Meta Bets on AI-Powered Smart Glasses to Fuel Next Growth Phase

Meta Platforms Inc. is poised to unveil its next-generation AI glasses, codenamed "Hypernova," at this week's Connect developer conference. The tech giant's pivot toward wearable AI devices marks a strategic shift from VIRTUAL reality headsets, with Ray-Ban and Oakley parent EssilorLuxottica serving as manufacturing partners.

Early indicators suggest strong market potential - sales of Meta's current Ray-Ban AI glasses tripled year-over-year in H1 2024. HSBC analysts note this positions Meta as an early mover in what's expected to become a crowded space, with Apple, Amazon, and Samsung all preparing competing products for 2025 releases.

The Hypernova launch represents Meta's latest attempt to diversify beyond social media advertising revenue. As Zuckerberg noted in July, the company views AI wearables as critical infrastructure for future computing paradigms rather than mere accessory products.