Ahead of the upcoming Meta Connect 2024 conference, a 90-minute podcast interview with company founder Mark Zuckerberg has shed light on Meta's future direction and vision. This interview serves not only as a warm-up for the forthcoming event but also as a deep dive into Meta's perspective on future technological advancements.

Zuckerberg focused heavily in the interview on Meta's upcoming AR glasses, Orion, which he described as "impeccable" and are expected to make their debut at the conference. This isn't just a new product launch; it represents a fresh vision for future social interactions by Meta.

Meta's ambitions extend far beyond mere social media. Zuckerberg emphasized that the company's core goal is "to build the future of human connections." In his view, smart glasses will be a crucial tool in achieving this. These devices will not only act as personal assistants but also project holograms, revolutionizing the way people interact.

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Imagine being able to engage in face-to-face conversations with someone thousands of miles away without having to look down at a phone screen. This immersive experience will bring a revolutionary change to digital social interactions. Zuckerberg revealed that Meta has been working on this project for a decade and is now nearing the stage of showcasing the first prototype.

In terms of product design, Meta has partnered with renowned eyeglass manufacturer EssilorLuxottica to blend advanced technology with stylish aesthetics. This reflects Meta's pursuit of not only powerful functionality but also aesthetic practicality in its products.

Zuckerberg also discussed the integration of AI with AR. Although he initially expected holographic technology to precede comprehensive AI, the reality might be the opposite. Realizing this, Meta quickly adjusted its strategy, integrating more AI features into the design of smart glasses.

When discussing the company's positioning, Zuckerberg emphasized that Meta is not just a social media company but a tech company focused on human relationships. Their goal is to make people feel each other's presence regardless of location through innovative technologies like smart glasses.

Zuckerberg also highlighted the importance of open-source technology. He believes that open-source not only promotes industry standardization but also reduces production costs, improves product quality, and creates a win-win situation. This also reflects Meta's support for an open ecosystem.

In terms of competitive landscape, Zuckerberg admitted that Meta faces challenges from multiple fields, particularly from Apple. He predicts that the next 10 to 15 years will be a contest over whether platform architecture should be open or closed, which will profoundly influence the future direction of the entire tech industry.

Finally, Zuckerberg reiterated Meta's vision: in both large AI models and smart glasses, they aim to build an open ecosystem where developers and innovators can freely create outstanding products.

Meta's series of initiatives and visions demonstrate the company's ambitions in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality. By combining these cutting-edge technologies with social needs, Meta is trying to redefine the way we interact with technology and each other. As Meta Connect 2024 approaches, we have reasons to expect more exciting innovations and breakthroughs.

This interview not only revealed Meta's future strategies but also provided valuable insights into the direction of the entire tech industry. With technology continuously advancing, we are standing at the threshold of a new era, and Meta is clearly striving to be a leader in this new age. Whatever the future holds, it is certain that technology will continue to transform our social interactions, and Meta is playing a crucial role in this transformation.