Meta Plans to Launch Advanced Smart Glasses Later This Year

Reports have once again suggested that Meta’s going to launch a new version of its Ray Ban Meta smart glasses later this year, though not the fully AR-enabled device that it still has in development.

Back in January, Bloomberg reported that Meta was working on a new version of Ray Ban glasses with a small heads-up display, which will enable users to get notifications, view photos, and more, within their field of view.

And now, Bloomberg’s gleaned some more insight into the project:

“Meta’s ramping up work on a deluxe version of its popular smart glasses, with plans to include hand-gesture controls and a screen for displaying photos and apps. The company intends to introduce its first glasses with a screen as early as the end of this year, a product it sees as a key step toward providing an alternative to Apple’s iPhone and other mobile devices.”

The next iteration of Meta’s smart glasses, which it’s important to note will not be fully AR-enabled, will reportedly cost just over $1,000, and will be another step towards the next stage of digital connectivity, and fully integrated digital and real-world experiences.

Which are also in development.

Meta’s AR glasses are currently in testing, with Meta working to improve the design elements, and reduce the costs before a full commercial launch.

Yeah, ideally, Meta will be able to slim them down a little, so you don’t look like you’re wearing a “Where’s Waldo?” costume.

But that’s the next stage, and in-between, Meta’s looking to bridge the gap between smart glasses and AR with a sort of hybrid variation, which, as noted, will be able to deliver notifications and display photos via a small heads-up display, which will be visible to the wearer at the lower portion of their view.

According to reports, the smart glasses will also be able to run “simple” apps.

It’s an interesting take on the advancing wearables race, and it’ll be interesting to see what level of utility these non-AR smart glasses provide. Because if you’re paying $1,000+ for smart glasses, you’re probably better off waiting for Meta’s full AR-enabled device, which is scheduled for launch in 2027.

Right?

I mean, sure, you could pay up right now, and get a few of the features that will also be incorporated into its eventual AR offering. But a heads-up display for messages doesn’t seem like a major leap over the current Ray Ban Meta glasses, which look stylish, and offer similar functionality, without the in-view screen.

You can get notifications via audio, and you can do most of the other things that this new device will offer. Maybe it’d be better to save your money for the next major shift?

Of course, a lot of people won’t wait, and Ray Ban Metas are now very popular, so it’s probably a smart marketing move for Meta to jump on that and maximize interest.

And maybe, there is some highly valuable utility in a non-AR version of the device.

We’ll have to wait and see, with Meta reportedly looking to release this new version of the device later in the year.