Meta’s New Glasses “Hypernova” Coming Soon?
Meta is rumored to be launching a high-end smart glasses model codenamed “Hypernova,” with a price exceeding $1,000 (approximately NT$33,000) and potentially reaching up to $1,400 (around NT$46,000). This marks a significant increase compared to the previous generation Ray-Ban Meta’s affordable price of $299, and the launch is expected before the end of 2025.
Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses launched in 2023.
Image / Photography by Sui Yuchan
According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, these glasses will be the first smart glasses equipped with a display, capable of opening certain applications, receiving notifications, viewing photos, or using map navigation. The report cites sources as saying, “It is a key product in Meta’s attempt to replace the iPhone and other devices.”
What Highlights Might Meta’s “Screened” Smart Glasses Have?
Functionality: Small screen on the right eye for viewing photos and notifications
The most significant upgrade of the Hypernova glasses is the addition of a small screen that can display information on the lenses. According to Gurman’s report, the small screen will be positioned in the lower right quadrant of the right eye, clearly visible when looking down. Users will be able to view photos and use map navigation, as well as receive notifications from mobile applications, including Meta’s Messenger and WhatsApp.
Illustration of Meta smart glasses (AI generated).
Image / Generated by ChatGPT
Based on the beta version product revealed last year, it is anticipated that Hypernova will include a built-in microphone for calling an AI assistant, as well as pairing with a smartphone for music playback and calls.
Control: Glasses with sliding sensors, possibly packaged with a wristband
As for control methods, the side of the Hypernova glasses will be equipped with sensors for sliding and tapping. Meta also plans to offer the “neural wristband” for the first time, allowing users to control the glasses through gestures, such as rotating to scroll through applications and photos or pinching fingers and thumbs to select. Meta is currently planning to bundle this wristband accessory, codenamed “Ceres,” with the glasses.
Meta smart glasses will also offer accessories like wristbands for additional control.
Image / Meta
Pricing: Over $1,000
According to informed sources, the pricing for Hypernova may exceed $1,000, potentially reaching up to $1,400, likely due to the high cost of the screen.
Gurman noted that Meta has already begun developing the second generation of this product, codenamed Hypernova 2, which is expected to feature display systems for both eyes and is planned for release in 2027.
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Meta Smart Glasses Capture 60% Market Share
Currently, Meta is undoubtedly a leader in the smart glasses market. According to a report by research firm Counterpoint in February of this year, since the launch of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in 2023, which were developed in collaboration with the eyewear company Ray-Ban, global market demand has surged significantly. The smart glasses market is projected to grow by 156% in 2023 and an astonishing 210% in 2024, with Meta alone capturing over 60% of the global market share in 2024.
The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are priced at only $299, equipped with a 12-megapixel camera capable of taking photos and videos, in addition to functioning as standard eyewear. However, due to its entry-level positioning and the strong brand collaboration, it has attracted many users to try it out. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has previously pointed out that global sales have already exceeded 1 million units.
Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses sales have surpassed one million.
Image / Meta
In addition to Hypernova, Gurman noted that Meta is also preparing a new entry-level product, possibly named Supernova 2, which will have similar functions to the Ray-Ban Meta but will lack a display. This model is expected to be developed in collaboration with American sports sunglasses company Oakley, targeting sports scenarios such as cycling, and testing has already begun in outdoor environments.
Following the success of Meta glasses, other AI smart glasses have also started to emerge, most of which are from Chinese companies, including Xiaomi MIJIA, Baidu’s Xiaodu AI glasses, Loomo AI glasses, RayNeo V3 AI photography glasses, LOOKTECH AI glasses, and more. As technologies like DeepSeek reduce edge computing costs, the market may see an influx of additional AI smart glasses products this year, creating another competitive track outside of head-mounted devices like Vision Pro.
Xiaomi MIJIA smart audio glasses.
Image / Xiaomi
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Source: Bloomberg, Counterpoint Research
This article is republished from: Digital Era