Key points
- Meta’s first consumer-ready smart glasses, codenamed “Hypernova” and expected to launch as “Celeste,” will be unveiled.
- The glasses will feature a small digital display for basic functions and retail for approximately $800.
- A new wristband for hand gesture control and an updated Ray-Ban line with improved features will also be launched.
- Meta aims to attract developers with a new software kit to build apps for its glasses.
Meta is set to double down on its augmented reality (AR) ambitions at its annual Connect event on Wednesday, unveiling its first consumer-ready smart glasses. Despite facing intense scrutiny over child safety issues on its social media platforms, the company, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is expected to launch “Celeste,” internally codenamed “Hypernova.”
These glasses will boast a built-in digital display in one lens, providing users with access to notifications and other basic functions. The device is projected to carry a significant price tag of approximately $800.
While significantly less advanced than the “Orion” prototype showcased last year, “Celeste” represents a key step in Meta’s ongoing push to become a leader in the AI-powered AR market. This aggressive strategy, fueled by over $60 billion in investment since 2020, positions smart glasses as the company’s central avenue for integrating superintelligence into daily life.
However, the high price point raises concerns about market penetration. Analysts predict sales will be limited, potentially reaching only a few hundred thousand units. This is in stark contrast to the more affordable Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses lines, which have already gained some consumer traction, selling around two million units since 2023.
Alongside the new glasses, Meta is expected to launch a complementary wristband that enables hand gesture control and an upgraded Ray-Ban line with enhanced cameras, improved battery life, and AI features.
The company is also expected to open its platform to third-party developers via a new software development kit, in an effort to foster a robust app ecosystem and enhance the glasses’ overall utility. This move aims to encourage app development and ultimately pave the way for a future, more mass-market headset.
The launch comes amid continuing controversy surrounding Meta’s handling of child safety. Recent reports highlighted AI chatbots engaging children in inappropriate conversations and allegations of prioritizing profits over user well-being. While Meta has addressed some of these concerns, the ongoing scrutiny casts a shadow over the company’s ambitious AR plans.
