Meta is updating its popular smart glasses and working on new wearables, such as watches and headphones with cameras, while also continuing to build AI features into more products.
Meta is updating its popular smart glasses and working on new wearables, such as watches and headphones with cameras, while also continuing to build AI features into more products.
This was reported to Bloomberg by sources familiar with the company's work.
The company plans to develop smart glasses for athletes under the Oakley brand this year, according to insiders. The Reality Labs unit, which develops the devices, also plans to release new high-end glasses with a built-in display in 2025.
Other products in development will compete with Apple Inc.'s AirPods smartwatch and headphones. The company has also advanced in developing its first true augmented reality product, which will be released around 2027.
Meta now sells Ray-Ban sunglasses that have cameras, microphones, and other technology built into them. While they are not an augmented reality device, meaning they overlay data and images on top of the real world, the glasses can take photos, analyze the environment, play music, and answer calls.
The product line, codenamed Supernova, will expand in three ways. First, the company plans to bring Ray-Ban glasses to new markets. Second, Meta is expanding its smart glasses technology to other fashion brands owned by partner Luxottica Group SA. This includes a new version called Supernova 2, which is based on Oakley’s Sphaera glasses. This kit will be aimed at cyclists and other athletes, and its camera will be placed in the center of the frame.
Another new model is internally codenamed Hypernova. This product will be another step towards true augmented reality, allowing users to run simple software applications, view notifications and photos taken by the device. The more advanced feature set will reportedly cost more; sources said the current projected price is $1,000.
In addition to these smart glasses, Meta is also developing an AR product called Orion, which will not see commercial release. Instead, the company plans to launch another version as early as 2027. This product is codenamed Artemis, and sources said that this prototype of the glasses is not as heavy as Orion and is more advanced.
Meta is also developing a wrist strap that will allow users to control their smart glasses. Most of the company's models have controls on the temple, but the wrist version will be similar to the one used for the Orion prototype.
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