Meta has announced three new pairs of AI smart glasses, including the first Ray-Bans with a built-in screen for augmented reality.
The Meta Ray-Ban Display will be the first smart glasses with a heads-up display from a mainstream brand since the ill-fated Google Glass. They use a classic Wayfarer-like styling to avoid looking too obviously like wearable technology, while still having a camera, speakers and microphone.
A small, bright and crisp color display is projected on to the inside of the right lens, which appears to float just below the wearer’s eye line, and can show anything from text and images to live video calls. The display appears when interacting with the glasses, but isn’t visible from the outside. An LED alerts others when the camera is active.
The glasses were showcased by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg at the Meta Connect event on Wednesday. “Glasses are the only form factor where you can let AI see what you see, hear what you hear,” and eventually generate what you want to generate, such as images or video, Zuckerberg said, speaking at the tech giant’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California.
There were some hiccups during the demo, which Zuckerberg attributed to the wifi at the event.
The display is projected on to the lower portion of the right lens. Photograph: Meta
Similar to the company’s popular Ray-Ban Meta AI shades, the new glasses have a touch panel on the arms and voice control for direct interactions. They also ship with a water-resistant bracelet that can detect the electrical impulses in the forearm for controlling the phone-like interface in the lens using hand gestures. The Neural Band fits like a screenless smartwatch and can detect pinches, swipes, taps, rotations and other familiar gestures, including using a virtual d-pad with the thumb. Later this year it will enable handwriting using a finger.
the glasses require a Bluetooth connection to an Android or iPhone and support messaging and video calling through texts and Meta’s various apps, including WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram. They can show live captions or translations of conversations, provide turn-by-turn## Meta’s New Smart Glasses: Real-Time Sports Data and AI Features
Meta has expanded its line of smart glasses with two new offerings: the Oakley Meta Vanguard, designed for athletes, and a second-generation Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses boasting improved features. These glasses aim to seamlessly integrate technology into active lifestyles, offering hands-free access to details and content capture.
## Oakley Meta Vanguard: Performance Tracking and Immersive Data
The Oakley meta Vanguard represents a partnership between Meta and Garmin, focusing on enhancing the experience for runners, cyclists, and other athletes. These glasses connect directly to compatible Garmin watches and bike computers, delivering real-time performance metrics directly to the wearer’s field of vision.
Users can request data such as current speed, pace, heart rate, and distance via voice commands. An integrated LED provides visual cues, flashing when pre-defined target metrics are achieved. This allows athletes to stay focused on their activity without needing to look down at a watch or device.
Beyond live data, the Vanguard glasses can automatically record video clips triggered by milestones like kilometer markers, specific speeds, elevation gains, or heart rate thresholds. These clips are then automatically edited with data overlays, creating dynamic highlight reels of key moments during workouts or races. Captured footage can be easily shared to the popular sports social network, Strava.## Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses (2nd Generation): Enhanced AI and Battery Life
Meta is also releasing an updated version of its Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses. This second generation builds upon the original model with meaningful improvements. Notably, the new glasses feature double the battery life and a higher-resolution video camera for improved content capture. Like the vanguard, these glasses offer hands-free access to Meta AI, allowing users to take calls, listen to music, and control various functions with voice commands.
## Pricing and Availability
The Oakley Meta Vanguard is priced at £499 (€549/$499) and will begin shipping on October 21st. The second-generation Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses are available now for £379 (€419/$379/A$599). Both models are available for purchase through the Meta website and select retailers.