Testing the EMG Band on Project Orion

Meta recently evaluated a next‑generation AR headset called Project Orion at its Menlo Park campus. The prototype combined 3D displays, a wireless processor puck and a neural wristband that senses electromyography (EMG) signals—electrical activity generated by muscle movements. During the demo, the wristband allowed the tester to perform small gestures, such as scrolling, selecting and navigating, often in conjunction with eye‑tracking.

EMG as a New Interface Paradigm

Mark Zuckerberg has described the EMG band as a "whole new future paradigm for interfaces," offering an alternative to camera‑based hand tracking or handheld controllers. The band can register actions like pinches, taps, thumb swipes and, potentially, typing over time. Meta’s Reality Labs chief scientist Michael Abrash has discussed the broader possibilities of this neural input technology, which Meta acquired through CNTRL‑Labs in 2019.

Upcoming Release and Pricing

According to the source, Meta plans to launch the neural band as an accessory for a new pair of glasses with embedded displays, code‑named Hypernova, at the Meta Connect conference on Sept. 17. The band is expected to be sold together with the step‑up display glasses and is projected to cost at least $800.

Potential Extensions and Compatibility

Meta may extend the EMG technology to its own smartwatch, enabling fitness and health tracking in both VR and AR contexts. However, CTO Andrew Bosworth indicated that a wristband might be less necessary for display‑free glasses such as the existing Meta Ray‑Bans, where voice commands could remain the primary interaction method.

Competitive Landscape

Apple already offers gesture‑based functions on the Apple Watch and is expected to introduce AirPods with infrared cameras for hand‑gesture detection. Other manufacturers are exploring camera‑based gestures in glasses, connected rings and smartwatches. Google’s display‑enabled glasses and upcoming offerings from Samsung, Amazon, Snap and TCL add further pressure on Meta to refine its wearables strategy.

Key Areas for Improvement

Beyond the EMG band, Meta aims to improve battery life, camera quality, AI capabilities, reliability and serviceability in its next‑generation glasses. The wristband represents a distinctive wildcard in the market, potentially giving Meta a unique edge in the evolving AR ecosystem.

Usado: News Factory APP - descoberta e automação de notícias - ChatGPT para Empresas