Meta set to unveil first consumer-ready smart glasses with a display, wristband next month

Meta is gearing up to showcase its ambitious foray into the world of smart glasses during its annual Connect conference next month. This highly anticipated event will mark the debut of the company's first consumer-ready smart glasses featuring a display, along with a revolutionary wristband designed to enable gesture-based control. Informants have disclosed that the smart glasses, internally known as Hypernova, will include a compact digital display integrated into the right lens. Priced at approximately $800, these glasses will be launched in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica. Notably, this partnership has evolved since the inception of Ray-Ban Stories in 2021, which allowed users to capture photos and videos through voice commands. The new iteration is expected to incorporate advanced AI features that contributed to the success of the second-generation models. As part of the ongoing collaboration, it's still uncertain which brand Luxottica will utilize for the new AR glasses. However, a recent job posting by Meta hints at their plans to develop Ray-Ban AR glasses, potentially signaling a blend of fashion and technology. Meta has also teased that Prada-branded smart glasses are on the horizon, leveraging the distinct design elements associated with the luxury brand. During the Connect conference, Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg previously unveiled the experimental Orion AR glasses, showcasing the potential of augmented reality. While the Hypernova glasses will offer a functional display, expectations for sales remain cautious, as the device is expected to be slightly heavier and more complex than its predecessors. Despite these challenges, the demand for smart glasses has been promising, with Luxottica reporting a significant increase in revenue from previous models. The Hypernova's display, although limited in visual features, aims to relay essential information like text messages through a color display with a narrow field of view. The anticipated wristband, developed by Meta's CTRL Labs, is designed to enhance user interaction by interpreting electrical signals from hand movements. This innovative technology aims to provide a seamless experience, despite challenges related to its fit and usability across different users. As Meta prepares to entice developers with this new technology, the company is also set to unveil a third generation of voice-only smart glasses, further solidifying its commitment to revolutionizing the wearable tech landscape. With these announcements, Meta is positioning itself at the forefront of the augmented reality and smart glasses market, promising a future where technology seamlessly integrates with our daily lives.