Meta (META.US) plans to launch Oakley smart glasses and explore the development of smart watches and headphones.

Meta Platforms (META.US) is actively working on upgrading its popular smart glasses and exploring new wearable devices, such as watches and headphones with cameras, with the goal of embedding its artificial intelligence capabilities into more products. According to sources, these efforts include the development of smart glasses under the Oakley brand for athletes this year. Sources also indicate that Meta's device division, Reality Labs, plans to release new high-end glasses with built-in displays in 2025. Additionally, the company is developing products that will compete with Apple Inc.'s smartwatches and AirPods. Furthermore, the company is developing its first true augmented reality product, which is expected to be released around 2027. This product lineup, internally codenamed "Supernova," is part of Meta's efforts to reposition itself as an artificial intelligence innovator, focusing on hardware that can lead the next era of computing. The social media company has invested billions in the development of augmented and virtual reality, launching multiple versions of wearable devices and glasses, but has struggled to gain widespread consumer acceptance. Meta's current Ray-Ban glasses feature cameras, microphones, and other technologies. While they are not AR devices - devices that overlay data and images onto the real-world view - these glasses can take photos, analyze the surrounding environment, play music, and take calls. The "Supernova" product line will be expanded in three main ways. Firstly, Meta plans to push its existing Ray-Ban glasses into new markets. Secondly, Meta is expanding its smart glasses technology to other fashion brands under partner Luxottica Group SA. This includes a new version based on Oakley Sphaera glasses, called "Supernova 2," which moves the camera to the center of the frame and targets cyclists and other athletes. This year's biggest upgrade will be a new high-end product, codenamed "Hypernova," designed to be more similar to the current Ray-Ban glasses. This glasses will have a display screen at the bottom of the right lens, projecting information into the user's field of view. Users will be able to run simple software applications, view notifications, and see photos taken by the device - features closer to the long-promised AR experience. The device will also be priced higher. Some employees involved in the project expect the Hypernova glasses to be priced around $1,000, compared to the current starting price of $299 for Meta's Ray-Ban glasses. Meta is also testing a method for users to control the glasses using a wristband called "Ceres." The company has discussed including this accessory with the Hypernova glasses, which will also have touch controls on the frame legs. If the wristband accessory does not meet requirements, the frame leg method will become the standard input method. This wristband controller is similar to the one used for Meta's Orion prototype AR glasses showcased last year. The Hypernova glasses can also be used in conjunction with smartwatches, although Meta has not yet provided such a device. Over the past five years, Meta has been exploring the launch of a smartwatch to compete with companies like Apple Inc. and Samsung. However, the company has changed the details and priorities of the project, canceling and resuming it multiple times. Now, Meta is considering the idea of releasing a smartwatch as early as this year, with a display that can show photos taken with the company's smart glasses. Currently, Meta glasses are essentially an accessory to the user's smartphone, rather than a true replacement. However, the company is working on creating an integrated product that will allow consumers to do without carrying a phone and other devices. The Orion prototype is a step towards this goal. The company plans to start providing the device to software developers in 2026 for building and testing applications. When this glasses are widely released, they will be more appealing to consumers. Orion will never be released to customers. Instead, the company plans to start selling a follow-up version codenamed "Artemis" in 2027 at the earliest. Before actual shipments, Meta still needs to overcome challenges related to cost, display technology, and manufacturing. However, sources familiar with the Artemis prototype say that it is more advanced than the Orion test unit and is lighter - weight has always been a stumbling block for other wearable devices, including Apple Inc.'s Vision Pro. Meta is also developing a prototype with a built-in camera that competes with AirPods, allowing users to observe the outside world and take actions using artificial intelligence. If Meta decides to produce this earpiece for consumers, it is likely to take a few more years to hit the market. This device allows users to look at an object and have the earpiece analyze it. These features are similar to those provided by Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, but in a different form which has been well received by consumers. However, there are also challenges with the use of this product. For example, it may be more difficult for people with long hair to use this device. Meta is also not satisfied with the angle of the camera in the recent demonstration version. The headphone is internally referred to as "Camera Buds," and its development is still in the early stages. If the company cannot overcome these challenges, there is always the possibility of canceling the project. Reportedly, Apple Inc. is also exploring the idea of installing cameras on headphones and has made progress in this direction in recent months. According to other sources, Samsung, which sells headphones similar to Apple Inc.'s AirPods, is also considering launching headphones with cameras.