In Augmented Reality News
January 14, 2025 – Plessey Semiconductors, an embedded technologies developer and provider of microLED technology for augmented, virtual, and mixed reality (AR/VR/MR) display applications, has recently announced the development of what the company states is “the world’s brightest red microLED display” suitable for augmented reality glasses, in partnership with Meta.
According to Plessey, the new red microLED display offers brightness up to 6,000,000 nits at high resolution (<5um) with ultra-low power consumption–overcoming critical technical challenges for AR hardware that the company believes will help pave the way for the next computing platform.
The achievement follows last year’s announcement from Meta regarding ‘Orion,’ the company’s true AR glasses prototype, and the result of what Plessey stated were breakthrough inventions in “virtually every field of modern computing.”
Meta’s Orion AR prototype combines the look and feel of a regular pair of glasses with the immersive capabilities of AR thanks to its industry-leading 70-degree field of view, silicon carbide high-performance waveguides, custom silicon, microLED projectors, integrated input system, among other high-end augmented reality features.
As part of a long-term commercial agreement with Meta, Plessey stated that it is continuing to work with the company by dedicating its manufacturing operations to support the development of prototypes and new technologies for potential use in the XR category.
Commenting on the new microLED display solution, Jason Hartlove, Vice President of Display and Optics, at Meta’s Reality Labs, said: “We are building the future of human connection and the technology that makes it possible. These types of breakthroughs are crucial to build AR glasses that help people stay more present and empowered in the world with a form factor people actually feel comfortable wearing. Our work with Plessey has pushed the boundaries of what’s previously been possible, and it’s only the beginning–the future is starting to look up.”
Dr Keith Strickland, CEO of Plessey added: “Plessey is proud to be working alongside Meta to drive the development of microLED display technology. Our combined expertise and resources have enabled us to achieve something truly remarkable. The collaboration between Meta and Plessey has delivered a major breakthrough in the development of AR technology, and we are excited to see the impact that this innovation will have on the industry. With the world’s brightest red microLED display, we are one major step closer to making AR glasses a mainstream reality.”
For more information on Plessey and its semiconductor and optoelectronics expertise, click here. To learn more about Meta’s Reality Labs division, click here.
Image credit: Plessey / Meta
About the author
Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.