Meta Set to Launch Hypernova AR Glasses in September at $800 Price Point
This price tag marks a surprising shift from earlier expectations. Initial estimates had suggested Meta might launch Hypernova at more than $1,000, with some predictions going as high as $1,400. By choosing to lower the cost, Meta is aiming to make the product more accessible to early adopters, even if it means thinner profit margins in the short term. Designer frames and prescription lenses are likely to cost extra, but the entry price itself will be considerably more affordable than once feared.
Unlike a full-fledged augmented reality headset, Hypernova is being positioned as a bridge device—something between lifestyle smart glasses and the future of true AR headsets. Early details suggest the glasses will feature a small display embedded in the right lens, enabling wearers to view notifications, alerts, and lightweight applications without needing to check their phones.
A key part of the system will be Meta's neural wristband, a technology the company has been refining for several years. This wristband interprets signals from the wearer's wrist, allowing subtle hand movements to function as commands. By combining this control method with the glasses' display, Meta is offering a more intuitive, button-free user experience.
The timing of this launch comes as competition in the AR/VR space heats up. Apple's Vision Pro, which launched in 2024 at $3,499, has drawn criticism for its heavy design, steep cost, and limited content library. Positioned as a mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro is marketed toward professionals and enthusiasts rather than everyday consumers. Reports suggest sales have been modest, and Apple appears to be pacing itself until it can deliver a lighter, more affordable version later this decade.
Meta, however, seems to be taking a different approach. Instead of chasing ultra-premium features, the company is focusing on practicality and accessibility. Hypernova is unlikely to rival the Vision Pro in terms of immersive cinema-like experiences, but it could resonate with users looking for convenience in daily life—such as quick access to notifications, navigation, and productivity tools without needing to reach for a phone.
This strategy also builds on Meta's previous experiments in wearable tech. Its collaboration with Ray-Ban produced glasses that captured photos, videos, and streamed audio, but those products leaned more toward lifestyle accessories. Hypernova pushes the concept further by integrating a display and a new control system, positioning it as a more serious step into AR.
For consumers, Hypernova's launch may represent the first widely affordable opportunity to experience augmented reality in everyday life. Whether it evolves into a mainstream device or remains a niche product will depend heavily on Meta's long-term app ecosystem, updates, and user support.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
4 minutes ago
- Mint
Pixel 10 launch: Google boldly calls out Apple on stage for ‘broken promises' and closed ecosystem
Google unveiled its highly anticipated Pixel 10 in a launch event that was equal parts tech showcase and playful rivalry. Hosted by late-night star Jimmy Fallon, the event mixed celebrity flair with strategic jabs, setting a tone that was both bold, confident and refreshingly self-assured. Rick Osterloh, Google's senior VP, kicked things off by introducing the Pixel 10's new Gemini AI assistant. But he didn't stop at features. He took a subtle swipe at Apple's delays, saying, 'There has been a lot of hype about this, and frankly, a lot of broken promises too. But Gemini is the real deal. We've got the best models, we've got the best AI assistant, and it means this can just unlock so much helpfulness on your phone.' Osterloh also reminded everyone that Pixel was the first to launch Car Crash Detection back in 2019, years ahead of Apple. The playful jabs at the Pixel 10 launch event didn't end there. SVP Adrienne Lofton highlighted Android's open ecosystem, contrasting it with Apple's more restrictive 'walled garden.' She pointed out that the Pixel 10 will 'work perfectly fine with all of your Apple MagSafe accessories,' prompting Fallon to joke about even saying 'the A-word' on stage. Lofton also addressed the long-running green vs. blue bubble debate, stating, 'I want to say, personally, the green/blue bubble battle is silly, and it's tired. And at Google, we're done with that conversation', 'Now when you're chatting with your i-friends, you can say goodbye to blurry photos and videos… the group chat is for the whole group,' she added, emphasising Google's focus on seamless communication across platforms. Beyond the playful competition, the event was packed with real innovations. From upgraded AI features to improved software tools, Google highlighted features designed to make everyday phone use smarter and more efficient. Celebrity appearances and live demos added entertainment flair, keeping viewers engaged while reinforcing the brand's confidence. The overall tone of the launch sent a clear message that Google isn't just releasing a new phone, but is making a statement. Unlike many Android launches that feel overshadowed by Apple, this one leaned into the rivalry, showing that Google can compete head-to-head while having fun. The event was part tech showcase, part friendly roast, leaving no doubt that Google is confident in its products and ready to stand out in the crowded smartphone market. For anyone waiting for the next big Android release, the Pixel 10 event offered both excitement and entertainment, and a reminder that Google is not afraid to call out the competition.
Mint
4 minutes ago
- Mint
Global Companies Tapping Into India's Expanding Market
India's large consumer base and significant pool of talent are contributing to the success of US listed companies, making them a noteworthy investment opportunity. Consider iPhone-maker Apple, one of the largest companies in the world with a market capitalisation of $3.4 trillion. As more and more Indians purchase Apple's phones, computers, tablets and watches, the company's revenues in India are crossing records every quarter. Revenues have grown more than 30% annually in the two years until FY 2024, to around $8 billion last year. That number is expected to exceed $10 billion when the results are released for the 2024-2025 financial year. With this scale, Apple's India business is already larger than some of the country's largest listed consumer companies. Hindustan Unilever, the major fast-moving consumer goods company listed on Indian stock exchanges, had revenues of $7.5 billion in the year ending March 31 2024, a 5% increase from the previous year. Avenue Supermarts, a supermarket chain operator which relies directly on retail consumers, saw its revenues grow by 18% last year to around $ 6 billion. In fact, Apple India is fast catching up to India's major automakers, and is growing much faster than them. Mahindra & Mahindra's revenues grew 15% in FY 24 to $16.5 billion — half of Apple India's growth rate - while Maruti Suzuki India's revenues went up by 20% to around $17 billion. Analysts expect the Silicon Valley-based company to continue growing in India, with revenues reaching $40 billion in less than a decade, according to Morgan Stanley. In short, Apple provides a way to participate in the global aspirations and buying power of Indians. But there's one aspect to note: its stock isn't listed in India. In today's deeply inter-connected global economy, the benefits of India's growth are not limited to Indian listed companies. In fact, global companies like Apple are capturing a significant amount of value from this growth. Apple shares have risen 30% on the Nasdaq stock exchange in the last three years, and close to 100% in the last 5 years. And now, Indian investors can participate in this growth, with fractional investments as small as ₹ 1. 'Magnificent 7' Companies Finding Success in India Apple is just one among the 'Magnificent 7' — a group of influential stocks in the US market — that is benefiting from India's growing economy. Others in the group including Google parent Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon and Meta Platforms, formerly Facebook, have also established large businesses in India. Google and Meta Platforms dominate India's $9 billion-digital advertising market. This business is expected to grow at one of the fastest rates globally, given the significant internet usage among Indians. Already India's 800 million internet users are more than double the number of internet users in the US. Google, including its flagship video platform YouTube, made $3.65 billion from its digital ads business in India in FY 24, nearly double of what it earned in 2021. Similarly, Meta, which owns Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, more than doubled its ad revenues from India to around $2.7 billion in FY 24. The overall India revenues for these companies are higher, as they own several other businesses catering to the Indian audience, such as digital payment platforms like Google Pay and WhatsApp Pay. Alphabet's shares have doubled while Meta shares have quadrupled in the last three years on the Nasdaq stock market. Another large beneficiary of India's growth is e-commerce firm Amazon. Its marketplace business, which sells everything from shampoo to air-conditioners to consumers, has grown by 56% in three years to $3 billion in FY 24. Meanwhile, Amazon Web Services, which provides cloud computing, storage and online database services to India's small businesses, has grown by 167% in the three years through last year. Including its other major India entities, Amazon Wholesale and Amazon Retail, the Seattle-based company's India revenues were $5.3 billion in FY 2024. On the Nasdaq stock exchange, its shares have gained 73% over the last three years through July 31. These companies have announced plans to invest more in India with a view to their future prospects. Earlier this year, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said it would invest $3 billion, reportedly its largest ever-investment in India, over the next two years to build its Azure cloud services and artificial intelligence (AI) capacity. Microsoft's India unit reported revenues of $2.7 billion last year, a 50% increase from three years earlier. Its stock has gained 90% over the last three years, and a whopping 160% over the five years ending July 31. Benefiting from India's Talent Pool It's not only consumers, but also India's vast pool of talented human capital that is boosting the fortunes of US-listed technology companies. Demand for information-technology, outsourcing and related services increased, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, as companies worldwide sought to digitise their operations. Accenture Solutions, tied to NYSE-listed IT solutions-provider Accenture Plc, has grown to become one of the largest foreign companies operating in India. Its revenues grew by 70% in the post-pandemic period, to nearly $8 billion in FY 2024. Other American IT and IT-es companies that have built substantial businesses in India and are growing, include Dell, IBM, Adobe and Cisco Systems. Then there are companies like Cognizant Technology Solutions and Genpact, which started out as Indian companies offering outsourcing and related IT services, but have grown to become global companies listed on US stock exchanges. A large majority of their employees are based in India. Cognizant, listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange, earned revenues of nearly $20 billion in 2024, while NYSE-listed Genpact had nearly $5 billion revenue. These stocks offer diversification to India-based investors from India-listed IT companies like Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys. The list of US-listed companies that are earning billions from the growing Indian market is extensive. Hotel chain Marriott crossed $1 billion in revenues in India last year, and has plans to expand into India's smaller towns. Honeywell, a Fortune 500 company, hopes to exceed $1 billion in revenues this year while the American beverage-maker PepsiCo has already done so. Financial services companies like American Express and PayPal are also expanding fast, as are media and entertainment businesses like Netflix. Until some years ago, Indian investors lacked the opportunity to invest in these stocks as they could not easily access the US market. But now with platforms like Appreciate, they can partake in India's growing presence on the global stage. To know more about how to get started with global investing and US ETFs, click here. The article has been written by Subho Moulik, Founder & CEO, Appreciate. Disclaimer: Investments in securities markets are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. The securities quoted are exemplary and are not recommendatory. Note to the Reader: This article is part of Mint's promotional consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. Mint assumes no editorial responsibility for the content.
Hindustan Times
4 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
India overtakes China in smartphone exports to US, research shows
India has overtaken China in smartphone exports to the US, according to a new report, thus underscoring the growing manufacturing heft of the world's fourth largest economy. A man checks an iPhone 16 Pro Max as the new iPhone 16 series smartphones go on sale at an Apple store in Beijing, China September 20, 2024. REUTERS//File Photo(Florence Lo/Reuters) In April-June 2025, India accounted for 44 per cent of smartphone shipments to the US as against 13 per cent in the year-ago period, according to Canalys Research. Over the same time, China's share of smartphone exports to the US fell to 25 per cent from 61 per cent. 'As a result of schemes like Make in India and production-linked incentive schemes, India is now moving at a new pace in those industrial sectors in which it was never even considered a key manufacturer before,' the government said in a statement. India's mobile phone manufacturing industry has grown from ₹18,900 crore in FY15 to ₹5,45,000 crore in FY25, according to the India Cellular & Electronics Association. At the same time, mobile phone exports have crossed the ₹2 lakh crore mark—making India the second largest phone maker globally.
