- Meta’s Hypernova smart glasses will cost $1,000–$1,400, featuring a monocular display.
- The glasses include hand tracking, neural wristband controls, and upgraded camera sensors.
- Hypernova 2, with a binocular display, is already in development for athletic use.
- Expected to launch at Meta’s Connect event in late 2025.
- The glasses will sync with smartphones for notifications and app integration.
Meta’s Hypernova Smart Glasses: A New Era in AR
Meta is set to launch its next-generation smart glasses, codenamed Hypernova, in late 2025. Priced between $1,000 and $1,400, these glasses aim to redefine augmented reality (AR) with advanced features like display projections, hand tracking, and neural wristband controls. Unlike the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, Hypernova will include a built-in screen, marking a significant leap in AR technology.
Key Features and Design
Hypernova’s standout feature is its monocular display, located in the lower-right quadrant of the right lens. Users will need to look downward to view the digital overlay, a design choice that sets it apart from competitors like the Even Realities G1, which use upward-facing displays. The glasses will also feature capacitive touch controls on the side and support finger gestures via Meta’s neural wristband.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the first version of Hypernova will focus on a single-screen display, while a successor with a binocular display system is already in development. This second version, designed in partnership with Oakley, will target athletic use, offering a more immersive experience for fitness enthusiasts.
Hardware and Software Integration
Hypernova will feature a boot screen showcasing Meta and its partners, including Google/Android and Qualcomm. Once activated, the glasses will display a horizontal stack of icons, similar to the app dock on iPhones and MacBooks. Preinstalled apps will include a camera, gallery, and map, with synchronization capabilities for smartphone notifications from messaging services.
The camera sensor on Hypernova is expected to rival the iPhone 13, a significant upgrade from the Ray-Ban smart glasses, which are comparable to the iPhone 11. Improvements in image stabilization and low-light performance are anticipated, though Meta has yet to confirm specific details.
Neural Wristband and Gesture Controls
Meta’s neural wristband, a compact device resembling a fitness tracker, will play a crucial role in Hypernova’s functionality. The wristband uses electromyography (EMG) to sense electrical impulses from the skin, translating them into gestures. This technology allows for complex interactions without requiring direct line-of-sight with the glasses’ cameras.
During testing, users navigated apps using eye tracking and finger pinches, with the wristband providing haptic feedback. While the system is still being refined, it represents a significant step forward in AR interface design, potentially influencing future Meta products like smartwatches and Quest headsets.
Release Timeline and Expectations
Bloomberg reports that Hypernova is still months away from its official introduction, with a likely launch at Meta’s Connect event in late 2025. The company has a history of unveiling major products at this event, including the Orion prototype glasses and the Ray-Ban smart glasses.
Meta’s ambitious pricing strategy positions Hypernova as a premium product, targeting tech enthusiasts and early adopters. While the $1,000–$1,400 price tag may limit its initial market reach, the glasses’ advanced features and integration with Meta’s ecosystem could drive long-term adoption.
Meta’s Hypernova smart glasses represent a bold step forward in AR technology, combining advanced hardware, intuitive controls, and seamless software integration. As the company continues to innovate, Hypernova could set a new standard for wearable AR devices, paving the way for future advancements in the field.