Meta Unveils Display-Equipped Smart Glasses ’Celeste’ Amid AR Push and Child Safety Scrutiny

Meta will debut its first smart glasses with a built-in display, codenamed 'Hypernova' and branded as 'Celeste,' at its Connect conference this week. Priced at approximately $800, the device marks a strategic step in the company's augmented reality ambitions despite looming concerns about child safety on its platforms.

The launch underscores Meta's race to compete in AI-powered hardware against rivals like OpenAI and Google. Unlike the advanced 'Orion' prototype slated for 2027, Celeste offers a more accessible entry point—though analysts caution the price may curb demand.

Since 2020, CEO Mark Zuckerberg has directed over $60 billion into Meta's AR division, positioning smart glasses as a gateway to 'superintelligent' interfaces. The company already sells AI-enabled eyewear through Ray-Ban and Oakley partnerships, featuring cameras and livestreaming capabilities.