Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META)., known for its social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is actively developing its line of smart glasses and exploring the creation of new wearable devices, including smartwatches and camera-equipped earbuds, according to a report from Bloomberg. The company's devices division, Reality Labs, is set to enhance its existing product offerings with the introduction of Oakley-branded smart glasses designed for athletes within this year.
Meta's ambitions in the wearable technology market are further underscored by its plans to release high-end smart glasses featuring a built-in display in 2025. These glasses, which represent a significant step toward augmented reality (AR), are expected to provide users with an array of AI-driven features. The company is also progressing toward its first true AR product, projected for release around 2027, which is seen as a milestone in the tech industry.
The current product portfolio includes Ray-Ban smart glasses equipped with cameras and microphones, among other technologies. While these glasses do not fully realize AR capabilities, they do offer functionalities such as taking pictures, playing music, and handling phone calls. Meta's strategy to expand its presence in the hardware sector involves investing heavily in AR and virtual reality development.
Meta's plan to broaden consumer acceptance of its products involves three significant enhancements to the "Supernova" product line. The company intends to make its Ray-Ban glasses available in new markets and extend its smart glasses technology to other fashion brands under the Luxottica Group SA umbrella. This includes the upcoming "Supernova 2," based on Oakley's Sphaera glasses, which will cater specifically to athletes with its central camera placement.
The most notable development for this year is the anticipated launch of the "Hypernova" model, a more advanced version of Meta's smart glasses. This new offering will feature a display on the lower right lens, allowing users to interact with simple software apps, view notifications, and see photos captured by the glasses. Although these features inch closer to a full AR experience, they come with a higher expected price tag of around $1,000, a significant increase from the $299 starting price of the current Meta Ray-Bans.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.