Meta Launches Smart Glasses with Built-In Display, Eyes AI Future

MENLO PARK: Meta Platforms has officially launched its first consumer-ready smart glasses equipped with a built-in digital display, aiming to push the boundaries of wearable technology and extend the success of its Ray-Ban smart glasses line.

Unveiled at Meta’s annual Connect conference, the new Ray-Ban Meta Display glasses feature a small display embedded in the right lens, allowing users to view notifications and perform basic tasks. The glasses are priced at $799 and will hit retail shelves on September 30, bundled with a wristband controller that interprets hand gestures to manage calls, messages, and more.

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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced the product to a cheering crowd, describing smart glasses as the ideal device for “personal superintelligence.”

“Glasses let you stay present while tapping into AI that enhances your communication, memory, senses, and more,” said Zuckerberg. “They are the perfect form factor for the AI era.”

While the product launch drew applause, the on-stage demonstration had some hiccups — including a failed call attempt via the glasses — prompting Zuckerberg to joke, “I keep on messing this up,” as the audience showed support.

The launch represents Meta’s latest move to compete in the fast-growing AI and wearable tech sectors, where companies like OpenAI and Google currently lead in software capabilities. To catch up, Meta is investing billions in AI chip development and aggressively recruiting top AI talent across Silicon Valley.

Meta’s smart glasses already feature AI assistants, cameras, hands-free controls, and the ability to livestream content directly to Facebook and Instagram.

In addition to the Ray-Ban Display glasses, Meta introduced a new Oakley-branded model called Vanguard, priced at $499. Tailored for athletes, these glasses offer real-time fitness data, nine hours of battery life, and integration with platforms like Garmin and Strava. They will be available from October 21.

Meta also updated its standard Ray-Ban smart glasses, which lack a display but now boast nearly double the battery life and improved cameras. The upgraded version is priced at $379, up from $299.

Analysts view the new Display glasses as a stepping stone toward Meta’s more advanced “Orion” glasses, expected in 2027. That device, which Zuckerberg has called a “time machine to the future,” remains in the prototype stage.

While widespread adoption may take time, industry watchers are optimistic.

“It’s like when Apple launched the Watch — people weren’t sure at first,” said Forrester analyst Mike Proulx. “Glasses are a non-cumbersome, everyday item. Meta just needs to show people the value.”

“The tech is impressive,” said IDC’s Jitesh Ubrani, “but until the software ecosystem matures, these devices might remain niche.”

IDC projects that AR/VR headset and smart glasses shipments will grow 39.2% in 2025, reaching 14.3 million units, with Meta expected to drive much of the growth through its affordable Ray-Ban partnerships.

Bottom Line: Meta’s new Display glasses mark a significant step forward in merging fashion, function, and AI. While challenges remain in software and adoption, the company is clearly betting big on wearable intelligence becoming the next major tech frontier.