While Facebook has said that augmented reality (AR) glasses are a ways away, a US Patent and Trademark Office filing made available recently how the company is putting their own spin on wearables. The filing details a “cartilage conduction audio system” designed to deliver sound directly into the wearer’s ear.
The idea behind this design is that, because an acoustic sensor would go directly into the user’s ear, they would have a more immersive experience. The filing also notes that the audio system may receive audio input as well, opening up opportunities for virtual assistants. Whether these glasses are meant for the everyday consumer, such as the designer look of Focals, or if they’re intended for enterprise, like Google’s next generation of Glass, remains to be seen. Though Facebook has some history of aiding enterprise clients (such as with their revitalized Oculus for Business program from F8 2019), whether or not these AR glasses will be marketed to the general consumer really depends on how Facebook decides to brand them. If they’re Oculus-branded, they could go towards the general consumer, but if they’re Facebook-branded, they’re more likely to head in that direction.