Meta has unveiled a new generation of smart glasses powered by artificial intelligence. The company aims to make them everyday essentials worldwide.
Meta Connect highlights new products
At the Meta Connect developer conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg showcased several devices developed with Ray-Ban and Oakley. A neural wristband was a key feature. It pairs with the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses and lets users send messages using subtle hand gestures.
The announcement comes as Meta faces growing scrutiny over its platforms. Activists highlight risks to children. Zuckerberg called the technology a “huge scientific breakthrough” while speaking to hundreds of attendees at the Silicon Valley campus.
Smart glasses features
The Meta Ray-Ban Display includes a high-resolution color screen inside one lens. Users can make video calls and read messages directly. The device also features a 12-megapixel camera.
Zuckerberg expects the glasses to become a main channel for integrating Meta AI into daily life. Analysts say the product could outperform the costly Metaverse project. Virtual worlds have struggled to attract mass adoption.
“Unlike VR headsets, glasses are practical and lightweight,” said Mike Proulx, Research Director at Forrester. He added: “Meta still needs to convince consumers that the benefits outweigh the cost.”
Pricing and sales outlook
Meta has not released official sales numbers. Industry estimates suggest around two million smart glasses sold since 2023. The new Display model will be available this month for $799, about £586. That price is much higher than Meta’s previous models.
Leo Gebbie of CCS Insight doubts the Display will match past successes. “Ray-Bans sold well because they are discreet, simple, and affordable,” he said.
Zuckerberg also introduced Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses for athletes at $499. The second generation of Ray-Ban Meta glasses launched at $379.
Expanding AI investments
Meta is investing billions in artificial intelligence. In July, Zuckerberg confirmed hundreds of billions of dollars for new US data centers. One site will cover an area nearly the size of Manhattan.
The company is also hiring top experts from competitors. Its goal is to develop “superintelligence,” AI capable of surpassing human abilities.
Activists call for stronger protections
On Wednesday, parents and activists protested outside Meta’s New York headquarters. They demanded tougher safeguards for children on the company’s platforms.
Last week, two former Meta safety researchers testified in the US Senate. They claimed Meta concealed potential risks to children from its virtual products. Jason Sattizahn and Cayce Savage said the company blocked research that could expose harm.
Meta denied the allegations and called them “nonsense.”
