Meta Connect 2025, kicking off on September 17th and 18th, promises a significant unveiling of new technologies from Mark Zuckerberg and his team. While specifics remain scarce, industry whispers and Meta's own hints paint a compelling picture of what we might expect.
The spotlight is undoubtedly on Meta's upcoming smart glasses. Multiple reliable sources, including Bloomberg and The Information, point towards the imminent release of 'Hypernova' (or possibly 'Meta Celeste'), a pair of glasses featuring a small heads-up display (HUD) for discreet notifications, navigation assistance, and real-time translations. This device, rumored to be priced around $800, will leverage Meta's neural wristband for intuitive gesture control, offering a new paradigm for wearable technology, although not a full augmented reality experience.
Beyond Hypernova, collaborations with EssilorLuxottica continue, likely showcasing a new Oakley Meta model based on the Sphaera design with a centrally located camera, ideal for capturing first-person perspectives. The future of the popular Ray-Ban Meta glasses is less clear; while some reports suggest a 2026 release for the next generation, others suggest a surprise launch at Connect.
A significant development for developers is anticipated. Meta's schedule shows multiple sessions dedicated to a new developer toolkit, signaling a push for third-party app integration with Meta's smart glasses ecosystem. This SDK, potentially server-side given the glasses' limited computing power, could enable developers to build integrations for Meta AI, similar to Alexa Skills.
Regarding VR headsets, this year's Connect seems unlikely to feature a new first-party Quest headset. Meta's focus has shifted, with the next-generation headset expected only in late 2026. However, the stage might be set for a sneak peek at the Asus ROG Horizon OS headset, a "performance gaming headset" that could leverage Meta's VR platform and ecosystem.
Further fueling anticipation is the potential unveiling or tease of a new feature for Horizon OS: system-wide 2D window sharing. This feature, mirroring Apple's SharePlay, would allow users to share web browser windows and other 2D applications within the virtual environment, marking a significant step towards enhanced collaboration and interactivity in VR.
While a new first-party blockbuster VR game launch is considered unlikely, Meta may use Connect to tease upcoming projects. The possibility of a sneak peek at the sequel to Batman: Arkham VR remains on the cards.
Finally, the possibility of Valve unveiling its new headset, rumored to be called 'Steam Frame', during the event can't be entirely dismissed, following a similar strategy from six years ago. This new headset will focus on high-quality wireless PC VR streaming.
Meta Connect 2025 promises to be a captivating event. We eagerly await the official announcements.
---
Originally published at: https://www.uploadvr.com/meta-connect-2025-predictions-expectations/
