Meta is making significant strides in the tech world, particularly as it seeks to establish itself as a leader in consumer technology. While artificial intelligence is a focus, augmented and extended reality (AR/XR) has also gained importance, as evidenced by recent developments, including innovations in wristband technology and advanced virtual reality research.
Andrew Bosworth, Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, has exciting news for the upcoming annual Connect conference in September. This event is where the company unveils its latest advancements in VR and XR hardware. In a recent Q&A on Instagram, Bosworth hinted at “big wearable announcements,” sparking curiosity. Previously, such announcements have included new and improved VR headsets, but this year, many believe we might see smart glasses.
There are various paths Meta could take with these smart glasses, including the much-anticipated third-generation Ray-Ban AI glasses. However, one key question many want answered is straightforward: Will these glasses have a display?
From my discussions, it seems this question is on the minds of anyone interested in smart glasses. When people see my Ray-Ban smart glasses, they often ask if there’s a screen, and I can tell that most are let down by the answer. While I appreciate the functionality of the existing Ray-Bans, many don’t feel they truly embody the concept of ‘smart’ glasses. After all, “smart-ish” isn’t quite what people are hoping for.
The good news is there’s reason for optimism! There are whispers about smart glasses with the codename “Celeste,” and they might feature a heads-up display (HUD). What exactly this HUD will do remains uncertain, but it’s expected to display simple information like weather updates and notifications. Additionally, there are rumors that these glasses could integrate with Meta’s wristband technology for hand gestures, although I remain cautious about that since it has mostly been shown in experimental setups.
However, one thing is sure: if these glasses come with a screen, expect a significant price increase. Speculations suggest that Celeste could be priced around $1,000 upon release, and it may be bulkier than the current Ray-Ban models, which are only slightly larger than standard sunglasses. Ultimately, my hope for the Connect conference next month is crystal clear: let’s see smart glasses with a display!
