Meta has introduced its new ‘Meta Ray-Ban Display’ smart glasses with a screen built into the right lens and will go on sale on September 30.
Priced at $799, the glasses allow users to receive notifications and control them using a wristband via hand gestures.
Mark Zuckerberg described them as a step towards personal “superintelligence”, where artificial intelligence (AI) is integrated into everyday life so that humans can more easily communicate, improve their memory, senses, and self-awareness.
In addition to the main model, Meta also launched the ‘Oakley Meta Vanguard’ aimed at athletes, with action camera features, real-time fitness data integration through apps like Garmin & Strava, and up to 9 hours of battery life.
The new screenless version of the Ray-Ban is also updated with a better camera and improved battery life, but the price has also been increased, showing Meta’s effort to add value through technical specifications even when cost is a factor for consumers.
While the launch attracted a lot of attention, there was criticism that some of the demonstrations at the event were not working properly, and analysts say the real benefits will depend on the software and AI ecosystem that supports it.
Overall, the launch marks an important step for Meta in the AI-wearables wars, with its long-term target (‘Orion’, 2027) seen as a bigger vision, but its appeal to the general public still needs improvement in terms of functionality, cost, and accessibility.
