On Monday, Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:META) was back in the spotlight after a leak revealed its next-generation smart glasses, with investor Ross Gerber calling the technology a "game changer" just days before the company's Connect event.
Gerber Applauds Meta's Progress
Gerber Kawasaki co-founder praised Meta's augmented reality efforts in a post on X, formerly Twitter, writing, "Game changer… meta glasses are coming along nicely. The Oakleys are sweet!"
His comments came as META stock rose 1.21% to $764.70 in regular trading before dipping slightly after hours, according to Benzinga Pro. Shares are up more than 30% year to date and 43% over the past 12 months.
Leak Reveals Two New Models
The buzz follows the circulation of a now-removed video from Meta showing off two upcoming devices: Ray-Ban-branded glasses with an integrated display and wraparound Oakley "Sphaera" glasses featuring a nose-mounted camera.
UploadVR first reported on the leak.
Branding in the video suggested the Ray-Ban model may be called the "Meta Ray-Ban Display." A brief clip showed the right lens projecting digital content such as maps, sign translations, AI-powered queries and messaging functions controllable via a wristband.
Cutting-Edge Wristband Tech
Last month, it was reported that Meta will unveil its first consumer-ready smart glasses with a built-in display at next month's Connect conference.
Codenamed Hypernova, the $800 glasses will feature a small digital display in the right lens with a 20-degree field of view for basic information like messages. Developed with EssilorLuxottica, parent of Ray-Ban, the model could launch under the Prada brand due to its thicker frame design.
Meta and Ray-Ban have already sold 2 million pairs of second-gen voice-only glasses since 2023, with Luxottica reporting tripled revenue from smart glasses sales year-over-year.
Connect Event On Deck
Meta's Reality Labs has lost nearly $70 billion since 2020, making the success of its upcoming Hypernova smart glasses crucial for its metaverse plans. The launch builds on last year's Orion prototype, which demonstrated full dual-lens AR capabilities.
Meta is gearing up for its annual tech showcase, Meta Connect 2025, set to begin Wednesday at 5 p.m. PST.
Rivalry With Apple Looms
The latest development comes as Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is also reportedly developing its own lineup of XR devices, including next-generation Vision Pro models and smart glasses, with some expected by 2027.
Benzinga’s Edge Stock Rankings indicate that META maintains a strong trajectory across short, medium and long-term horizons. Additional performance insights can be found here.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
