Meta Platforms Inc. is on the cusp of introducing its groundbreaking consumer smart glasses, codenamed \"Hypernova,\" alongside an innovative gesture-controlled wristband. This highly anticipated unveiling at the forthcoming Connect conference signals a pivotal moment for the company's augmented reality aspirations and its Reality Labs division. Priced at approximately $800, these glasses will feature a discreet digital display within the right lens, primarily for displaying essential information such as text messages, marking a significant advancement in wearable technology.
The \"Hypernova\" glasses are the result of Meta's ongoing collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban. There is speculation that this new model might be released under the luxury Prada brand, owing to the design's requirement for thicker frames to house the advanced internal components. This partnership has already proven successful, with 2 million units of second-generation voice-only glasses sold since 2023, contributing to a substantial increase in Luxottica's smart glasses revenue.
Accompanying the smart glasses, Meta will also launch its first consumer-ready neural interface wristband. This device, developed using technology from the 2019 acquisition of CTRL Labs, utilizes sEMG sensors to interpret electrical signals generated by hand movements. This enables users to interact with the smart glasses through natural gestures, bypassing the need for conventional input methods. The wristband is envisioned as a foundational element in Meta’s long-term vision for full augmented reality experiences, with data collected from its initial consumer rollout crucial for refining the neural interface technology.
In preparation for the commercial release, the tech giant is actively engaging with third-party developers, particularly those specializing in generative AI. This strategic outreach is aimed at cultivating a robust ecosystem of experimental applications, ensuring a rich user experience from the outset. Furthermore, U.S. Customs documentation indicates that Meta also intends to unveil third-generation voice-only smart glasses equipped with capacitive touch functionalities.
The success of these new products is paramount for Meta, as its Reality Labs division has accumulated nearly $70 billion in losses since late 2020. Achieving widespread consumer adoption is therefore critical to validating the company's ambitious metaverse strategy. This impending launch follows the demonstration of the \"Orion\" prototype last year, which showcased the potential of dual-lens augmented reality capabilities. On the market, Meta Platforms Inc. (META) experienced a positive close on Friday, with its stock rising by 2.12% to $754.79. The company's stock performance metrics indicate strong momentum, growth, and quality, alongside an upward price trend across short, medium, and long terms, signaling a promising outlook for its innovative ventures.