Why investors are backing Applied Brain Research’s on-device voice AI approach.
Updated
January 14, 2026 1:38 PM
Plastic model of a human's brain. PHOTO: UNSPLASH
Applied Brain Research (ABR), a Canada-based startup, has closed its seed funding round to advance its work in “on-device voice AI”. The round was led by Two Small Fish Ventures, with its general partner Eva Lau joining ABR’s board, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s technical direction and market focus.
The round was oversubscribed, meaning more investors wanted to participate than the company had planned for. That response reflects growing interest in technologies that reduce reliance on cloud-based AI systems.
ABR is focused on a clear problem in voice-enabled products today. Most voice features depend on cloud servers to process speech, which can cause delays, increase costs, raise privacy concerns and limit performance on devices with small batteries or limited computing power.
ABR’s approach is built around keeping voice AI fully on-device. Instead of relying on cloud connectivity, its technology allows devices to process speech locally, enabling faster responses and more predictable performance while reducing data exposure.
Central to this approach is the company’s TSP1 chip, a processor designed specifically for handling time-based data such as speech. Built for real-time voice processing at the edge, TSP1 allows tasks like speech recognition and text-to-speech to run on smaller, power-constrained devices.
This specialization is particularly relevant as voice interfaces become more common across emerging products. Many edge devices such as wearables or mobile robotics cannot support traditional voice AI systems without compromising battery life or responsiveness. The TSP1 addresses this limitation by enabling these capabilities at significantly lower power levels than conventional alternatives. According to the company, full speech-to-text and text-to-speech can run at under 30 milliwatts of power, which is roughly 10 to 100 times lower than many existing alternatives. This level of efficiency makes advanced voice interaction feasible on devices where power consumption has long been a limiting factor.
That efficiency makes the technology applicable across a wide range of use cases. In augmented reality glasses, it supports responsive, hands-free voice control. In robotics, it enables real-time voice interaction without cloud latency or ongoing service costs. For wearables, it expands voice functionality without severely impacting battery life. In medical devices, it allows on-device inference while keeping sensitive data local. And in automotive systems, it enables consistent voice experiences regardless of network availability.
For investors, this combination of timing and technology is what stands out. Voice interfaces are becoming more common, while reliance on cloud infrastructure is increasingly seen as a limitation rather than a strength. ABR sits at the intersection of those two shifts.
With fresh funding in place, ABR is now working with partners across AR, robotics, healthcare, automotive and wearables to bring that future closer. For startup watchers, it’s a reminder that some of the most meaningful AI advances aren’t about bigger models but about making intelligence fit where it actually needs to live.
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At under US$1,000, Hypernova isn’t just eyewear—it’s Meta’s push to make AR feel ordinary.
Updated
January 8, 2026 6:34 PM
Closeup of the Ray-Ban logo and the built-in ultra-wide 12 MP camera on a pair of new Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer smart glasses. PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK
Meta is preparing to launch its next big wearable: the Hypernova smart glasses. Unlike earlier experiments like the Ray-Ban Stories, these new glasses promise more advanced features at a price point under US$1,000. With a launch set for September 17 at Meta’s annual Connect conference, the Hypernova is already drawing attention for blending design, technology and accessibility.
In this article, let’s take a closer look at Hypernova’s design, features, pricing and the challenges Meta faces as it tries to bring smart glasses into everyday life.
Meta’s earlier Ray-Ban glasses offered cameras and audio but no display. Hypernova changes that: The glasses will ship with a built-in micro-display, giving wearers quick access to maps, messages, notifications and even Meta’s AI assistant. It’s a step toward everyday AR that feels useful and natural, not experimental.
Perhaps most importantly, the price makes them attainable. While early estimates placed the cost above US$1,000, Meta has committed to a launch price of around US$800. That’s still premium, but it moves AR smart glasses into reach for more consumers.
Hypernova weighs about 70 grams, roughly 20 grams heavier than the Ray-Ban Meta models. The added weight likely comes from added components like the new display and extra sensors.
To keep the glasses stylish, Meta continues its partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the company behind Ray-Ban and Prada eyewear. Thicker frames—especially Prada’s designs—help hide the hardware like chips, microphones and batteries without making the glasses look oversized.
The glasses stick close to the classic Ray-Ban silhouette but feature slightly bulkier arms. On the left side, a touch-sensitive bar lets users control functions with taps and swipes. For example, a two-finger tap can trigger a photo or start video recording.
Hypernova introduces something the earlier Ray-Ban glasses never had: a display built right into the lens. In the bottom-right corner of the right lens, a small micro-screen uses waveguide optics to project a digital overlay with about a 20° field of view. This means you can glance at turn-by-turn directions, check a notification or quickly consult Meta’s AI assistant without pulling out your phone. It’s discreet, practical and a major step up from the older models, which were limited to capturing photos and videos, handling calls and playing music via speakers.
Alongside the glasses comes the Ceres wristband, a companion device powered by electromyography (EMG). The band picks up the tiny electrical signals in your wrist and fingers, translating them into commands. A pinch might let you select something, a wrist flick could scroll a page, and a swipe could move between screens. The idea is to avoid clunky buttons or having to talk to your glasses in public. Meta has also been experimenting with handwriting recognition through the band, though it’s not clear if that feature will be ready in time for launch.
Meta doesn’t just want Hypernova to be useful—it wants it to be fun. Code found in leaked firmware revealed a small game called Hypertrail. It looks to borrow ideas from the 1981 arcade shooter Galaga, letting wearers play a simple, retro-inspired game right through their glasses. It’s not the main attraction, but it shows Meta is trying to make Hypernova feel more like a playful everyday gadget rather than just a piece of serious tech.
Hypernova runs on a customized version of Android and pairs with smartphones through the Meta View app. Out of the box, it should support the basics: calls, music and message notifications. Leaks suggest several apps will come preinstalled, including Camera, Gallery, Maps, WhatsApp, Messenger and Meta AI. A Qualcomm processor powers the whole setup, helping it run smoothly while keeping energy demands reasonable.
Meta is also trying to bring in outside developers. In August 2025, CNBC reported that the company invited third-party developers—especially in generative AI—to build experimental apps for Hypernova and the Ceres wristband. The Meta Connect 2025 agenda even highlights sessions on a new smart glasses SDK and toolkit. The push shows Meta’s interest in making Hypernova more than just a device; it wants a broader platform with apps that go beyond its own first-party software.
During development, Hypernova was rumored to cost as much as US$1,400. By pricing it around US$800, Meta signals that it wants adoption more than profit. The company is keeping production limited (around 150,000 units), showing it sees this as a market test rather than a mass rollout. Still, the sub-US$1,000 price tag makes advanced AR far more accessible than before.
Despite its promise, Hypernova may still face hurdles. The Ceres wristband can struggle if worn loosely, and some testers have reported issues based on which arm it’s worn on or even when wearing long sleeves. In short, getting EMG input right for everyone will be critical.
Privacy is another major concern. In past experiments, researchers hacked Ray-Ban Meta glasses to run facial recognition, instantly identifying strangers and pulling personal info. Meta has added guidelines, like a recording indicator light, but critics argue these measures are too easy to ignore. Moreover, data captured by smart glasses can feed into AI training, raising questions about consent and surveillance.
The Meta Hypernova smart glasses mark a turning point in wearable tech. They’re lighter and more stylish than bulky AR headsets, while offering real-world features like navigation, messaging and hands-free control. At under US$1,000, they aim to make AR glasses more than a luxury gadget—they’re a step toward everyday use.
Whether Hypernova succeeds will depend on how well it balances style, usability and privacy. But one thing is clear: Meta is betting that always-on, glanceable AR can move from science fiction to daily life.