera Passthrough API, micro gestures, and spatial SDKs—are game changers. Starting in early 2025, developers will have access to the Camera Passthrough API, which opens up exciting new possibilities. While Bodyswaps thrives on fully immersive virtual spaces, this API could offer learners new hybrid experiences—like practising skills in virtual scenarios that adapt to the physical spaces around them, blending physical and digital cues for richer, context-based learning. Additionally, features like micro gestures and spatial SDKs will help enhance the natural flow of interactions, improving engagement and making virtual training feel more intuitive and lifelike.
All of these innovations aren’t just tweaks—they’re transformative. Meta’s clearly been paying attention, and these updates feel like the culmination of everything we’ve been waiting for. XR is no longer some shiny novelty; it’s an evolving, maturing space that’s carving out its place in the future. Even the staunchest sceptics will have a hard time brushing this off—XR is here, and it’s not going anywhere.
Now, if only Hurricane Helene would evolve as fast as XR so I can get home...