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On Wed, 22 Jan, 12:06 AM UTC
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Apple preps smart glasses with visionOS and a Meta Ray-Ban rival
It's no secret that Apple's entry into the AR/VR segment didn't quite stir the product revolution that the company may have expected. A cumbersome build married to a sky-high asking price for the Vision Pro headset were some of the key woes, but the company has not given up on its dreams. On the contrary, Apple might even expand into the wearable category beyond the domains of XR itself. According to Bloomberg, the company is working on multiple ideas for smart glasses, both with advanced AR optics and those without a sophisticated display unit. Recommended Videos "Apple is already working on a version of visionOS -- the Vision Pro's software -- that will run on glasses," says the report, which comes courtesy of Mark Gurman's PowerOn newsletter. The outlet recently reported on an internal program called "Atlas" that entailed collecting feedback from employees about the market and potential for smart glasses. The idea is to chalk out the plans for what kind of features and perks Apple should ideally offer on a pair of smart glasses. Apple's work on smart glasses is, once again, late to the domain. Meta has already showcased its Orion AR smart glasses concept, even though it is still a few years from a market release as the company waits for the costs to come down. Google has also confirmed that it is serious about the potential of smart glasses, with Android XR formally laying down the foundations of those plans. There are a few other players out there, such as Halliday and Even Realities, who are taking a more minimalist course for smart glasses. It, however, seems that Apple is not merely content with the premise of XR glasses. The company has apparently paid close attention to the smash hit that was the Meta Stories smart glasses, developed in partnership with Ray-Ban. "It's also exploring other types of wearable products, including a rival to Meta's Ray-Ban spectacles and even camera-equipped AirPods," adds the Bloomberg report. The Meta smart glasses, equipped with a pair of front-facing cameras, originally arrived as a companion device for social media sharing and serving as a companion for basic tasks like handling calls and music playback. But in the past few months, they have steadily gained new features, including integration with the Meta AI stack that opens a whole new world of interaction and capabilities for users. The company is reportedly working on a successor that will add a screen for deeper immersion in the coming years. Apple is no stranger to the whole premise. Just look at the Apple Intelligence stack powered by OpenAI's GPT ecosystem and features like Visual Intelligence that uses AI to make sense of the world in the view of a person's eyes, and camera sensors aboard a face-worn device like headsets or smart glasses. However, it is unclear how long it is going to take for Apple to put a pair of smart glasses -- with or without XR chops -- on the shelves. But given the lukewarm reception it has amassed for its first XR outing with the Vision Pro headset, the company will likely take its own sweet time perfecting its smart glasses and making sure that they stand out from the competition.
[2]
Meta Reportedly Developing Oakley Smart Glasses For Athletes
Samantha Kelly is a freelance writer with a focus on consumer technology, AI, social media, Big Tech, emerging trends and how they impact our everyday lives. Her work has been featured on CNN, NBC, NPR, the BBC, Mashable and more. Meta is reportedly preparing to launch a pair of Oakley smart glasses as soon as later this year. According to a new Bloomberg report, Meta plans to expand its AI-powered eyewear lineup beyond its existing partnership with Ray-Ban. The report states that the new glasses will be based on Oakley's Sphaera model, which is designed for athletes like runners and cyclists, and would feature a camera positioned closer to the center of the frame for improved capture. A representative for Meta did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Oakley is part of Luxottica, which also owns a portfolio of high-end fashion eyewear brands, including Ray-Ban, suggesting Meta could further expand its smart glasses offerings across additional brands in the future. These efforts aim to strengthen Meta's position in AI, as well as in augmented and virtual reality, where the company has invested heavily for years despite lagging consumer adoption. Like Meta's Ray-Ban collection of smart glasses, the Oakley version is expected to offer similar features, including AI tools and the ability to take photos and videos and interact via voice commands. However, this model will not include a display, the report said. At the same time, Meta is reportedly developing a more advanced pair of smart glasses, codenamed "Hypernova," which will feature a built-in display to show notifications from its smart assistant. This model, expected to launch later this year, may also include temple controls on the frame and may ship with a wrist strap that enables additional controls. The report also states that Meta is considering launching new wearable devices, including watches and earbuds with built-in cameras that analyze the surrounding environment in real time. Both products would be part of the broader push to integrate AI more deeply into consumer devices and better compete with the Apple Watch and AirPods. Bloomberg also reports that Apple has explored adding cameras to its own earbuds.
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Meta Plans Oakley-Branded Glasses, Explores Watches and Earbuds
Meta is laying focus on hardware initiatives Meta has spent billions on AR and VR development That product line is internally code-named "Supernova" Meta Platforms Inc. is working on upgrades to its popular smart glasses and is exploring new wearable devices such as watches and camera-equipped earbuds, aiming to embed its artificial intelligence features into more products. The effort includes developing Oakley-branded smart glasses for athletes this year, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Meta's devices group, Reality Labs, also plans to release new high-end glasses with a built-in display in 2025, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the initiatives haven't been announced. Other products underway would compete with Apple Inc.'s smartwatch and AirPods, the people said. And the company is making headway on its first true augmented reality product -- a holy grail for the tech industry -- for release around 2027. A representative for Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, declined to comment on the company's plans. The flurry of products is part of a bid to reposition Meta as an AI innovator, with a focus on hardware that can usher in the next era of computing. The social media company has spent tens of billions on augmented and virtual reality development and launched multiple versions of headsets and glasses, but broad consumer acceptance has remained elusive. Meta currently sells Ray-Ban glasses that are embedded with cameras, microphones and other technologies. Though they stop short of being an AR device -- one that superimposes data and images on real world views -- the spectacles can take pictures, analyze the surrounding environment, play music and handle calls. That product line, internally code-named "Supernova," will be expanded in three major ways. First, the company is planning to introduce its current Ray-Ban glasses to new markets. Second, Meta is broadening its smart glasses technology to other fashion brands owned by partner Luxottica Group SA. That includes a new version -- dubbed "Supernova 2" -- that is based on Oakley's Sphaera glasses. This model, which shifts the camera to the center of the glasses frame, will be aimed at cyclists and other athletes. The biggest upgrade this year will be a new higher-end offering that uses a design that's closer to the current Ray-Ban glasses. Code-named "Hypernova," this model will include a display on the bottom portion of the right lens that projects information into a user's field of view. People would be able to run simple software apps, view notifications and see photos taken by the device -- capabilities that get a bit closer to the long-promised AR experience. The device would carry a higher price tag. Some employees involved in the project expect the Hypernova glasses to cost around $1,000 (roughly Rs. 86,348), compared with a $299 (roughly Rs. 25,818) starting price for the current Meta Ray-Bans. Meta is testing an approach that lets users rely on a wrist strap -- dubbed "Ceres" -- to control the glasses. The Menlo Park, California-based company has discussed offering this accessory in the same box as the Hypernova spectacles, which will also have touch controls on the frame's temple. The temple approach would be the standard input method if the wrist accessory doesn't pass muster. The strap controller would be similar to one used by Meta's Orion prototype AR glasses, an unreleased product that the company showed off last year. The Hypernova product also may work with a smartwatch, but Meta doesn't yet offer such a device. For about half a decade, Meta has explored releasing a smartwatch that would compete with models from Apple, Samsung Electronics Co. and others. Over the years, the company has changed the project's details and priorities, and it's canceled and uncanceled the device multiple times. Meta is now again weighing the idea of releasing a watch as early as this year -- with a display that would be able to show photos taken with the company's smart glasses. For now, Meta's glasses are essentially an accessory to users' smartphones -- rather than a true replacement. But the company is moving toward more of an all-in-one product that would let consumers dispense with carrying a phone and other devices. The Orion prototype, which relies on an external puck to handle computing, is a step toward that. The company aims to start offering that device to software developers in 2026 so they can build and test applications for it. The glasses would then be more enticing to consumers when they're released broadly. © 2025 Bloomberg LP
[4]
Meta's Oakley-branded smart glasses sound like something from The Matrix
After using the Pixel Watch 3, here's what I want from the Pixel Watch 4 Summary Meta is focusing on developing wearable tech, including Oakley-branded smart glasses with cameras for athletes. The new models, 'Supernova 2' and 'Hypernova,' will feature high-end designs and wrist control for added functionality. These new glasses could reportedly cost more than $1,000 and face stiff competition from rumored Apple smart glasses. Meta is doubling down on wearable tech, with work on watches, earbuds with cameras, and new smart glasses. Part of the company's push into augmented reality (AR) includes plans to introduce Oakley-branded smart glasses . Yes, those Oakleys, like the ones worn by Neo in The Matrix. Related Even these basic smart glasses left me giddy for the AR revolution It looks like we're nearly there this time Posts The new model is dubbed 'Supernova 2' and will adopt Oakley's Sphaera design, according to Bloomberg's sources. The glasses will include cameras positioned near the center of the frame for improved usability for athletes. Cyclists in spandex will finally have a dashcam, it would seem. AR and AI, meet the fitness market The report comes from Bloomberg tech reporter Mark Gurman. He said the Oakley-inspired glasses are expected to launch alongside another high-end model called 'Hypernova,' featuring a display in the right lens that projects notifications, apps, and other information directly into the user's field of view. These glasses will reportedly come with a wrist strap controller, called 'Ceres.' It's not actually that strange of a collaboration, all things considered. Meta already collaborates with Luxottica Group SA, the parent company of both Ray-Ban and Oakley. The Meta Ray-Ban partnership has been a great success and has made inroads in the fashionable sunglasses market. Meta is going after the athletic market now. Get ready to spend all your money Bloomberg reports that Meta is having trouble balancing cost, functionality, and consumer demand. As a result, it will cost you upwards of $1,000 to gain Neo-like powers. There is also stiff competition from other tech giants, with Apple reportedly working on something similar, albeit without the brand recognition of Oakley. Until then, Meta clearly rules the AR smart glasses roost. The partnership with Oakley is yet another dive into the consumer market, leaving one big question unanswered: how does one deal with a cyclist hogging the road when they have Neo's Matrix-warping powers? Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have a 12MP Ultra-wide camera above the left lens that offers 4032x3024 resolution and can record photos or videos up to 60 seconds in length. It can also live stream to either the FaceBook or Instagram apps. The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, available in various styles and colors and with prescription lenses, are built for those who want to capture POV photos and videos and share them on social media. $299 at Best Buy $299 at Ray-ban
[5]
Oakley smart glasses coming this year; Meta glasses with display to cost $1k
If Ray-Ban Meta glasses are not your style, the company is expected to launch a pair of Oakley smart glasses later this year. These will likely mirror the functionality of Meta's existing AI glasses, but with very different styling. The Oakley glasses are reportedly based on the Sphaera model, which is primarily aimed at cyclists and other athletes ... Meta's first smart glasses were based on the Ray-Ban Wayfarer model, with Skyler and Headliner models also available. A couple of us here at 9to5Mac put them to the test, and were impressed by the form factor looking and feeling very similar to the non-smart version. We found they offered a really convenient hands-free way to shoot POV photos and short video clips, as well as access AI features. Oakley smart glasses are expected to essentially be the same thing in different frames. Like Ray-Ban, the Oakley brand is owned by Luxottica, making for a very easy deal. It also means we can likely expect more Meta launches from other sunglasses brands owned by the optical giant. Bloomberg reports. Meta is broadening its smart glasses technology to other fashion brands owned by partner Luxottica Group SA. That includes a new version -- dubbed "Supernova 2" -- that is based on Oakley's Sphaera glasses. This model, which shifts the camera to the center of the glasses frame, will be aimed at cyclists and other athletes. The current model combines a camera with microphones and speakers. All information provided by the glasses, from incoming messages to AI responses, is by voice - there's no display. That will be true of the Oakley version also. A report last month said that Meta was also working on a more sophisticated version, which would add a display. Meta plans to add displays to its Ray-Ban smart glasses as soon as next year, as the US tech giant accelerates its plans to build lightweight headsets that can usurp the smartphone as consumers' main computing device [...] The updated Ray-Bans could be released as early as the second half of 2025, the people said. The small display would be likely to be used to show notifications or responses from Meta's virtual assistant. The FT report had no information on pricing, but Bloomberg says they will be priced at around $1k.
[6]
Meta Plans Oakley-Branded Glasses, Explores Watches and Earbuds
Meta Platforms Inc. is working on upgrades to its popular smart glasses and is exploring new wearable devices such as watches and camera-equipped earbuds, aiming to embed its artificial intelligence features into more products. The effort includes developing Oakley-branded smart glasses for athletes this year, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Meta's devices group, Reality Labs, also plans to release new high-end glasses with a built-in display in 2025, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the initiatives haven't been announced.
[7]
Meta is building Oakley smart glasses for athletes: report | TechCrunch
Meta's Reality Labs is expanding its lineup of AI smart glasses with a new pair of Oakley-branded spectacles targeted at athletes, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Bloomberg reports the new smart glasses, with which Meta seeks to capitalize on the Ray-Ban Meta's success, will be based on Oakley's Sphaera glasses, and will shift the camera toward the center of the glasses frame. It seems Meta wants to tap into Oakley's cult-like following among various athlete groups, including cyclists, runners, and rowers. This could help popularize smart glasses with more mainstream consumers. Beyond new glasses, Meta is also exploring a wide range of AI-powered devices, including camera-equipped earbuds and a smart watch. The company is also developing a $1,000 pair of smart glasses based on the Ray-Ban Meta's design, with an AR display projected on the bottom portion of the right lens, according to the report.
[8]
Report: Meta could release its first true AR headset as soon as 2027
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman dishes on the company's plans for smart glasses and other AI hardware. Mark Gurman at Bloomberg has released a report about Meta's next steps in hardware, crediting sources familiar with the company's work. According to these insiders, Meta is developing at least three new smart glasses models and has set a roadmap toward releasing its first true augmented reality glasses. The company is reportedly also continuing efforts to implement AI tools in a wrist wearable and in earbuds. Meta already sells smart glasses in partnership with Ray-Ban, a product line internally called Supernova. Gurman reports that this existing lineup will be introduced to new markets, although he didn't offer specifics about where. Meta's technologies also be applied to frames from other brands owned by its partner, Luxottica Group. This will allegedly lead to the launch of glasses codenamed Supernova 2 based on the Sphaera glasses from Oakley. This set would be intended for cyclists and other athletes, and its camera would be placed in the center of the frames. The third model is internally dubbed Hypernova. This product would be another step closer to a genuine AR experience, giving wearers the capability to run simple software apps, view notifications and display photos taken by the device. The more advanced feature set would reportedly come with a more advanced price tag; sources told Gurman this set is currently projected to cost $1,000. Insiders had already revealed last month that Meta was working on bringing a display to its Ray-Ban glasses models. Alongside these smart glasses, Meta has also been developing an AR product dubbed . Gurman reports that the Orion set will not receive a commercial release. Instead, he said that Meta plans to launch a different iteration of the hardware as early as 2027. This product is codenamed Artemis, and sources told Gurman that these prototype glasses aren't as heavy as Orion and are more advanced than the predecessor. Another item of note in Gurman's report is that Meta is developing a wrist strap that could control its smart glasses. Most of the company's models have controls at the temple, but a wrist option would be similar to the one used for the Orion prototype. Finally, he confirms that Meta is still working on prototypes of camera-enabled earbuds that could be a rival to Apple's AirPods. The Information on this project in May 2024, and it seems that the concept has faced some development challenges. If these "Camerabuds" do reach the market, it likely won't be for years. We've reached out to Meta for comment on this report and will update with any statement we receive.
[9]
Meta Expands AI Wearables With Oakley Smart Glasses, Camera-Equipped Earbuds In Development - Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META)
Meta is reconsidering its smartwatch project, aiming for a potential 2025 launch with smart glasses integration. Meta Platforms Inc. META is advancing its wearable technology lineup, developing Oakley-branded smart glasses and exploring new AI-powered devices, including smartwatches and earbuds with built-in cameras. According to a report from Bloomberg, the company aims to enhance its AI ecosystem by integrating smart hardware into everyday accessories. The move signals Meta's continued push into augmented reality and AI-driven computing, despite years of mixed results in the wearable space. While its Ray-Ban smart glasses have gained traction, broader consumer adoption has been slow. See Also: Mexican Peso, Canadian Dollar Slide As Trump Threatens 25% Tariffs, Economist Eyes Price Hikes On 'Typical US Breakfast' A New Look for Smart Glasses: Oakley Edition And The $1,000 Hypernova Meta's current Ray-Ban smart glasses, packed with cameras, microphones, and AI features, are getting a major expansion under the internal code name "Supernova." This includes launching in new global markets and extending the tech to other Luxottica brands, including Oakley. The Oakley version, "Supernova 2," is designed specifically for cyclists and athletes, featuring a center-mounted camera to better capture movement and surroundings. The real game-changer, though, is "Hypernova," a high-end pair of smart glasses expected to launch in 2025. Unlike its predecessors, this version will have a built-in display on the lower portion of the right lens, letting users check notifications, view images, and run simple apps, all without pulling out a phone. The price tag? Roughly $1,000, a big jump from the $299 starting price of Meta's current Ray-Bans. Smartwatch Project Resumes; Earbuds With Cameras? Meta has been toying with the idea of a smartwatch for years, scrapping and reviving the project multiple times. Now, the company is once again considering launching a Meta-branded smartwatch as soon as 2025. If it moves forward, the device would likely integrate with Meta's smart glasses, serving as an AI-powered companion to display photos and notifications captured by the eyewear. Meta Wants To See Through Your Ears Perhaps the most ambitious project in Meta's pipeline is AI-powered earbuds with built-in cameras, internally called "Camera Buds." The idea is simple but futuristic: Wearers could look at an object and ask the earbuds to analyze it in real time, similar to what Meta's AI already does with its smart glasses. But it's not all smooth sailing. Engineers are reportedly struggling with camera placement and usability for people with long hair, which could delay the project. If Meta finds a fix, these could be a major competitor to Apple Inc.'s AirPods and Samsung's Galaxy Buds, both of which are reportedly exploring camera-enabled models of their own. Read Now: Trump Reverses Biden's AI Policies On Day 1: What It Means For Tech Giants Nvidia, AMD, Alphabet Image: Shutterstock METAMeta Platforms Inc$618.660.96%Overview Rating:Good62.5%Technicals Analysis1000100Financials Analysis400100WatchlistOverviewAAPLApple Inc$222.22-3.37%Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs
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Meta is expanding its smart glasses lineup, including Oakley-branded glasses for athletes and advanced models with displays, as part of its broader push into AI and wearable technology.
Meta is gearing up to broaden its smart glasses lineup, building on the success of its Ray-Ban collaboration. The company is now setting its sights on the athletic market with plans to launch Oakley-branded smart glasses later this year 12. This move is part of Meta's broader strategy to integrate AI more deeply into consumer devices and strengthen its position in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) 2.
The new Oakley model, internally dubbed "Supernova 2," will be based on Oakley's Sphaera design. It's specifically aimed at athletes such as cyclists and runners, featuring a camera positioned closer to the center of the frame for improved capture 23. This strategic placement is expected to enhance the user experience for sports enthusiasts, potentially offering features like a built-in dashcam for cyclists 4.
Meta is also developing a more sophisticated pair of smart glasses codenamed "Hypernova." This high-end model will include a built-in display on the bottom portion of the right lens, capable of projecting information into the user's field of view 3. The Hypernova glasses are expected to offer more advanced features, including the ability to run simple software apps, view notifications, and see photos taken by the device 3.
To enhance user interaction, Meta is exploring new control methods for its smart glasses. The company is testing a wrist strap called "Ceres" that would allow users to control the Hypernova glasses 3. Additionally, the glasses will feature touch controls on the frame's temple 3.
The Hypernova model is expected to carry a higher price tag, with some employees projecting a cost of around $1,000, significantly more than the $299 starting price for the current Meta Ray-Bans 35. This pricing strategy positions the Hypernova as a premium product in the smart glasses market.
Meta's ambitions extend beyond smart glasses. The company is also exploring other wearable devices, including watches and camera-equipped earbuds 2. These efforts aim to compete with products like the Apple Watch and AirPods, while also preparing for the next era of computing 3.
As Meta pushes forward with its AR and VR initiatives, it faces potential competition from other tech giants. Apple is reportedly working on its own smart glasses, although details remain scarce 4. This evolving landscape suggests an intensifying race in the wearable technology sector, with smart glasses at the forefront of innovation.
The new smart glasses are expected to integrate with Meta's AI stack, offering features similar to those found in the current Ray-Ban models. These include AI tools, photo and video capture capabilities, and voice command interactions 2. This integration aligns with Meta's broader strategy to position itself as an AI innovator and to embed its AI features into more products 3.
As Meta continues to invest heavily in AR and VR development, these new smart glasses represent a significant step towards realizing the company's vision of the future of wearable technology. While consumer adoption of such devices has been slow to date, Meta's expanding portfolio and focus on different user segments could help accelerate market acceptance in the coming years.
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Apple is reportedly considering the development of smart glasses similar to Meta's Ray-Ban collaboration, potentially integrating AI, cameras, and premium audio features. This move comes amid challenges with their AR glasses project and Vision Pro headset.
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Meta plans to incorporate small displays into Ray-Ban smart glasses by 2025, aiming to enhance functionality and challenge smartphone dominance. This move represents a significant step towards mixed reality technology in wearable devices.
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Apple is developing a range of new AR/VR products, including a cheaper Vision headset, smart glasses to rival Meta, and AirPods with cameras, as part of its long-term strategy in the mixed reality market.
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Apple is reportedly reconsidering its strategy for the Vision Pro, exploring various options for future iterations including AR glasses. The tech giant is also looking into integrating AI and AirPods technology into its mixed reality offerings.
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OpenAI and Apple are reportedly developing smart glasses, intensifying competition in the AI-powered wearable market. This move challenges Meta's current leadership in the smart eyewear sector.
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