After the announcement of the end of smartphones… Zuckerberg reveals the alternatives

18th March 2025

3 minutes read

After the announcement of the end of smartphones… Zuckerberg reveals the alternatives

After announcing the end of the smartphone era, Mark Zuckerberg has intensified his efforts to develop alternatives, with Meta working on augmented reality devices that could change the future of communication.

Mark Zuckerberg has always believed that smartphones are on their way to extinction, and that Meta is tirelessly working to revive their alternatives. In partnership with Ray-Ban, Meta achieved great success with the first generation of smart glasses, but this is just the beginning.

Now, the company is expanding its vision with new designs, advanced technologies, and integrated screens to redefine the future of wearable technology. Several new models are in development under the codename Supernova, each designed to meet specific user needs.

A major shift

The first model to be launched is Supernova 2, a new release inspired by Oakley’s Sphaera sports glasses. This model is designed for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. It will come equipped with an integrated camera, speakers, and AI-powered features.

Since Oakley and Ray-Ban are part of EssilorLuxottica, Meta‘s main manufacturing partner, this integration will be a perfect match. However, what will mark a real breakthrough are the Hypernova glasses, which will take smart glasses to a whole new level.

These will feature a small integrated screen on the right lens, allowing users to view notifications, app updates, and even preview images. Although they won’t provide full augmented reality technology just yet, they represent a step in that direction. However, this additional technology will come at a high cost, potentially reaching around $1000, which is much higher than the base Ray-Ban model priced at $300.

Advanced prototype

While Meta continues to develop traditional smart glasses, the company is also pursuing more ambitious projects. Leading this trend is the Orion device, an advanced prototype aimed at delivering a true augmented reality experience.

However, setting up this device will be complicated. To use Orion, the user will not only have to wear the glasses but will also need a control bracelet and an external computing unit that handles all processing. The price of this device will be $10,000, which clearly shows it is not yet designed for ordinary consumers.

What’s next?

After Orion, Meta is focusing its efforts on an even more advanced augmented reality experience through a project called Artemis, expected to launch in 2027. This next-generation model is rumored to be lighter, more streamlined, and equipped with features that will make augmented reality accessible to everyday users.

Artemis is likely to retain the control bracelet concept, but in a more integrated form, which will probably mark the moment when augmented reality glasses become a practical alternative to smartphones. But glasses aren’t the only thing Meta plans to develop, as the company’s augmented reality lab is actively working on other future wearable devices, including a revamped smart watch – a project that has been canceled and revived multiple times – and wireless earbuds with integrated cameras that allow AI to analyze the user’s surroundings to provide enhanced immersive experiences.

A smartphone-free future

Meta’s rapid expansion into wearable technology signals its long-term strategy: a world where smart glasses replace traditional mobile devices.

While we are not yet at this stage, the development of projects like Hypernova, Orion, and Artemis proves that the transformation is well underway. The question is no longer whether smartphones will be replaced, but when. And with Meta leading this movement, this future may be closer than we think.