Meta has officially announced its annual Meta Connect conference, set to take place in Menlo Park from September 25-26, 2024. Now in its third year, this event is poised to reveal Meta’s latest advancements in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the ever-evolving vision of the Metaverse.

This year has been monumental for Meta in the realm of AI. The company has significantly ramped up its AI initiatives, launching its MetaAI chatbot, new iterations of the Llama large language models, and integrating generative AI into platforms like Instagram, Quest, and WhatsApp.

Expectations are high for more groundbreaking AI developments at Meta Connect. Registration for the event is already open, offering both in-person attendance at Menlo Park and virtual participation via Facebook and Horizon Worlds. With numerous major hardware and software announcements expected, here’s a look at what might be on the agenda.

^{Attending Meta Connect 2024}

Meta Connect is a premier technology conference that brings together developers, creators, and tech enthusiasts to explore Meta’s future vision. This year’s event will be a hybrid experience, featuring in-person attendance at Meta’s headquarters in Menlo Park and a virtual livestream accessible worldwide through Facebook and Horizon Worlds.

Registration is free and available on Meta’s official website. Attendees will receive regular updates and announcements leading up to the event on September 25-26.

How to Participate:

• In Person: Join the event at Meta’s Menlo Park campus.
• Virtually: Follow the conference in real-time or on-demand via the @MetaforDevelopers Facebook Page.
• In VR: Watch the live keynote using the Horizon Worlds app on your Meta Quest headset (available in 13 supported countries).

^{Key Announcements to Expect at Meta Connect 2024}

Meta Quest 3S

One of the most anticipated reveals is the Meta Quest 3S, a more affordable version of last year’s Quest 3 VR headset. A recent leak suggests this “lite” model could make VR more accessible by lowering the entry price while maintaining immersive experiences. Although specifics are still under wraps, some trade-offs compared to the Quest 3 are expected due to the lower price point. The Quest 3S might also feature Llama 3.1, Meta’s new AI model, enhancing the VR experience with advanced AI integration and vision capabilities.

Orion AR Glasses Prototype

Meta Connect 2024 could also introduce Project Orion, the company’s long-awaited augmented reality glasses. Unlike the Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses, Orion is expected to offer true AR experiences with digital overlays integrated into the real-world view. This represents a significant leap in AR technology, although a consumer-ready product may still be years away. The prototype demo will showcase Meta’s progress and invite creators to develop AR apps for the platform, powered by the Llama 3.1 AI model and advanced vision features.

AI Chatbots and Avatars

Artificial intelligence will be a major focus at this year’s conference. Meta has teased several AI advancements, including an AI assistant for WhatsApp, Instagram, and Quest, along with AI tools for image editing and avatar creation. A deep dive into Meta’s AI Studio platform for creating no-code AI chatbots is expected, potentially unveiling a multimodal version of the Llama model or new image, video, and audio generation capabilities.

^{Expanding the Meta Horizon Ecosystem}

Mark Zuckerberg’s keynote is anticipated to detail Meta’s vision for the Metaverse over the coming year. Updates on Horizon Worlds, Meta’s social VR platform, are expected, focusing on integrating avatars, inventory, and identity across virtual experiences. New tools and standards for developing interoperable metaverse content may also be announced, underscoring Meta’s commitment to building a cohesive virtual ecosystem.