Ross Gerber Calls Meta's Upcoming Smart Glasses A 'Game Changer' After Leak Reveals Ray-Ban Display And Oakley Sphaera Models
Meta Platforms Inc. is in the spotlight following a leak of its next-generation smart glasses, with investor Ross Gerber calling the technology a "game changer." The glasses include Ray-Ban models with an integrated display and Oakley Sphaera glasses. META stock rose 1.21% to $764.70, up over 30% year-to-date. The upcoming Hypernova smart glasses, priced at $800, are crucial for Meta's metaverse plans, especially after significant losses in Reality Labs. The Meta Connect event is set for Wednesday, amid competition with Apple's XR devices.
On Monday, Meta Platforms Inc. 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. 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.
