A recently leaked internal memo has revealed Meta’s ambitious plans to release six new AI-driven mixed reality (MR) devices in 2024. The company, still recovering from the failure of its metaverse push, is now fully embracing AI wearables in an effort to redefine the industry.
Meta’s AI Wearables Push
Silicon Valley’s tech trends often come in waves, and the latest one is all about AI-integrated wearables. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has set an aggressive goal of shipping millions of AI glasses, with hopes of eventually reaching billions in sales. According to Business Insider, Meta’s Reality Labs chief, Andrew “Boz” Bosworth, outlined the company’s grand vision in a memo titled “2025: The Year of Greatness.”
In the memo, Bosworth highlighted that Meta is “pushing our advantage by launching half a dozen more AI-powered wearables,” emphasizing the company’s commitment to AI-driven hardware. While the memo was initially sent to employees in November 2023, it remains unclear if the company’s plans have since evolved.
What’s Coming?
In 2024, Meta already introduced its upgraded Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and the Meta Quest 3S, but more devices are reportedly in the pipeline. Rumors suggest that Meta is working on:
- Oakley-style AR glasses designed specifically for athletes.
- “Hypernova” heads-up display (HUD) glasses, potentially providing real-time data overlays.
- Expanded smart glasses lineup, possibly with different frame styles and premium transition lenses.
Additionally, Bosworth hinted at a broader push for mixed reality engagement, suggesting that Meta may introduce more devices equipped with displays—possibly a refined version of Project Orion, the true AR glasses showcased at Meta Connect 2023.
No New VR Headsets… Yet
Despite ongoing speculation, the leaked memo does not mention any new VR headsets for 2024. Reports from Bloomberg indicate that Meta is working on two new Quest devices, with at least one being a potential successor to the short-lived Quest Pro. However, these headsets seem more likely to debut in 2025.
The Future of Horizon Worlds and Meta’s Vision
The memo also touches on Horizon Worlds, Meta’s virtual social space that has struggled to gain traction. Bosworth reportedly stated:
“Horizon Worlds on mobile absolutely has to break out for our long-term plans to have a chance. If you don’t feel the weight of history on you, then you aren’t paying attention. This year likely determines whether this entire effort will go down as the work of visionaries or a legendary misadventure.”
Interestingly, nowhere in the memo does Bosworth mention the word “metaverse”—a notable omission given that Meta rebranded itself around this concept just a few years ago.
A New Era for AI Wearables?
The shift to AI-powered smart glasses aligns more closely with real-world usability compared to VR headsets. While Apple was once rumored to be developing similar AR glasses, recent reports indicate that technical challenges forced the company to abandon the project. This leaves Meta with an opportunity to prove that AI-integrated wearables can be more than just a “chatbot on your face.”
With six new devices planned for 2024, Meta is making a massive bet on AI wearables. Will they finally crack the code for mainstream adoption, or is this just another tech experiment waiting to fail?
