Meta Unveils Plans for $1,000 Smart Glasses with Display

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is set to introduce a new version of its Ray-Ban smart glasses, featuring an integrated display, by the end of the year. Priced at over $1,000, these innovative glasses are expected to offer enhanced functionalities compared to their predecessors, which currently retail starting at approximately EUR329 in Germany.

The upcoming model, codenamed Hypernova, is designed to enrich user experience by allowing the display to showcase images and photographs directly within the lenses. Users will be able to interact with the device not only through touchpoints located on the frame but also via hand gestures, making it a more intuitive device.

Currently, the existing Ray-Ban glasses are equipped with a camera that captures what the wearer sees and utilizes Meta AI, along with built-in headphones, to facilitate voice interaction about the observed surroundings. While this functionality is operational in the United States, the AI features are still limited in the European market.

According to reports, the display will be strategically positioned at the bottom edge of the right lens, ensuring visibility primarily when the user looks downward. The interface is anticipated to resemble that of the Meta Quest, enhancing user familiarity.

It is important to note that the Hypernova glasses are not classified as true augmented reality (AR) devices. Meta had previously showcased its AR prototype, dubbed Orion, during its Connect 2024 event, but it remains in the experimental phase with limited public access.

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's CEO, believes that smart glasses represent a burgeoning category of devices that will gain traction in the market. This sentiment is echoed across the tech industry, as various companies, including OpenAI and Google, are also developing their own versions of intelligent eyewear. Meanwhile, Snap has already introduced its AR glasses, the Spectacles, which, while not heavily reliant on AI, have made significant advancements in augmented reality.

As tech enthusiasts eagerly await the release of the Hypernova, it remains to be seen how this new offering will compete in an increasingly crowded market of smart eyewear.