Meta Plans Oakley-Branded Glasses, Explores Watches and Wearable Devices
Meta Platforms Inc. is venturing into new territory with upgrades to its popular smart glasses and the exploration of new wearable devices like watches and camera-equipped earbuds. The company's ultimate goal is to integrate artificial intelligence features into a wider range of products, positioning itself as an AI innovator in the tech industry.
Enhancing Smart Glasses
Meta is set to launch Oakley-branded smart glasses designed for athletes this year. Additionally, Meta's devices group, Reality Labs, has plans to introduce new high-end glasses with a built-in display by 2025. These advancements aim to rival products from tech giants like Apple Inc., including smartwatches and AirPods. Furthermore, Meta is on track to release its first true augmented reality product around 2027, a highly anticipated development in the tech world.
The company's current lineup includes Ray-Ban glasses embedded with cameras, microphones, and other cutting-edge technologies. While not classified as augmented reality devices, these glasses offer features such as taking photos, analyzing the environment, playing music, and managing calls.
Expanding into Wearables
Meta's efforts to expand its product offerings involve broadening the availability of its Ray-Ban glasses to new markets and collaborating with other fashion brands under Luxottica Group SA. The upcoming "Supernova 2" model, based on Oakley's Sphaera glasses, will cater to cyclists and athletes with its central camera placement.
One of the most significant upgrades is the introduction of "Hypernova," a higher-end smart glasses model featuring a display that projects information directly into the user's field of view. This model, priced at around $1,000, offers capabilities closer to the promised augmented reality experience.
Future Innovations
Meta is also experimenting with a wrist strap controller called "Ceres" to enhance user interaction with the glasses. This accessory may be bundled with the Hypernova glasses, which will also feature touch controls on the frame's temple. Additionally, there are considerations for potential compatibility with a smartwatch in the future.
Looking ahead, Meta is contemplating the release of a smartwatch that could complement its existing product lineup. The company envisions a seamless integration between its smart glasses and a watch, allowing users to streamline their tech accessories and potentially consolidate their devices.
As Meta continues to push boundaries in augmented and virtual reality, these upcoming product launches signify the company's commitment to innovation and technological advancement in the consumer electronics market.
