Meta Platforms on September 17 introduced its first consumer-ready smart glasses equipped with a built-in display, expanding on the success of its Ray-Ban line that has become one of the early hits of the artificial intelligence era.
Chief executive Mark Zuckerberg presented the Meta Ray-Ban Display and a new wristband controller at the company’s Connect event in Menlo Park, California. The audience applauded despite a few glitches during the live demonstration. Zuckerberg hailed the glasses as the ideal gateway to what he called «personal superintelligence.»
«Glasses are the ideal form factor for personal superintelligence, because they let you stay present in the moment while getting access to AI capabilities that make you smarter, improve your memory, strengthen your senses and help you communicate better,» he said.
The Ray-Ban Display features a small digital screen in the right lens for basic tasks such as showing notifications. They will go on sale on September 30 starting at $799. Included is a wristband that converts hand gestures into commands like answering calls or replying to messages.
Meta’s Push in the AI Race
The launch at Meta’s annual developer conference highlights its efforts to remain competitive in the fast-moving AI sector. Although Meta has been an early mover in smart glasses, it lags behind rivals such as OpenAI and Google in deploying advanced AI systems.
Zuckerberg has launched an aggressive recruitment drive to attract engineers from competitors and pledged tens of billions of dollars in investment into next-generation AI chips.
The product debut also comes as Meta faces heightened criticism over child safety on its platforms.
New Oakley Glasses for Athletes
Alongside the Display, Meta unveiled Oakley Vanguard glasses designed for sport. Priced at $499 and available from October 21, the model integrates with services such as Garmin and Strava to provide real-time training data and post-workout summaries. The device offers up to nine hours of battery life.
Meta also refreshed its Ray-Ban line without a display. The updated version costs $379, up from $299 previously, and comes with a better camera and nearly double the battery life.
Looking Towards Future Models
Analysts do not expect strong initial sales of the Display but see it as paving the way for Meta’s planned 2027 «Orion» glasses. The prototype, showcased last year, was described by Zuckerberg as a «time machine to the future.»
Forrester analyst Mike Proulx compared the Display launch to Apple’s rollout of the smartwatch as a complement to the smartphone.
«Glasses are an everyday, non-cumbersome form factor,» he said, though convincing consumers of the value will remain a challenge.
All new Meta glasses will include existing features such as its AI assistant, cameras, hands-free controls and livestreaming to Facebook and Instagram.
Mixed Reaction to Demos
Zuckerberg’s demonstration did not run flawlessly, with one attempted call to the glasses failing.
«I don’t know what to tell you guys, I keep on messing this up,» he admitted, drawing supportive cheers from the crowd.
IDC analyst Jitesh Ubrani said the Ray-Ban Display offered strong value for its technology but added the software must improve before it appeals to mainstream buyers.
IDC expects global shipments of AR/VR headsets and smart glasses without displays to rise by 39.2% in 2025, reaching 14.3 mln units, with Meta expected to drive much of that growth through demand for its more affordable Ray-Ban models produced with EssilorLuxottica.
Kursiv also reports that Meta has been pushing hard to grow in artificial intelligence, launching its new Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL) to compete with rivals like OpenAI, Google and Microsoft.
