Meta Platforms has introduced its first consumer-ready smart glasses featuring a built-in display, aiming to build on the success of its Ray-Ban line, which has been significant player in the artificial intelligence era.
During the Meta Connect event at the company’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California, CEO Mark Zuckerberg showcased the Meta Ray-Ban Display along with a new wristband controller. Despite, encountering some technical issues during the demonstration the audience responded with applause.
Zuckerberg emphasised the potential of the new glasses as a means to achieve “super intelligence”, stating “Glasses are ideal form factor for personal superintelligence, allowing users to remain present while accessing AI capabilities that enhance communication, memory ad sensory perception”.
The Meta Ray-Ban Display features a small digital display in the right lens for notifications and will be priced at $799, available in stores starting September 30. The price includes a wristband that converts hand gestures into commands for responding to texts and calls.
This launch marks Meta’s latest effort to catch up in the competitive AI landscape, where it is currently trailing behind companies like Open AI and Alphabet’s Google in the rollout of advanced AI models.
Zuckerberg has initiated a recruitment drive in Silicon Valley, targeting engineers from rival firms and pledging substaintial investments in advanced AI technology.
The launch comes as Meta faces scrutiny regarding child safety on its social media platforms. Reports indicate that Meta chatbots engaged children in inappropriate conversations, while whistleblowlers revealed that researchers were discouraged from studying the potential harmful effects of virtual reality on young users.
In addition to the smart glasses, Meta introduced a new pair of Oakley-branded glasses called Vanguard, designed for athletes and priced at $499. These glasses integrate with fitness platforms like Garmin and Starva, providing real-time training statistics and post – workout summaries with a battery life of nine hours They are set to launch on October 21.
Meta also updated its existing Ray-Ban line, which does not include a built-in display but now boasts nearly double the battery life and improved camera quality for a new price of $379.
While analysts express cautious optimism about the sales potential of the Display glasses, they view the launch as a stepping stone toward the anticipated 2027 release of Meta’s “Orion” glasses, which Zuckerberg has dubbed “the time machine to the future.”
Forrester analyst Mike Proulx noted that the debut of the Display glasses is reminiscent of Apple’s introduction of the smartwatch. He remarked that while the glasses represent a convenient form factor, Meta must convince consumers of their value to secure market share.
The new devices include features such as Meta’s AI assistant, cameras, hands-free control, and livestreaming capabilities to the company’s social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
Zuckerberg’s demonstrations did not go entirely smoothly, with one call to the glasses failing to connect. “I don’t know what to tell you guys,” he admitted, prompting cheers from the audience in support.
Jitesh Ubrani, research manager for IDC’s Worldwide Mobile Device Trackers, praised the Display glasses as “great value for the tech you’re getting,” but cautioned that the software needs improvement to appeal to average consumers.
IDC projects that global shipments of augmented reality and virtual reality headsets, along with display-less smart glasses, will rise by 39.2% in 2025, reaching 14.3 million units, with much of the growth driven by demand for Meta’s more affordable Ray-Bans produced in partnership with EssilorLuxottica.
