Meta To Launch New AI Smart Glasses With Display At Connect Event

Meta is set to introduce its first consumer-ready smart glasses with a built-in display at its annual Connect event, scheduled for Wednesday. The new device, codenamed “Hypernova” internally, is expected to be launched under the name “Celeste.” Analysts predict that the glasses will be priced at around $800. The launch comes as Meta faces scrutiny over child safety issues on its social media platforms. NDTV reports that these glasses will combine AI features and augmented reality technology for everyday use.

Features of Celeste Glasses

The new glasses will feature a small digital display in the right lens, which will show notifications and basic functions. While this version is less advanced than Meta’s “Orion” prototype shown last year, it marks an important step toward integrating AI-powered features into consumer products. The Orion model, which Meta plans to launch in 2027, has more futuristic features and is considered a long-term goal for the company.

Meta’s Investment in Augmented Reality

Meta has invested over $60 billion since 2020 into its augmented reality (AR) unit, with the goal of making smart glasses a central part of daily life. CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes that these devices will eventually bring superintelligent AI into human lives, a concept where AI surpasses human intelligence in multiple areas. This investment includes both research and product development, making AR a key part of Meta’s future strategy.

Current AR Glasses and Market Performance

Currently, Meta offers smart glasses in collaboration with Ray-Ban and Oakley. These devices include AI features, cameras, hands-free control, and the ability to livestream content to Meta’s social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram. Meta has sold around two million pairs of Ray-Ban smart glasses since 2023, gaining more consumer traction than competitors such as Google Glass. However, the AR unit continues to post significant financial losses despite these sales.

Wristband and Hand Gesture Control

At the Connect event, Meta is also expected to introduce its first wristband that allows users to control the new Celeste glasses using hand gestures. This wristband is designed to improve user experience and make interaction with the glasses more intuitive. Analysts suggest that these features will help attract developers to create new apps for the glasses, expanding the ecosystem for AR technology.

Updated Ray-Ban Line and New Features

Meta will also showcase an updated version of its Ray-Ban smart glasses. The new line is expected to have better cameras, longer battery life, and additional AI features. This update reflects Meta’s commitment to improving its AR products and offering a variety of options for consumers with different needs and budgets.

Prada Collaboration

Reports suggest that the Hypernova glasses may feature Prada branding. Prada’s thick frames and arms are suitable for housing the glasses’ electronic components. This collaboration could also appeal to fashion-conscious consumers who want premium aesthetics along with advanced technology. NDTV notes that the partnership may help Meta differentiate its product in a competitive AR market.

Price Concerns and Market Impact

The expected $800 price tag for the Celeste glasses is significantly higher than Meta’s Ray-Ban line ($299) and Oakley glasses ($399). Analysts warn that this high price may limit consumer adoption, with sales projected to reach only a few hundred thousand units. Despite this, the glasses are seen as a tool to attract developers and expand Meta’s AR ecosystem.

AI and Developer Opportunities

Meta plans to open the Celeste glasses to third-party developers with a new software kit. This initiative is aimed at encouraging developers to build apps and services for the glasses, increasing their utility and creating a robust app ecosystem. By attracting developers, Meta hopes to enhance the functionality of its smart glasses and prepare for future mass-market AR devices.

Meta’s Position in the AI Race

The launch of the Celeste glasses comes as Meta tries to catch up with rivals such as OpenAI and Google in the AI sector. The company has been aggressively hiring AI researchers, creating a billion-dollar competition for talent. This investment is part of Meta’s strategy to remain relevant in the rapidly evolving technology space. NDTV reports that the glasses are one step in Meta’s larger plan to integrate AI into daily life.

Safety Concerns and Criticism

Meta has faced criticism and scrutiny over its handling of child safety. Whistleblowers have claimed that the company allowed AI chatbots to engage in inappropriate conversations with minors. Reuters reported that internal policies once permitted chatbots to participate in romantic roleplay with children, though these rules have now been removed. Despite this, concerns remain about Meta prioritizing profit over user safety, particularly in AR and AI technologies.

Consumer Reception

While Meta has successfully sold smart glasses, analysts predict that the new Celeste glasses will have limited market share due to their high price and bulky design. Jitesh Ubrani, a research manager at IDC, stated that the glasses would likely sell only a few hundred thousand units. However, they are expected to attract more developers to create apps and improve the long-term ecosystem for Meta’s AR products.

Strategic Importance for Meta

Even if the Celeste glasses do not dominate the market initially, they are a strategic product for Meta. By launching a premium AR device, the company can test consumer response, gather feedback, and attract developers for future products. NDTV highlights that these steps are crucial as Meta works toward launching more advanced devices like the Orion glasses in 2027.

Long-Term Vision

Zuckerberg has emphasized that smart glasses will be central to Meta’s vision of integrating AI into human life. Over time, devices like Celeste will evolve, offering more advanced features, better design, and wider adoption. The current launch is an initial step toward building a comprehensive AR ecosystem that combines hardware, software, and AI capabilities.

Meta’s upcoming Connect event will be a key moment for the company as it unveils its new AI-powered Celeste smart glasses. While the glasses may have a limited market impact due to price and design, they are strategically important for attracting developers, testing technology, and advancing Meta’s vision for AI and augmented reality integration. With additional updates to the Ray-Ban line and the introduction of hand-gesture control wristbands, Meta continues to push forward in AR technology despite criticism and scrutiny over safety concerns. NDTV emphasizes that this launch is part of Meta’s broader plan to make AI and AR central to future consumer technology.