Meta Platforms (META), the parent company of Facebook, is reportedly gearing up for a significant leap in its smart glasses technology. With plans to add displays to its Ray-Ban-branded smart glasses next year, Meta is doubling down on its vision of smart eyewear as the future of computing. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting development.
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Meta’s Vision: Smart Glasses as the Next Computing Platform
Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, first launched in 2021, have been an unexpected win for the company. As part of its long-term metaverse strategy, Meta has been pouring billions into augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI). CEO Mark Zuckerberg sees smart glasses as the “next computing platform,” integrating AI seamlessly into users’ everyday lives.
The Financial Times reported that an updated version of Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses could hit the market in late 2025. The new model will feature a built-in display, allowing users to see notifications and interact with Meta’s AI assistant directly in their field of view.
This move signals Meta’s commitment to redefining how we interact with technology, blending fashion and function in a wearable device.
Accelerating AR Development: The Orion Project
Meta isn’t stopping at smart glasses. The company has “accelerated” its development of Orion, a cutting-edge AR glasses project. Orion glasses aim to project virtual objects directly into the user’s frame, enabling advanced features like video calls, real-time notifications, and computing on the go.
While the Orion glasses are still in the prototype stage, Zuckerberg showcased a developer-focused version in September, comparing the experience to a “time machine.” However, a consumer-ready product is still several years away.
What Can Meta’s Current Smart Glasses Do?
The existing Ray-Ban smart glasses are already packed with features:
- Photo and Video Capture: Snap photos and record videos effortlessly.
- Music Playback: Listen to your favorite tracks through built-in speakers.
- AI Integration: Ask Meta’s AI assistant questions for quick answers and translations.
Meta recently added live translation capabilities to its glasses, further enhancing their practicality.
Meta’s CTO on the Future of AI and Glasses
Meta’s Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth sees smart glasses as the ultimate device for integrating AI into daily life. In a blog post last week, he highlighted how glasses are uniquely positioned to become AI-native hardware:
“You’re seeing phone and PC makers scramble to rebuild their products to put AI assistants at their core. But I think a much bigger opportunity is to make devices that are AI-native from the start, and I’m confident that glasses are going to be the first to get there.”
With a strong focus on combining AI and AR, Meta is paving the way for a new era of wearable tech.
Meta Stock Gains Momentum Amid Smart Glasses Buzz
On Monday, Meta stock rose 2.5%, closing at $599.85. This rebound comes after a challenging week, where shares dropped 5.6% and fell below a flat base buy point of $602.95. However, Monday’s gains saw Meta stock find support at its 50-day moving average, signaling renewed investor confidence.
Meta’s stock performance has been impressive this year:
- Year-to-Date Gain: 69%
- IBD Composite Rating: 97/99 (third-highest in the internet content group)
- Recent High: $638.40 (recorded on Dec. 11)
With the upcoming smart glasses updates and accelerating AR efforts, Meta appears well-positioned to maintain its upward trajectory.
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Why Meta’s Smart Glasses Matter
The integration of displays and advanced AI features into Ray-Ban smart glasses marks a significant step toward making augmented reality accessible to everyday users. By prioritizing wearable, AI-native technology, Meta is setting the stage for a future where glasses replace traditional screens as our primary interface with technology.
What do you think about Meta’s latest smart glasses upgrades? Are you excited about the future of AI and AR in wearable tech? Let us know in the comments below!
