Mark Gurman in Bloomberg released report on Meta's next steps in hardware, citing sources familiar with the company's work. According to these insiders, Meta is developing at least three new smart glasses models and has laid out a roadmap to launch its first true augmented reality glasses. The company is also reportedly continuing its efforts to bring artificial intelligence tools to wristwatches and headphones.
Meta already sells smart glasses in partnership with Ray-Ban, a product line called Supernova. Gurman says the existing line will be introduced in new markets, although he didn't specify where. Meta's technologies are also applied to frames from other brands owned by its partner Luxottica Group. This is expected to lead to the release of glasses codenamed Supernova 2, based on Oakley's Sphaera glasses. This set will be aimed at cyclists and other athletes, and its camera will be placed in the center of the frames.
The third model received the internal name Hypernova. This product will be another step towards a true AR experience, giving users the ability to run simple software applications, view notifications and display photos taken by the device. The more advanced feature set will reportedly cost more; Sources told Gurman that the set will currently cost $1,000. Insiders have already disclosed Last month, Meta was working on adding a display to its Ray-Ban glasses.
Apart from these smart glasses, Meta is also developing an AR product called . Gurman reports that the Orion set will not receive a commercial release. Instead, he said Meta plans to release another version of the hardware as early as 2027. The product is codenamed Artemis, and sources told Gurman that these prototype glasses are not as heavy as the Orion and are more advanced than its predecessor.
Another noteworthy point in Gurman's report is that Meta is developing a strap that could control its smart glasses. Most of the company's models have controls on the temple, but the wrist version will be similar to the one used in the Orion prototype.
Finally, he confirms that Meta is still working on prototypes of camera headphones that could compete with Apple's AirPods. Information on this project in May 2024, and it looks like the concept has run into some development problems. If these “Kamerabuds” appear on the market, then most likely it will not happen in a few years.
We have reached out to Meta for comment on this report and will update any statement received.