Meta requires a decisive edge to triumph in the smart glasses competition, as revealed at Meta Connect, and this feat isn't as straightforward as it may seem
In the world of wearable technology, the race for the next big breakthrough is on. One of the key players in this race is Meta, with their rumored Hypernova glasses (or Ray-Ban Meta Display). These glasses, expected to lead the charge in the smart glasses market, are designed to provide a visual overlay to AI smarts that glasses can bring.
The Hypernova glasses, as depicted in leaks, have thick rims, a challenge for wearable tech that needs to be stylish. However, the ultimate obstacle that Meta needs to overcome is to make them stylish to wear. The designer of the frames used in Meta's Hypernova Smart Glasses prototype is not specified, but it's a collaboration between Meta and Ray-Ban, with the frames likely being designed by Ray-Ban.
The wayfarer frame of the Hypernova glasses is a little wider in the top corners to accommodate components, but they still look a little chunky. This could be an area where design-minded companies like Ray-Ban face an uphill battle in shrinking the tech needed for the Hypernova glasses.
The Hypernova glasses are expected to bring the technology revealed in Project Orion last year to consumer specs. If the Hypernova glasses can achieve the aesthetics of a perfectly normal pair of glasses, Meta will have won the race.
Meanwhile, Google has patented 3 major Android XR features for future smart glasses, indicating their commitment to the market. But it's not just Meta and Google making waves. HTC has unveiled Vive Eagle smart glasses that appear to be a stylish AI breakthrough.
The ultimate obstacle standing between smart glasses being the next big tectonic shift in consumer tech since the smartphone is the need for stylish design. Snap has predicted that the leap in smart glasses technology that will convince the public to adopt them will happen in 2026.
The Hypernova glasses use waveguide technology, which eliminates the need for prisms in AR glasses, making for 'actual' augmented reality. The picture is projected directly onto laser-etched lenses, providing a seamless experience for the user.
The price of the Hypernova glasses is rumored to be $799. Meta Connect 2025, an event focusing on smart glasses, is taking place today, and we eagerly await more details about these innovative glasses.
While the Rokid Glasses, while the most subtle smart glasses tried so far, still give an impression of wearing to an open casting for 'Dexter's Laboratory', the Hypernova glasses might just be the game-changer the industry needs. Only time will tell.
