Meta wears Prada? Why its next-gen AR glasses could also be much more modern 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 experiences that Meta can even launch a brand new line of AR sensible glasses which have a show and that IT will accomplice with a special EssilorLuxotica model: Prada.

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A number of reports proceed to stream in about Meta launching its subsequent technology 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 identified since a June report from CNBC. IT is sensible, not solely as a result of Prada glasses are typically massive and hulking sufficient to carry loads of Technology, 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 increase 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Additionally: I attempted sensible glasses with a built-in show, and so they made my Meta Ray-Bans really feel outdated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 latest Meta Oakley glasses, and we’ve got to anticipate some new AI options as effectively. These will possible price $300-$500. 

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

IT‘s the second pair that is prone to get essentially the most consideration since IT can be a totally new product line. So let’s double-click on IT.

These AR glasses will not be the buyer model of the Orion glasses prototype that Meta confirmed off at Meta Join 2024 final yr. These reportedly price over $10,000 to make, have 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 just like one which’s reportedly within the upcoming Hypernova glasses. 

Additionally: Samsung ‘Galaxy Glasses’ powered by Android XR are reportedly on observe 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 reality, these may even be thicker than Ray-Bans, which would offer further 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 does not make quite a lot of sense for Meta to incorporate a wristband in a shopper product when IT does not do the rest 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 Technology would doubtlessly be embedded into the watch.

Additionally: 5 Meta Ray-Ban upgrades which 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 to be able to function them.

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

To be clear, this nonetheless leaves loads of questions. Would the watch be bought individually from the $800 AR glasses? Would the watch be a required or an non-obligatory accent? Might IT even be used to regulate Meta Quest headsets in XR? 

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