Bloomberg’s Mark Garman published a report on Meta’s next steps in hardware, citing sources familiar with Meta’s efforts. According to these insiders, Meta is developing at least three new smart glasses models and setting a roadmap for the release of its first true augmented reality glasses. The company is also reportedly continuing its efforts to implement AI tools into wrist wearables and earphones.
Meta already partners with Ray-Ban to sell smart glasses, a product line internally called Supernova. Garman reports that this existing lineup will be introduced to new markets, but did not provide details on where. Meta’s technology is also applied to frames from other brands owned by our partner Luxottica Group. This is said to lead to the release of a glass codenamed Supernova 2 based on Oakley’s Sphaera glass. This set is aimed at cyclists and other athletes, and its camera is placed in the center of the frame.
The third model is known internally as Hypernova. The product takes one step closer to a true AR experience, giving the wearer the ability to run simple software apps, display notifications, and view photos taken with the device. A more advanced feature set will reportedly come at a more advanced price. Sources told Garman that the set is currently expected to cost $1,000. Insiders had already revealed last month that Meta was working on adding displays to its Ray-Ban glasses models.
In addition to these smart glasses, Meta is also developing an AR product called Orion. Garman reports that the Orion set will not be commercially released. Instead, he said Meta plans to release another version of its hardware as early as 2027. The product’s code name is Artemis, and sources told Garman that these prototype glasses are not as heavy as Orion and are more advanced than their predecessors.
Another notable aspect of Garman’s report is that Meta is developing a wrist strap that can control its smart glasses. Most of the company’s models feature controls on the temples, but the wrist options are similar to those used on the Orion prototype.
Finally, he confirmed that Meta is still developing a prototype camera-equipped earphone that could rival Apple’s AirPods. The Information reported on the project in May 2024, but the concept appears to be facing some development challenges. If these “Camerabuds” ever come to market, it will probably be years before they come to market.
We have reached out to Meta for comment on this report and will update if we receive a statement.
