Meta’s Hypernova Smart Glasses: A High-Priced Leap into Augmented Reality

Meta appears to be gearing up to introduce a premium version of its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, integrating a built-in display

Meta appears to be gearing up to introduce a premium version of its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, integrating a built-in display, with a potential launch expected by the year's end, according to Bloomberg.

Referred to internally as Hypernova, these upcoming smart glasses will feature a compact display embedded in the right lens, positioned in the lower-right section. This screen will allow users to access applications and view images, all managed through hand gestures and touch-sensitive controls along the frame. Reports indicate that the interface will resemble that of a Meta Quest device, with horizontally aligned icons on the home screen appearing once the glasses are powered on.

Hypernova is also set to include an upgraded camera compared to the current model. Additionally, Meta is maintaining its focus on AI integration by incorporating a chatbot feature into the device, as per Bloomberg.

The anticipated price tag for Hypernova is projected to exceed $1,000, with some versions potentially ranging between $1,300 and $1,400. In contrast, the existing Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses begin at $299.

While Meta continues to develop its high-end Orion AR glasses, Hypernova is designed to fit into the mid-tier segment of the market, competing with models like the Rokid Glasses, which primarily display green text. Despite its classification, Hypernova is expected to be priced significantly higher than its competitors, likely due to its inclusion of a specialized "neural" wristband controller, codenamed Ceres.

Looking ahead, Meta is reportedly planning a successor, Hypernova 2, which will introduce dual screens. According to Bloomberg, this iteration is scheduled for release in 2027.

Meta's strategy to cement its presence in the augmented reality sector comes with a considerable price point. The company, under Mark Zuckerberg's leadership, is developing the Hypernova smart glasses, which are rumored to feature a miniature heads-up display within a single lens. Although the cost is steep, a bigger challenge may lie in ensuring that the software provides a seamless user experience.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Hypernova is expected to launch this year, featuring a tiny display within the right lens that enables users to check notifications, browse images, or even navigate using apps like Google Maps. Prospective buyers should prepare to spend at least $1,000, while premium versions might reach $1,400.

Meta could unveil these glasses during its Meta Connect conference. This model is rumored to have an enhanced sensor, capable of capturing higher-quality images compared to the 12 MP camera found on the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.

Aesthetically, Hypernova is expected to retain the design language of previous Meta glasses. The current Ray-Ban Meta models start at $300, with versions featuring transition lenses priced closer to $380. These glasses rely on physical buttons for camera functionality, while audio playback is managed through touch-sensitive controls on the right earpiece. Gurman suggests that Hypernova's physical controls may be similar.

For those who simply want to take quick snapshots or listen to music without traditional headphones, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses offer a convenient solution. However, future Meta wearables will face hurdles with software performance. According to Bloomberg, Hypernova will have its own home screen, providing access to an app drawer featuring icons arranged horizontally. Applications for photos, camera functionality, and maps are expected to be included.

Gurman mentions that these smart glasses “will continue rely heavily” on the Meta View app, the same software used with Ray-Ban Meta glasses for transferring images to a smartphone. Unfortunately, this app is known for its usability issues. Additionally, speculation that the new glasses will push notifications from the user's phone raises some concerns.

Software challenges remain a significant obstacle for Meta. While the company specializes in web-based platforms, its devices must operate within mobile ecosystems controlled by dominant phone manufacturers. The Meta View app's functionality is constrained by operating system limitations, and Mark Zuckerberg has previously voiced frustration over the compatibility issues between Ray-Ban Meta glasses and Apple’s iOS. If the new Hypernova glasses face similar restrictions, they risk meeting the same fate as previous smart glasses that failed to gain traction.