Prada’s Linea Rossa glasses are an instance of frames that might probably fiit a number of expertise.
Prada | Jason Hiner/ZDNET
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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- We count on 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’ll accomplice with a unique EssilorLuxotica model: Prada.
A number of experiences 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 recognized since a June report from CNBC. It is sensible, not solely as a result of Prada glasses are typically massive and ponderous sufficient to carry loads of expertise, 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 lengthen and develop the partnership — and presumably freeze out different tech manufacturers from making comparable offers with them.
There’s been loads of confusion and hypothesis in regards to the sensible glasses Meta will announce at its Meta Join occasion 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 following iteration of Meta Ray-Bans AI glasses. So let’s break it down.
Additionally: I attempted sensible glasses with a built-in show, they usually made my Meta Ray-Bans really feel outdated
We count on Meta to launch two merchandise:
1.) The three.0 model of Meta Ray-Bans audio-only AI glasses — These will probably include longer battery life and upgraded cameras to match the latest Meta Oakley glasses, and we’ve to count on some new AI options as effectively. These will possible price $300-$500.
2.) Subsequent-gen AR glasses with a show — It is broadly reported that Meta can even unveil a set of future-facing sensible glasses that can embody a colour show in the precise eye, will use a neural wristband for controls with hand gestures, and can price round $800.
It is the second pair that is prone to get probably the most consideration since it could be a totally 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 price 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 just like one which’s reportedly within the upcoming Hypernova glasses.
Additionally: Samsung ‘Galaxy Glasses’ powered by Android XR are reportedly on monitor 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. The truth is, these may even be thicker than Ray-Bans, which would offer additional room for Meta to pack within the newest applied sciences wanted to run cameras, audio system, AI-powered chips, and a colour show.
Getting again to the wristband, it does not make a number of sense for Meta to incorporate a wristband in a client product when it does 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 expertise would probably 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 in an effort to function them.
Prada makes luxurious watches as effectively. So there’s at all times the chance that Meta might supply 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 optionally available accent? Might it even be used to regulate Meta Quest headsets in XR?
ZDNET shall be in-person at Meta Join on September 17 to get the solutions and to go hands-on with no matter merchandise Meta unveils.
