Imagine putting on what looks like regular glasses—but instead of just seeing the world, you see digital messages, navigation arrows, reminders, and even AI-powered help, right in front of your eyes. That’s what Meta is building with its new smart glasses, likely called Celeste (internally named Hypernova). At Meta Connect 2025, Mark Zuckerberg unveiled that these glasses will include a small display in the lens and new ways to control them—like using a wristband for hand gestures. Priced at about $800, these glasses are more than just fashion—they’re a window into the future of how we interact with technology.

In this blog, we’ll go through what is new, how they work, what they might be good for (or not yet ready for), and why they could be exciting.

1. What Are the Meta Celeste Glasses?

Meta Celeste (Hypernova) smart glasses are Meta’s first consumer-ready glasses to include a built-in digital display in one of the lenses (right side). 

Some key points:

  • They let users see small notifications, alerts, messages, reminders, and navigation info directly in the lens.
  • There is a wristband accessory included that allows for gesture controls (hand movements) to operate some functions without physically touching the glasses.
  • They also include built-in AI friend features: Meta AI is expected to help with voice control, responding to messages, showing maps/directions, live translation, etc.

2. New Features & What’s Cool

Here are what new/special features Meta is introducing with Celeste, and why they’re interesting:

FeatureWhat It DoesWhy It’s Cool / Benefit
Built-in Display in LensA small digital screen inside the right lens shows things like notifications, navigation arrows, and messages. You don’t need to pull out a phone to see small info. Helps keep eyes on what’s ahead.
Gesture Controls via WristbandPairing the glasses with a wristband that senses hand motions (swipes, taps, gestures) to control features. Easier interaction without touch-screens or voice only. Good in noisy places or when hands are busy.
AI-powered Assistant FeaturesIncludes Meta AI built in to help with translations, showing directions, maybe voice commands, or live alerts. Makes glasses more than just optics—they help with everyday tasks.
Notifications & Alerts While Staying PresentCan get reminders/alerts and messages subtly, without taking the phone out.  Less distraction, more seamless experience in daily life.
Premium Design & PriceExpected price ~$800, suggesting a high-end product. Some speculation about luxury collaborations (like Prada) for style. Targeting early adopters and people who want both tech and style.
Part of Meta’s AR RoadmapPlaced between Meta’s simpler smart glasses and its future full AR/VR “Orion” glasses (which are more advanced). Means this is a stepping stone—an early version of augmented reality becoming more common.

3. How They Compare to Existing Meta Smart Glasses & Rivals

Celeste builds on Meta’s earlier Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses lines, which include features like cameras, speakers, livestreaming, voice control, etc. But those older models didn’t have a built-in display in the lens. Celeste changes that. 

Compared to rivals:

  • More affordable than full AR/VR headsets like Meta’s prototype “Orion.”
  • The $800 cost may still be high for many users. But it’s lower than many immersive AR devices.

4. Limitations & Things to Consider

While these features are exciting, there are some things to be aware of:

  • The display is small and basic, meant for glanceable info (notifications, alerts, reminders). It’s not a full AR immersive display (like virtual 3D overlays).
  • Battery life might be limited: more display + sensors = more power used. Wearing devices all day with a display can drain faster.
  • Cost/price: $800 is a premium. Many people may wait for cheaper versions or for price drops.
  • Privacy and safety concerns: showed up in the news for Meta already, especially since glasses have cameras, always listening parts, etc. Meta will need to ensure transparency, consent, and safety.

5. Why This Matters & What It Could Mean

  • Brings AR to more people: Instead of waiting for big, heavy AR headsets, these kinds of glasses might be usable daily. Notifications, translations, directions—all from your glasses.
  • Hands-free and glanceable: Useful when your hands are busy (driving, carrying things, cooking). Glance down cues rather than always using phones.
  • Potential for new apps: Developers might build apps specifically for this display: live translation, walking directions, eye-view translations, maybe contextual info (e.g., info about landmarks you’re looking at).
  • Fashion meets tech: With premium design, style partnerships, people will care how it looks. For wearables, this matters a lot. If glasses look too techy, people don’t wear them. Celeste seems to try keeping style in mind.

6. Conclusion

Meta’s Celeste smart glasses look like a strong step forward in wearable AR tech. With a built-in display, gesture wristband, AI assistant functionality, and premium styling, they offer a preview of what might become everyday AR glasses. The price is steep, and the display is modest, but this could be the first glasses many people buy that bring digital intelligence directly into their line of sight—not just through their phones.

If you like gadgets, AR, or tech fashion, this is one to watch. As versions improve (lower price, better battery, richer features), smart glasses