In a striking revelation, a leaked memo from Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, has set the stage for a groundbreaking year in technology. As disclosed by Business Insider, this confidential communication hints at a bold initiative to introduce “half a dozen more” AI-powered wearable devices by the end of this year. This ambitious endeavor seems poised to redefine Meta’s hardware trajectory amid the overarching quest to determine whether their pursuits in the metaverse and hardware sector will be celebrated as visionary or falter as a grand misadventure.
The Spectacle of Smart Glasses
Meta’s current strategic moves seem to focus prominently on smart glasses, marking a significant collaboration with EssilorLuxottica to enhance their market presence. Industry insider Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reports that, building on the success of Ray-Ban smart glasses, Meta is gearing up to unveil Oakley Meta glasses geared specifically for athletes. Unlike their predecessors, these glasses will feature a centrally located camera, a design targeted at enhancing the utility for cyclists and sports enthusiasts.
In addition, the tech giant has plans to release another line of smart glasses, code-named Hypernova. Sources like The Verge and The Financial Times, alongside Gurman, suggest these glasses will likely incorporate a heads-up display (HUD). They may not carry the Ray-Ban brand, but they are expected to showcase notifications and respond to Meta’s AI assistant through an innovative waveguide display.
Pioneering Input with Neural Wristbands
A flagship addition to Meta’s wearable lineup could be the integration of their neural wristband technology. First teased with the Orion AR glasses, this neural wristband employs electromyography (EMG) to track even the most subtle finger movements, allowing users to interact with devices effortlessly, even if their hands are obstructed. This transformative tech, rooted in Meta’s acquisition of CTRL Labs, marks a pivotal step toward more intuitive wearable interfaces.
Exploring New Horizons with Meta Buds
In an intriguing twist, Gurman’s report also hints at Meta venturing into the competitive earbuds market. These so-called “Camera Buds” are rumored to incorporate cameras capable of AI-driven decision-making. However, technical challenges, including design issues impacting users with longer hair, have made this innovation unlikely to debut in the immediate future.
The Return of the Meta Smartwatch
After a previous setback, Meta is reconsidering the launch of a smartwatch, a move initially postponed due to complications with neural sensing integrations. Speculation suggests that the company might revive this project, aiming to create a wearable that complements their smart glasses by showcasing captured photos.
A Glimpse into the Unknown
While Bosworth’s memo suggests at least six new devices in the pipeline, not all gadgetry has been explicitly outlined. This leads to the tantalizing question—is there another groundbreaking invention quietly brewing within Meta’s labs? As the tech community eagerly anticipates more news, Meta’s evolving roadmap promises to be a focal point of innovation and speculation in 2025 and beyond.