Meta has officially introduced Aria Gen 2, the latest iteration of its Project Aria augmented reality glasses designed for research. This new version, arriving about five years after the debut of the original Aria, boasts enhanced features, including an improved suite of sensors and a custom-built silicon chip developed by Meta.
One of the standout upgrades in Aria Gen 2 is the inclusion of a PPG sensor, which enables heart rate monitoring, and a contact microphone designed to isolate the user’s voice from surrounding noise. These additions enhance the device’s ability to interact intelligently with its environment while improving the overall user experience.
Weighing in at just 75 grams, Aria Gen 2 supports AI-driven capabilities such as eye tracking, hand tracking, and speech recognition. It also features open-ear “force-canceling” speakers for immersive yet unobtrusive audio experiences. The built-in battery provides up to eight hours of operation on a single charge, making it practical for extended use in research environments.
Meta has announced plans to distribute Aria Gen 2 to academic and commercial research institutions in the coming months. One of the early adopters, Envision, is actively exploring how the technology can be leveraged to assist individuals who are blind or have low vision. This development underscores Meta’s commitment to advancing AI-powered accessibility solutions through cutting-edge AR research.
