Meta to Launch $1,000 Smart Glasses With Built-In Display by Year-End

Meta is reportedly preparing to launch a new version of its Ray-Ban smart glasses with a built-in screen by the end of this year, according to Bloomberg.

Credit: Future

The upcoming model, codenamed Hypernova, is expected to debut at this year’s Meta Connect event. The glasses will feature a small monocular display in the bottom of the right lens, allowing users to view notifications, photos and directions.

Credit: Future

Users will control the interface through capacitive touch sensors on the frame or hand gestures detected by a wristband, codenamed Ceres. The wristband uses surface electromyography (sEMG) technology, previously seen in Meta’s Orion project.

The interface will resemble the horizontal app dock from Meta Quest 3 and run on a customised version of Android. It will include Meta’s own apps such as Messenger and WhatsApp, but will not support an integrated app store.

The glasses will also include a built-in camera comparable to the iPhone 13’s 12MP wide-angle lens. A new triangular prism-shaped case that folds will accompany the device.

The Hypernova glasses are expected to be priced between USD 1,300 and USD 1,400, significantly higher than previous models. The price increase is attributed to the addition of the display and app functionality.

Meta considers 2025 a critical year for smart glasses, especially with the upcoming Android XR platform and its collaboration with Xreal. The company aims to maintain the sleek design of the original Ray-Bans while integrating advanced technology.

While the Hypernova glasses are not intended to deliver full spatial computing capabilities, which are reserved for Meta’s Project Artemis in 2027, they are targeted at early adopters seeking a fashionable and functional wearable.

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• Meta’s new Ray-Ban smart glasses may launch by end of 2024

• Features include built-in display, camera, and gesture control

• Runs on customised Android with Meta apps like WhatsApp

Source: TOM'S GUIDE

Nintendo Switch 2 to Launch June 5 with Upgraded Features and USD 449.99 Price Tag

Nintendo will release its next-generation gaming console, the Switch 2, on June 5, priced at USD 449.99.

Credit: NINTENDO

The new device features a larger, improved screen and introduces a mouse function, marking a significant upgrade from the original Switch.

In Japan, the Switch 2 will be available for 49,980 yen (USD 334) for the Japanese-language version and 69,980 yen for the multi-language version.

The original Switch, launched in March 2017 at USD 299.99, has sold over 150 million units, bolstered by hardware updates and popular titles like Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda.

Nintendo has announced "Mario Kart World" as one of the upcoming titles for the new console.

Analysts expect strong demand for the Switch 2, with Jefferies analyst Atul Goyal noting that the market's response will become clear after launch.

Goldman Sachs analyst Minami Munakata estimates Nintendo is targeting shipments of over 10 million units in the first year, based on the company’s balance sheet data.

The launch comes amid global trade tensions, with analysts highlighting industry shifts such as subscription models and backwards compatibility as factors easing the transition to new hardware.

Nintendo's shares, which reached a peak in February, dropped 3% on Thursday after the announcement. However, some analysts, including Amir Anvarzadeh of Asymmetric Advisors, question whether the new console justifies the current stock valuation.

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• Nintendo Switch 2 launches June 5 at USD 449.99

• Features include a larger screen and mouse function

• Over 10 million units expected to ship in first year

Source: REUTERS

YouTube Launches Shopping Affiliate Program in Singapore in Partnership With Shopee

YouTube creators in Singapore can now create a platform for their viewers to check out products they recommend.

Ajay Vidyasagar, Managing Director for YouTube Southeast Asia and Emerging Markets, at the launch of YouTube Shopping. Credit: Google

Google announced today the launch of YouTube Shopping in the country in partnership with homegrown brand, Shopee. YouTube Shopping is an affiliate program that enables content creators and Shopee sellers to connect and expand their reach and revenue streams.

Through this program, Shopee Sellers can collaborate with YouTube’s network of content creators to tap into a highly engaged audience and drive sales. YouTube creators, meanwhile, unlock new business opportunities to monetise their influence by promoting products to their audience. The expectation is that the connection can accelerate product discovery, amplify brand reach, and ultimately enhance conversion rates.

The program was launched in response to recent shifts in consumer behavior, propelled by video commerce having surged to 20% of Southeast Asia’s e-commerce gross merchandise value in 2024 – a fourfold increase since 2022. At the same time the Singapore creator economy is thriving, with an 18% increase in the number of video influencers focusing on retail categories in the country from 2022 to 2024.

Two in five consumers in Southeast Asia reportedly use online videos while researching for shopping. In Singapore particularly, up to 62% of consumers have made a purchase after using YouTube to discover new brands, products or retailers. This underscores viewers’ trust in creators' recommendations and their desire for authentic product reviews and demonstrations.

Credit: Google

“YouTube is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between traditional e-commerce and the rapidly expanding video commerce ecosystem,” said Ajay Vidyasagar, Managing Director for YouTube Southeast Asia and Emerging Markets.

“We believe the launch will reshape the consumer journey as it further connects creators with their audiences, enabling content monetisation while strengthening community engagement around shared interests, and look forward to seeing how creators will tap on our tools to creatively engage with their audiences.”

With YouTube Shopping, eligible creators can tag products in existing and new videos, as well as pin them during live streams. All the products they tag and the information about each product can be found in the description section and ‘Product’ section of the video. Clicking on a product will lead viewers directly to an external sales page on Shopee.

Google says this new affiliate program complements existing monetisation options already available for Youtube creators, which include Ads Revenue, YouTube Premium Revenue, Channel Memberships, Super Thanks, Super Chat and Super Stickers.

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• Google has announced the launch of YouTube Shopping in Singapore in partnership with Shopee.

• YouTube Shopping is an affiliate program that enables content creators and Shopee sellers to connect and expand their reach and revenue streams.

• With the program, eligible creators can tag products in existing and new videos, as well as pin them during live streams.