Despite facing scrutiny over child safety management on its social media platforms, Meta Platforms, Inc. (META) is expected to intensify its investment in AI-powered augmented reality products at its annual Connect conference on Wednesday, introducing new smart glasses.
At Meta Platforms, Inc.'s headquarters in Menlo Park, California, CEO Mark Zuckerberg is anticipated to unveil the company's first consumer-facing smart glasses with built-in display screens. Analysts predict the device will retail for approximately $800.
According to analysts, the glasses carry the internal codename "Hypernova" and may be marketed under the product name "Celeste" upon release. The right lens will feature a small digital display capable of basic functions such as viewing notifications.
These new glasses represent Meta Platforms, Inc.'s latest product in its effort to remain competitive in the artificial intelligence race, where the company currently lags behind competitors like OpenAI and Google under Alphabet. However, analysts note that the device's high pricing may deter some consumers.
The product is likely far less advanced than the "Orion" prototype glasses Meta Platforms, Inc. demonstrated at last year's conference, which Zuckerberg described as a "time machine to the future." Meta Platforms, Inc. has not yet responded to email requests for comment regarding the new glasses.
Meta Platforms, Inc. expects to launch the "Orion" glasses in 2027, and the company has already collaborated with Ray-Ban and Oakley to release two eyewear product lines. These glasses integrate AI functionality, cameras, hands-free control features, and can livestream to Meta Platforms, Inc.'s social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram.
Since 2020, Zuckerberg has invested over $60 billion in Meta Platforms, Inc.'s augmented reality division. He has stated that smart glasses will become Meta Platforms, Inc.'s core platform, helping integrate "artificial general intelligence" (a hypothetical form of AI that surpasses human intelligence across all domains) into daily human life.
To catch up in the AI field, Zuckerberg has initiated a multi-billion-dollar talent war, aggressively recruiting researchers from competitors. Meanwhile, whistleblowers have accused Meta Platforms, Inc. of prioritizing profits over user safety.
Last month, Reuters reported that Meta Platforms, Inc.'s AI policies allowed its chatbots to engage in provocative conversations with children about sexual and racial topics. Earlier this month, whistleblowers also revealed that Meta Platforms, Inc. instructed researchers not to investigate harm caused by its virtual reality technology to children, allowing the company to claim "ignorance" about the issue.
Meta Platforms, Inc. previously told Reuters it had removed policy provisions that "allowed chatbots to engage in romantic role-playing with children."
High Pricing May Deter Consumers
Analysts say that during the two-day Connect conference, Meta Platforms, Inc. is also expected to introduce its first wristband device, which users can control the new smart glasses through gestures. Additionally, Meta Platforms, Inc. may showcase upgraded versions of its Ray-Ban series glasses, featuring more advanced cameras, longer battery life, and support for new AI functions.
In the smart glasses sector, Meta Platforms, Inc. is among the few tech giants to gain consumer acceptance. Since 2023, its Ray-Ban series glasses, developed in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, have sold approximately 2 million units. In contrast, competing products like Google Glasses have encountered setbacks. However, Meta Platforms, Inc.'s augmented reality division has accumulated billions of dollars in losses.
CNBC reported that the "Hypernova" glasses may feature Prada branding—the Italian brand is known for its thick frame and temple designs, which can accommodate the various components required by the device. Prada has not responded to email requests for comment.
However, analysts point out that the glasses' expected $800 price point—significantly higher than the Ray-Ban series' $299 starting price and the sport-style Oakley glasses' $399 pricing—suggests its market share may be minimal.
Jitesh Ubrani, research manager at IDC's Worldwide Mobile Device Trackers, stated: "These glasses may be somewhat bulky and not the most consumer-friendly design, and the price is quite high, so sales volume may be relatively low."
He estimates the device "could sell at most a few hundred thousand units" but might attract more developers to create applications for it. "This is a step toward ultimately building better mass-market headset devices."
To attract developers, Meta Platforms, Inc. is also expected to open its smart glasses development access to third-party developers through a new software development kit (SDK).