Meta is preparing to take a significant leap in wearable technology with its upcoming premium smart glasses, codenamed Hypernova. Following the success of its Ray-Ban collaboration, the tech giant is now developing a more sophisticated device that promises to bridge the gap between traditional smart glasses and augmented reality headsets.
A Premium Upgrade from Ray-Ban Meta Glasses
Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses have carved out a niche in the wearable market, offering users the ability to capture photos, make calls, and interact with AI assistants. The upcoming Hypernova glasses represent a substantial evolution, featuring a built-in display that will allow users to view digital content without needing to check their smartphones. According to Bloomberg reports, these premium glasses will command a premium price tag, expected to range from USD $1,000 to USD $1,400 – nearly four times the cost of the current Ray-Ban Meta glasses.
Meta Hypernova Smart Glasses - Key Specifications
- Price Range: USD $1,000 - $1,400
- Display: Monocular panel in lower-right quadrant of right lens
- Camera Quality: Comparable to iPhone 13 (upgrade from Ray-Ban Meta's iPhone 11-level quality)
- Operating System: Custom Android OS
- Control Methods:
- Capacitive touch controls on temple bars
- Neural wristband (codenamed "Ceres") for gesture control
- Carrying Case: Triangular prism design (codenamed "Heres")
- Expected Release: Fall 2025 (likely at Meta Connect event)
Innovative Display Technology
What sets Hypernova apart is its monocular display panel, positioned in the lower-right quadrant of the right lens. Unlike some competing AR glasses that require users to look upward to view content, Hypernova users will need to glance downward to see the digital overlay. This design choice appears to be an interim solution, as Meta is reportedly already developing a successor with a binocular display system that will feature screens for both eyes.
Interface and Functionality
When powered on, the glasses will boot up with a screen displaying Meta and partner logos, including Google/Android and Qualcomm. The interface will feature a horizontal arrangement of circular icons reminiscent of the app dock found on Apple devices and Meta's Quest headset. Pre-installed applications will include a camera, photo gallery, and maps, with the ability to display notifications from messaging services like WhatsApp and Messenger.
Advanced Control Methods
Hypernova will offer multiple ways for users to interact with the device. Traditional capacitive touch controls on the temple bars will allow for navigation through swiping and tapping gestures. More intriguingly, Meta plans to bundle the glasses with a neural wristband (codenamed Ceres) that will enable gesture-based control. This wristband will detect hand movements, allowing users to scroll through content with hand rotations and select items with pinching gestures.
Camera Improvements
While the current Ray-Ban Meta glasses offer camera quality comparable to the iPhone 11, Hypernova is expected to feature upgraded camera sensors that rival the iPhone 13. Though specific details are sparse, improvements in image stabilization and low-light performance are likely targets for enhancement.
Operating System and Ecosystem
The glasses will run on a custom version of Android but won't feature an onboard app store. Instead, they'll rely on pre-installed applications and phone connectivity for expanded functionality. This approach suggests Meta is positioning Hypernova as a companion device rather than a standalone product.
Release Timeline and Future Plans
Bloomberg reports that Hypernova is still months away from being introduced, with a potential launch during Meta's Connect event in the fall of 2025. This timing would align with previous smart glasses announcements from the company. Interestingly, Meta is already working on successors, including Hypernova 2 with dual displays and Supernova 2, a display-less model that will be branded by Oakley and targeted at athletic users.
Meta Smart Glasses Roadmap
- Current: Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses (~$350)
- Coming Soon: Hypernova (premium glasses with monocular display)
- In Development:
- Hypernova 2 (binocular display system)
- Supernova 2 (Oakley-branded glasses for athletic use, no display)
Market Positioning
With Hypernova, Meta appears to be taking a different approach from competitors like Apple and Samsung, who have focused on bulkier, more expensive headsets. By creating premium smart glasses with display capabilities while maintaining a relatively wearable form factor, Meta may be carving out a middle ground in the AR market – more capable than basic smart glasses but more practical for everyday use than full AR headsets.