Meta has launched a new generation of smart glasses powered by artificial intelligence. The company aims to make them essential daily accessories worldwide.
Meta Connect introduces cutting-edge devices
At the Meta Connect developer conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg showcased several products developed with Ray-Ban and Oakley. A neural wristband was a standout feature. It pairs with the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses and allows users to send messages with subtle hand gestures.
The launch comes as Meta faces ongoing scrutiny over the impact of its platforms. Activists warn especially about risks to children. Zuckerberg described the technology as a “huge scientific breakthrough” while speaking to hundreds of attendees at the Silicon Valley campus.
Features of the smart glasses
The Meta Ray-Ban Display integrates a high-resolution color screen into one lens. Users can make video calls and read messages directly. The glasses also feature a 12-megapixel camera.
Zuckerberg expects the glasses to serve as a key platform for integrating Meta AI into everyday life. Analysts suggest the product could outperform the costly Metaverse project. Virtual worlds have yet to gain mass adoption.
“Unlike VR headsets, glasses are practical and lightweight,” said Mike Proulx, Research Director at Forrester. He added: “Meta still needs to prove that the benefits justify the cost.”
Pricing and market outlook
Meta has not released official sales numbers. Industry estimates suggest around two million smart glasses sold since 2023. The new Display model launches this month at $799, roughly £586. That is far higher than 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 explained.
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 committing billions to artificial intelligence. In July, Zuckerberg announced hundreds of billions of dollars for new US data centers. One planned site will cover nearly the size of Manhattan.
The company is also recruiting top talent from rival firms. Its long-term goal is to develop “superintelligence,” AI capable of surpassing human abilities.
Activists demand stronger safeguards
On Wednesday, parents and activists protested outside Meta’s New York headquarters. They called for stricter protections for children on the company’s platforms.
Last week, two former Meta safety researchers testified before the US Senate. They claimed Meta concealed potential risks to children from virtual products. Jason Sattizahn and Cayce Savage said the company blocked research that could reveal harm.
Meta denied the allegations and dismissed them as “nonsense.”
