Meta wears Prada? Why its next-gen AR glasses may be even more fashionable than Ray-Bans

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

• We anticipate the three.0 model of Meta’s audio-only Ray-Ban sensible glasses at Meta Join in September with a number of upgrades.
• Meta executives have teased that a number of wearables are coming this fall.
• There are reviews that Meta may even launch a brand new line of AR sensible glasses which have a show and that it’ll accomplice with a unique EssilorLuxotica model: Prada.

A number of reports proceed to stream in about Meta launching its subsequent era sensible glasses — the successors to its Meta Ray-Bans, which have far exceeded gross sales expectations over the previous two years. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and CTO Andrew Bosworth have largely confirmed that Meta will launch a number of wearable merchandise this fall. 

However one of many issues flying below the radar is that Meta will reportedly introduce a brand new model accomplice: Prada. This has been recognized since a June report from CNBC. It is smart, not solely as a result of Prada glasses are usually massive and hulking sufficient to carry loads of know-how, however Prada’s glasses are below the umbrella of EssilorLuxotica, the identical firm that runs the Ray-Ban and Oakley manufacturers. Meta reportedly acquired a 3% stake in EssilorLuxotica in June to formally prolong and broaden the partnership — and presumably freeze out different tech manufacturers from making related offers with them. 

There’s been loads of confusion and hypothesis concerning the sensible glasses Meta will announce at its Meta Connect event on September 17. As a result of Meta is launching a number of merchandise, a number of the wires have gotten crossed by reporters — for instance, conflating options in Meta’s “Hypernova” or “Celeste” glasses (the 2 codenames most related to Meta AR glasses) with the subsequent iteration of Meta Ray-Bans AI glasses. So let’s break it down.

Additionally: I tried smart glasses with a built-in display, and they made my Meta Ray-Bans feel outdated

We anticipate Meta to launch two merchandise:

1.) The three.0 model of Meta Ray-Bans audio-only AI glasses — These will doubtlessly include longer battery life and upgraded cameras to match the current Meta Oakley glasses, and we have now to anticipate some new AI options as effectively. These will seemingly value $300-$500. 

2.) Subsequent-gen AR glasses with a show — It is extensively reported that Meta may even unveil a set of future-facing sensible glasses that can embody a coloration show in the precise eye, will use a neural wristband for controls with hand gestures, and can value round $800. 

It is the second pair that is prone to get essentially the most consideration since it will be a very new product line. So let’s double-click on it.

These AR glasses will not be the patron model of the Orion glasses prototype that Meta confirmed off at Meta Join 2024 final 12 months. These reportedly value over $10,000 to make, had been very thick and heavy, and never sensible for on a regular basis put on. Nevertheless, they did embody a neural wristband (codenamed “Ceres”) that is prone to be much like one which’s reportedly within the upcoming Hypernova glasses. 

Additionally: Samsung ‘Galaxy Glasses’ powered by Android XR are reportedly on track to be unveiled this month

That is the place Prada is available in. 

The favored luxurious model is understood for its thick-rimmed glasses, such because the Prada Linea Rossa line. In truth, these may even be thicker than Ray-Bans, which would supply additional room for Meta to pack within the newest applied sciences wanted to run cameras, audio system, AI-powered chips, and a coloration show. 

Getting again to the wristband, it would not make a variety of sense for Meta to incorporate a wristband in a shopper product when it would not do anything besides management your glasses. Nevertheless, Meta has additionally lengthy been rumored to be engaged on a smartwatch, and now a report from DigiTimes expects Meta to additionally launch a smartwatch at Meta Join as a companion to its sensible glasses and VR headsets. The neural wristband know-how would doubtlessly be embedded into the watch.

Additionally: 5 Meta Ray-Ban upgrades that have me excited for September 17

It makes much more sense for Meta to launch a smartwatch that pairs with sensible glasses than it does to launch a pair of sensible glasses that require a wristband with a purpose to function them.

Prada makes luxurious watches as effectively. So there’s all the time the chance that Meta may supply a Prada-branded watch that goes with the glasses. 

To be clear, this nonetheless leaves loads of questions. Would the watch be offered individually from the $800 AR glasses? Would the watch be a required or an optionally available accent? May it even be used to regulate Meta Quest headsets in XR? 

ZDNET can be in-person at Meta Connect on September 17 to get the solutions and to go hands-on with no matter merchandise Meta unveils.