Meta Connect 2025: AI-powered smart glasses take center stage

Core Insights - Meta is shifting its focus from virtual reality (VR) to smart glasses, with significant investments in the development of consumer hardware products [4][5][6] - The company is set to unveil its advanced smart glasses, codenamed Hypernova, which will feature a small display and be controlled via hand gestures [2][3] - Investors are closely monitoring Meta's spending in its Reality Labs division, which has incurred substantial losses but is expected to yield potential returns in the future [4][5] Group 1: Product Development - Meta's upcoming smart glasses, Hypernova, will be priced at $800 and represent the first consumer product with a display [3][7] - The glasses are developed in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, building on previous models like the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses [3] - Hypernova aims to bridge the gap between existing smart glasses and more experimental augmented reality devices [7] Group 2: Financial Performance - Meta's Reality Labs division reported an operating loss of $4.53 billion in Q2, contributing to nearly $70 billion in total losses since late 2020 [4] - Despite the losses, analysts believe that smart glasses may offer a more viable investment opportunity compared to VR headsets, which remain niche products [5][6] - Investors are looking for signs of progress in Meta's hardware development to justify ongoing expenditures [5]