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Meta is allegedly working on an AI-powered pendant and a new line of wearable devices aimed at workplace users. According to a report by The Information, the projects are part of the company's efforts to expand its hardware business beyond smart glasses and virtual reality headsets.
The report said Meta plans to begin testing the pendant in 2027. While the company has not disclosed details, the device is expected to offer users a hands-free way to access Meta's digital assistant and other services. Meta declined to comment on the report.
The company has spent the past few years building its presence in wearable technology through products such as the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Developed with eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica, the glasses allow users to take photos, make calls, listen to audio and access Meta's assistant through voice commands.
Their popularity has encouraged Meta to look at other wearable formats that could become part of its growing hardware portfolio. The reported pendant would represent a different approach from smart glasses, giving users another way to stay connected without relying on a smartphone screen.
Meta is experimenting with ‘wearables for work,’ as per the report. This would be targeted at professional customers. Until now, Meta has focused primarily on consumer markets. A move into workplace wearables would open a new business segment for the company.
The timing could prove significant. Companies across industries are increasing spending on software and tools powered by artificial intelligence. Further information about the devices is still unavailable.
New innovations emerge amidst ongoing investments in hardware by Meta via its Reality Labs segment, responsible for Quest virtual reality headsets and smart glasses among others.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg often claims that in the future, computing platforms will be much more than just smartphones. And now wearables are becoming increasingly central to this vision. As reported by The Information, Meta plans to ship ten million wearable units in the second half of 2026.
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Technology firms are now on the lookout for hardware devices that would help in making people less dependent on their smartphones. Wearable devices like smart glasses, watches, and pendants have proved to be an experimental area for such technology firms.
The strategy adopted by Meta seems to show that the firm is relying heavily on hardware technology for its future endeavors.
It remains uncertain whether either project will eventually materialize. Still, the efforts highlight how aggressively Meta is exploring future technologies in search of the next major product category.
