Meta’s New Glasses “Hypernova” Are Coming?
Rumors suggest that Meta is set to launch a high-end smart glasses model codenamed “Hypernova,” priced over $1,000 (approximately NT$33,000), potentially reaching as high as $1,400 (approximately NT$46,000). This is significantly higher than the previous generation Ray-Ban Meta’s affordable price of $299, with a release expected before the end of 2025.
Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses launched in 2023.
Image / Photo by Sui Yuchan
According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, this pair of glasses will be the first smart glasses equipped with a display, capable of launching certain applications, receiving notifications, viewing photos, or checking map navigation instructions. The report cites sources stating, “It is a key product for Meta’s attempt to replace the iPhone and other devices.”
What Highlights May the “Screened” Smart Glasses Have?
Features: Small screen on the right eye for viewing photos and notifications
The biggest upgrade of the high-end 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, providing the clearest view when looking down. The screen can display photos, utilize map navigation, and support notifications from mobile applications, including Meta’s Messenger and WhatsApp.
Concept image of Meta smart glasses (AI generated).
Image / Generated by ChatGPT
Based on revelations from last year’s beta version, the Hypernova is expected to come with a built-in microphone, capable of calling up an AI assistant and pairing with a mobile phone for music playback and calls.
Control: Sliding sensors on the glasses, potentially shipped with a wristband
In terms of control, the sides of the Hypernova will be equipped with sensors for sliding and tapping. Meta also plans to offer a “neural wristband” for the first time, allowing wearers to control the glasses through gestures, such as rotating to scroll through applications and photos, or pinching their fingers and thumb to select. Meta is currently planning to package this wristband accessory, codenamed “Ceres,” together with the glasses for bundled sale.
In addition to operational features on the frame, Meta is expected to launch wristbands and other accessories for control.
Image / Meta
Price: Above $1,000
According to insiders, the Hypernova is likely to be priced above $1,000, potentially reaching $1,400, attributed to the high cost of the display. Gurman noted that Meta has already started developing a second generation of this product, codenamed Hypernova 2, which will feature display systems for both eyes and is planned for release in 2027.
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Meta’s 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 this year, the launch of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in 2023, a collaboration between Meta and eyewear company Ray-Ban, significantly boosted global market demand. The smart glasses market is expected to grow by 156% in 2023, with an even more explosive growth of 210% in 2024, as Meta alone captures over 60% of the global market share in 2024.
With a price of only $299, Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are equipped with a 12-megapixel camera for taking photos and videos, in addition to functioning as regular eyewear. Despite their entry-level positioning and the strong brand collaboration, they have attracted many users to give them a try. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has pointed out that global sales have already exceeded 1 million units.
Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses sales exceeded one million units.
Image / Meta
In addition to Hypernova, Gurman indicated that Meta is also preparing a new entry-level product, possibly named Supernova 2, which will have similar features to Ray-Ban Meta but without a display design. This model is expected to be developed in collaboration with American sports sunglasses company Oakley, targeting sports scenarios including cycling, and has already begun testing in outdoor environments.
Following the success of Meta glasses, other AI smart glasses have begun to follow suit, with most being from Chinese companies, including Xiaomi MIJIA, Baidu’s Xiaodu AI glasses, Loomo AI glasses, RayNeo V3 AI photography glasses, and LOOKTECH AI glasses. With technologies like DeepSeek reducing edge computing costs, the market may see an influx of more 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 a collaborative reprint from: Digital Age