Meta Ready To Launch New Smart Glasses With Screens, Price Estimated At IDR 12 Million

JAKARTA - Meta is rumored to be showing off its ambitions in the augmented reality (AR) world again through the launch of the latest generation of smart glasses at the Meta Connect annual event which was held Wednesday, September 17 at the company headquarters in Menlo Park, California. CEO Mark Zuckerberg is scheduled to introduce a new product that is touted as Meta's first smart glasses with a built-in screen.

The device, which is codenamed Hypernova, is expected to be marketed under the name Celeste, according to analysts, at a price of around $ 800 or equivalent to Rp. 12 million. These glasses will be equipped with a small digital screen in the right lens that can display basic functions such as notifications.

However, observers think that price tag is much more expensive than Ray-Ban's (starting $299) and Oakley's ($399) eyewear has the potential to make sales limited. This product is likely to only sell hundreds of thousands of units. However, its existence could attract more developers to build applications," said Jitesh Ubrani, IDC research manager.

In addition to Celeste's glasses, Meta is also expected to introduce a new wristband that allows users to control devices with gestures, as well as updates on Ray-Ban glasses with better cameras, more durable batteries, and the latest AI features.

Meta has so far been one of the major tech companies that has relatively managed to attract consumer interest in the smart glasses segment, with sales of around two million Ray-Ban units since 2023. However, the company's AR division is still recording billions of dollars in losses.

Zuckerberg himself has invested more than 60 billion dollars since 2020 to drive AR development, with the vision that smart glasses will be the main door to the integration of super artificial intelligence into everyday human life.

Amid the onslaught of criticism over child safety issues on his social media platform, Meta has also opened access for third-party developers through new software kits to strengthen its smart glasses ecosystem.

Interestingly, CNBC reported the possibility of collaboration with the luxury brand Prada, which is known for its thick frame design and large glasses arm. However, until now Prada has not made any official comments.

With this launch, Meta hopes to remain relevant in AI competition against other giants such as Google and OpenAI, although mass adoption is predicted to last a long time.